Hindu temples are known by many different names, varying on region and language, including Alayam, Mandir, Mandira, Ambalam, Gudi, Kavu, Koil, Kovil, Déul, Raul, Devasthana, Devalaya, Devayatan, Devakula, Devagiriha, Degul, Deva Mandiraya, and Devalayam
If we are looking for a place not much known or not crowded where one can find the serenity that soothes our senses to purify our thoughts, we must visit Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Hiremagalur just 5km from Chikmagalur in Karnataka.
Chikamagalur is about 250 km from Bengaluru. This land is also very well known for coffee plantations. There are many temples in Karnataka devoted to Lord Rama but the temple here has a very special historic and mythological background.
History, Architecture and Main Idols of Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Rama shattered Lord Parshuram’s bow in this place. It was a symbolic act of shattering His pride and arrogance. Lord Parshuram realized His mistake.
It is also believed that nine Siddhas performed penance here so the village pond is known as Siddha Pushkarini. The devotees who come here take holy baths. The water of this pond contains anti-venomous properties and is highly effective in curing snake bites.
As Lord Parshuram lived here, this small town was also known as Bhargavapuri.
Banks of Tungabhadra
This temple is located on the banks of river Tungabhadra and is the largest in this region built in Hoysala style although Garbhagriha and Sukanasi (an external ornamented feature over the entrance to the garbhagriha or inner shrine) sections are built in the Dravidian style.
The navaranga and Mukhamandapa were later additions. These are surrounded by a wall made of bricks and mortar. The temple has three Gopuram supported by columns depicting Lord Rama, Laxman and Krishna.
The central Gopuram faces East and the other two face North and South. This temple seems to have been constructed in several stages. It is now under the administration of the State government.
Statues of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita
One can see the life-size statues of Lord Rama, his brother Laxman and his wife Sita before they went to the forest. One will wonder how Lord Rama’s ‘sevak’ Lord Hanuman is not here. This is because Lord Rama met him after visiting this place.
Another surprising thing one can notice here is that only in this temple (when one sees these deities) Sita is standing right side of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama’s bow is called Kodanda
There is a belief that Lord Parashuram expressed a wish to see Lord Rama and Sita’s wedding scene and it was granted. In Hindu tradition bride sits to the right of the groom, like this position as is believed is reflected here in the Garbhagriha.
Lord Rama and Laxman are seen with their bows and arrows also. Lord Rama’s bow is called Kodanda. Therefore, this temple is called as Kodanda Rama Temple.
On the premises of this temple, there are small shrines of Sri Yoga Narasimha, Sri Sugriva, Kaliya Mardan Krishna, Srimad Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhwacharya and Sri Vedanta Desika. Among these deities, Yoga Narasimha is a four-foot-high figure with Prabhavati on which there are ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu sculpted.
Main Festivals in Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple
Though the devotees visit this temple throughout the year the temple hosts an annual celebration known as Jatra in February. Along with this, other yearly functions of Ram Navami, the marriage of Rama and Sita are also held to attract devotees.
This temple remains open daily from 6 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:30 to 8:30 PM.
Another rare thing here in this temple is, that the rituals or mantras or slokas of daily puja or any other religious functions held here are carried out by the priests of the temple in local language Kannada instead of Sanskrit.
Important places near Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple
The temple of Lord Shiva. In this temple, a beautiful image of Goddess Saraswati is installed and a very rare eight-legged bull can be seen. The temple of Lord Parasurama. One more place is, according to Puranic tradition and folklore is the spot where Janamejaya performed the Sarpa Yaga.
As mentioned in the beginning, this region is very famous for coffee plantations. So there is a museum for coffee lovers called Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur – Coffee Plantations
The museum open on all days from 10 am to 5 pm except Saturdays and Sundays where one can explore everything about the history of coffee.
In the temple at ‘Valmikipuram’, Lord Rama is worshipped as Sri Pattabhirama Swamy, and named as the wish-fulfilling god of devotees. The sthalapurana says that once Jambavant had reached Ayodhya, visited Lord Rama and left again.
While reaching this area in the middle of the way, he realized that light was coming from a Valmeekam (ant hill). When he removed the Valmeekam, he found the idols of Sri Ramachandramurthy and a temple was built there.
In the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple, located in the heart of Valmikipuram, Sri Rama appears along with Sita Devi and his brothers. Sri Ramachandra Murthy holds a grasa mudra in his right hand and offers a Varadahasta with his left hand.
On the right side of Sri Rama is Sita Devi, and on her right is Bharata wearing a chamara.
On the left side of Sri Rama is Sri Lakshmana wearing Dhanurbhanas and on the left of Lakshmana is Shatrughnu wearing chamara.
Sri Anjaneya Swamy is present in Pradakshina mandapam. Valmikipuram is approximately 100 km from Tirupati and 20 km from Madanapalle.
A visit to Sri Pattabhiramaswamy of Valmikipuram will be a blissful experience for the devotees.
Sri Pattabhirama Swamivari Brahmotsavams will be held from 12-04-2024 to 20-04-2024.
The holy place in which the Supreme deity of Kaliyuga Sri Venkateswara Swamy is receiving the worship of the devotees at Jammalamadugu is the name of Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
The temple deity is Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy who is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire need of God’s blessings and it is believed that He blesses all the devotees liberally.
Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple Location
Jammalamadugu is located in YSR Kadapa district of A.P. at a distance of 75 km from Kadapa city. It is said that the town was first named Jambulamadugu and later became Jammalamadugu due to the abundant growth of Jambu grass in the water in this area.
There is an interesting sthalapuranam behind why Lord Venkateswara stayed at Jammalamadugu and the reason for acquiring the name Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy. In the olden days, there was a village in the northern direction of the temple in Jammalamadugu. The name of that village is Narayanapuram. The village is known as Agrahara. There was a Venkateswara temple in that village along with Koneru (Pushkarini).
Village people used to serve the Lord and lead a pious life. However, natural calamities occurred in the village. As a result of the strong winds, the entire village began to be filled with dunes. The village was grazed and the village was made useless for residences.
With this people left the village. Even Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Narayanapuram itself has sunk into the dunes and has gradually become ruined.
Narapurayya – Installing Swamy Varu
Narapurayya, who left Narayanapuram and settled in Jammalamadugu, was a staunch devotee of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. He was always thinking of God. One night Sri Venkateswara Swamy appeared to Narapurayya in his dream and said – “I am buried in dunes in Narayanapuram.
Take me out and build a temple in this area, bring me and enshrine me, it will be good for you”. Sthalapurana reveals that the next day Narapurayya narrated his dream story to the people around him, reached Narayanapuram, removed the sand brought Sri Venkateswara Swamy from there and built a temple in the area where the temple is now located enshrined the Swami.
The Sthalapurana reveals that the name Narapura Venkateswara Swamy was created for the Swami because he was Venkateswara who was brought from Narayanapuram and also because Narapurayya installed him.
Temple Structure
The temple of Sri Venkateswara Swamy is located in a spacious courtyard. The temple faces north. The main Gopuram consists of three stairs. After entering the temple through this entrance we can see Balipeetham, Dwaja Sthambham and Garudalwar Sannidhi.
We can see on either side of the Dwaja Sthambham, huge idols of Sri Garutmantha and Sri Anjaneyaswamy in the salutation posture.
The main temple consists of Mahamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam and Garbhalayam. In the main sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Sri Narapura Venkateswaraswamy resembles the Lord on Tirumala Hills with four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Kati hastam and Varada hastam.
There are two sanctums on either side of the main temple. In these temples, we can see consorts of Swamy Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Andal. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi appears in a sitting posture with four hands, wearing Padmas in two hands and Abhaya and Varada Mudras in the other two hands.
Sri Andal appears in a standing posture with two hands, wearing a Padma in one hand and the other hand down in a graceful form. Devotees can also visit Sri Anjaneyaswamy, Alwars, Kalyana Mandapam, and Sri Venkateswara Kotielakhana Mandapam on the temple premises.
History of the Temple
Historically, it seems that it was built before the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the temple was developed during the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors.
Evidence reveals that Pemmasani clansmen who was feudal rulers of Vijayanagara emperors with Gandikota as their capital contributed significantly to the development of the temple. But over time the temple fell into disrepair and in 1918 the temple was renovated and restored to its former glory.
The Brahmotsavam of Jammalamadugu Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy is performed every year in the month of Vaisakha for nine days apart from daily poojas. During Brahmotsavams different vahana sevas including Rathotsavam and kalyanotsavam are performed grandly.
Besides Brahmotsavam, every year during Dhanurmasam, Vaikunta Ekadashi and other festivals special pujas are performed. There are accommodation facilities for devotees in private lodges in Jammalamadugu. Jammalamadugu is 75 km from Kadapa and 21 km from Proddutur.
Transportation
Buses are available from Kadapa, Prodduturu, Tirupati, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major towns and cities in the Telugu states. Almost all trains stop at Jammalamadugu Railway Station on the Yarraguntla-Nandyal line.
Final Word
Devotees can visit Jammalamadugu Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swami, who is known as the glorious God and get peace and joy.
Sri Maha Vishnu is sheltered in a beautiful gentle form as Sri Saumyanatha Swami in Nandaluru temple. The deity of the temple is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire necessity of God’s blessings. It is believed that He blesses all his devotees generously.
Location
Nandalur is located on the banks of the Bahuda River on the Kadapa – Tirupati main road, about forty kilometres from Kadapa in the Annamayya district.
In the olden days, this region was ruled by a king namely Niranthara Maharaja. He had a concubine named Nelanda. As per her wish, Maharaja Niranthara built a village and named the village ‘Nelandaluru’ on the banks of the Bahuda. Maharaja gave Nelandaluru to the Brahmins as Agrahaaram.
According to Mackenzie Kaifiyat (he was the first surveyor general of India), Nelandalur later became Nendalur and then Nandalur. Nanda means Lord Vishnu. It is the town where Lord Vishnu appeared as Sri Saumyanadha. His temple in Nandalur has a history of more than a thousand years and is resplendent with magnificent architectural splendour.
Legend
There was an interesting ‘sthalapurana’ about the temple and God. Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu went on a world tour as per Maharishi Narada’s wish and visited different parts of the world. During his visit, Sri Maha Vishnu reached the banks of River Bahuda.
After seeing the beauty of this region Sri Maha Vishnu wanted to settle there with the name of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy with an enchanting appearance. Sthalapurana reveals that it was Narada who asked Lord Vishnu to roam around the earth which was consecrated and puja was performed.
Temple Description
Nandalur Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple has exquisite sculptures. The Temple has three entrances and Gopurams. The main entrance faces the East and the other two face the North and the South. The East Rajagopuram is built in five stairs with five ‘kalashas’ at the top.
A three-storied gopuram has also been built on the north gate. A gopuram was also built on the south gate but it got destroyed over time and now only the gate remains.
As soon as one enters the temple from the main gate, one will see the temple in a wide courtyard. Opposite the main temple, there are Dwajastambam, Bali Peetham and Garudamandapam. There is a pushkarini in the north direction of the Dwajastambam on the temple premises.
Sri Veeraanjaneya Swamy appears in the mandapam on the south side of the Dwajastambam. Devotees believe that Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy protects the devotees from all ‘grahapeedas.’
The main temple consists of Ranga mandapam, Mukha mandapam, antaralayam and Garbhalayam. The Ranga mandapam built with pillars along with Pradakshana mandapa. The main temple from Mukha mandapa is on elevated platform. On the way to Mukha mandapam there are Dwarapalakas on both sides.
In the main sanctum sanctorum, we find the Lord Sri Soumyanatha Swamy having four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Gadha and Abhaya Hastam.
Abhaya mudra
Sri Soumyanatha Swamy is similar to Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala in His features. The only difference between Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Soumynatha Swamy is that Sri Venkateswara Swamy shows his feet with Varadamudra and Sri Soumyanatha Swamy bears the Abhaya mudra.
Chokkanadha Swamy
Sri Soumyanatha Swamy also known as Chokkanadha Swamy is a beautiful deity. About 6 feet tall Sri Soumyanatha Swamy shines brightly without any lamps from sunrise to sunset when the temple is open. Even though the entire temple is dark, light continues to shine on the Moolavirattu in the sanctum sanctorum.
This light can be seen even on moonlit nights. It is a great feature that the temple is built with light-emitting towers on the Lord at a distance of about 105 feet from the main door. In temple premises, there are small ‘garbhalayas’ for Sri Vishwakshena and Sri Narasimha Swamy.
108 Pradakshinas
Many ‘leelas’ of the Lord are in circulation. It is a deep rooted belief among the devotees that doing nine pradakshnas and standing in front of the Swami in the Pradakshina Mandapam and if wished for any desire it would be fulfilled.
It is a tradition in this temple that the devotees who have fulfilled their wishes should come back to the temple and thank the lord and do 108 pradakshinas. In this way, devotees who make 108 circumambulations to fulfill their wishes can be seen in this temple regularly.
History of the Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple
Historical evidence reveals that the temple has a history of more than one thousand years. Inscriptions reveal that the Chola king Kulottunga Chola (1069 – 1122) built this temple in the 11th century and presented 120 acres of land to the Lord.
Inscriptions also reveal that Prataparudra, the ruler of the Kakatiya kingdom who ruled with Orugallu as his capital, built the Galigopuram of the temple and gave five villages to the Lord and made regular offerings with the income coming from these sources.
It seems that Saluva Narasimharaya, who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire before ascending the throne of Vijayanagara during his stay as Dandanatha at Tanguturu near Nandalur and after becoming the emperor of Vijayanagara visited and served this Lord.
Thiruvengalanath’s wife Chennamani, who ruled with Pottapi near Nandalur as her capital, and also Jakkala Thimmasani, offered jewels to the Lord. However, during British rule, the temple began to lose its glory when the grants were stopped.
Sir Thomas Monro, who worked as the Collector of Kadapa and later as the Governor of Madras State during the years 1800-1807, restored the grant system but it was not in operation for a long time. Owing to financial difficulties, the temple lost its former glory. Later it started running with the help of devotees.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took the administration of the temple in the year 2022. The emperors, kings, rulers, poets, singers, orators worshipped this Lord. Evidence reveals that the poets who wrote the Mahabharatha in Telugu – Nannaya, Tikkana and Erra pragada visited the Lord.
Sri Thallapaka Annamacharya, who worshipped Tirumala Sri Venkavenkateswara Swamy with more than 32 thousand ‘kirtanas’, visited this Lord and wrote ‘kirtanas.’ Tallapaka, the birthplace of the Annamacharyas of Tallapaka, is six kilometers away from Nandalur.
Annamayya who visited many times wrote on Sri Soumyanatha Swamy as
The Brahmotsavams of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy are performed every year in the month of Ashada for ten days besides daily poojas.
During the Brahmotsavams different ‘vahana sevas’ including Radhotsavam and Kalyanotsavam are performed in a grand style. Besides the Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dhanur Masa Pujas will also be performed annually.
Transport and Accommodation Facilities
There are no accommodation facilities for the devotees in Nandaluru. Accommodation is available in private lodges in Rajampet and Kadapa. Nandaluru is located at a distance of 40 km from Kadapa, 10 km from Rajampet and 100 km from Tirupati.
Transport facilities are available from Rajampet, Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Bangalore and Chennai. Passenger trains stop at Nandaluru. All trains have stops at Rajampet on the Chennai-Mumbai main railway line.
Final Word
The visit of ‘Nandaluru’ brings out peace and joy to the devotees.
Tallapaka is the Birthplace of Padakavitha Pitamaha Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya who wrote more than 32 thousand kirthanas on Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala. There is a Vishnu temple in Tallapaka. The deity of the temple is Sri Chennakesava Swamy who is known for His benevolence towards the devotees who are in dire need and He is known to bless all the devotees liberally.
Tallapaka is located at a distance of eight kilometers from the Rajampeta town in the Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. Previously the place was known as Tatipaka as the people of the area used to live in palm leaf huts. The hut is also known as Paka in Telugu. Later Tatipaka changed to Tallapaka. Sri Chennakesavaswamy Temple is one of the ancient temples of Tallapaka.
Legend
There is an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and the deity there. As per legend, the temple of Tallapaka Sri Chennakesava Swamy temple was established by Janamejaya Maharaja. Along this temple, many Vishnu temples and Shiva temples are associated with the name of Janamejaya. Janamejaya’s father Pareekshit Maharaja was the grandson of the Pandavas and Son of Abhimanyu.
One day, Parikshit Maharaja went hunting, and when he saw an animal, he chased it. The animal entered the ashram of Shameeka Maharshi. Pareekshit entered the Ashram and asked the Maharshi about the animal. However, the Maharshi did not answer as he was in a yoga sleep (Yoga Nidra). With this King Pareekshit got angry and put the dead snake around Maharshis neck and left from the Ashram.
After some time, the son of Maharshi entered the Ashram and saw a dead snake around his father’s neck. He got angry and cursed that – “Whoever put the dead snake around my father’s neck will die within a week due to a snake bite”.
After some time Shameeka Maharshi woke up from his yoga sleep and was upset to know what had happened and told Pareekshit Maharaja about the curse. With this, the Maharaja built a large building to escape the curse and stayed in it. Finally one day the Maharaja died after being bitten by a snake. After that, Janamejaya Maharaja the son of Pareekshit did the Sarpayaga. He wanted to completely eradicate the snakes that had caused his father’s death.
After Sarpayaga Janamejaya built 108 Shaiva temples and 108 Vaishnava temples and worshiped the deities to get rid of the sin he had incurred by Sarpayaga. Local mythology reveals that Chennakesava temple was one of the temples built by Janamejaya.
History of Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple
According to historical sources, the temple was built by the Chola kings around the 11th century A.D. It is believed that the Kakatiyas, the Vijayanagara emperors, and the local rulers developed the temple. During the last decade, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams undertook the development of the temple.
At present, the temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Sri Chennakesavaswamy was worshipped by the ancestors of the Tallapaka Annamacharya. The history of Annamayya shows that Annamayya’s grandfather Narayanaiah was a devotee of the Swami. Local legend also reveals that Sri Chennakesava Swami wrote the Beejaaksharas on the tongue of Tallapaka Annamacharya.
Temple Description
Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple is located next to the house where the Annamacharya lived in the village of Tallapaka. Sri Sudarsana Chakrattalwar Temple is located in front of the temple. The temple consists of Mukhamandapam and Garbhalayam. In Garbhalayam, we can see Sri Sudarshan Chakratalwar carved on a black stone.
At the bottom of the Sudarshana Chakra, we can see Lord Krishna in a reclining position with butter in hand. Sri Sudarshana Chakrattalwar is worshipped as Sri Sudarsana Chakrattalwar and as Sri Santana Venugopalaswamy also.
Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple is located in a spacious courtyard facing east. There are Balipeetham, Dwajasthambam, and Garudalwar Mandapams in front of the main temple in temple premises. The main Temple consists of four mandapas i.e. Mukhamandapa, Antaraalayam, and Garbhagruha. In the main sanctum sanctorum, we find the idol of Sri Chennakesava Swamy having four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Gadha, and Abhaya hastam.
In temple premises, to the northeast side of the main temple, there is a separate temple for Sri Anjaneyaswamy. Devotees believe that by worshipping this Swami they will get rid of planetary sufferings and attain all kinds of victories.
Brahmotsavams
Tallapaka Sri Siddeswara Swamy Brahmotsavams will be performed every year in the month of Ashada for Nine days apart from daily poojas. During Brahmotsavams different vahana sevas including Rathotsavam and Kalyanotsavam will be performed in a grand style. Besides Brahmotsavam, every year Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Dhanur Masa Pujas will be performed grandly.
Accommodation and Transportation
No accommodation facilities for the devotees in Tallapaka. Accommodation is available only at private lodges in the towns of Rajampet and Kadapa. Tallapaka is located at a distance of 50 km from Kadapa, 8 km from Rajampet, and 95 km from Tirupati.
Transport facilities are available from Rajampet. There are regular buses to Rajampet from Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Bangalore and Chennai. All trains stop at Rajampet Railway Station on the Chennai- Mumbai main railway line.
There are many temples in different parts of our country for Lord Shiva. Since ancient times, many deities, sages have worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga. Many Shiva temples are said to have been constructed by Sri Ramachandramurti.
One of such temples established by Lord Rama in the Threta Yuga is Sri Siddheswara Swamy Temple in Tallapaka. After Sri Rama, Lord Shiva in Tallapaka received the worship of many sages and Siddhas. Hence, Swamy is named ‘Siddheswara’.
Tallapaka is located at a distance of eight kilometers from the Rajampeta town in Kadapa district. Tallapaka is the birthplace of Padakavithapithamaha Tallapaka Annamacharya. Previously the place is known as Tatipaka. The people of the area used to live in a palm-leaf hut. The hut is also known as Paka in Telugu. Later Tatipaka changed to Tallapaka.
Tallapaka Annamacharya
Legend
There is an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and God. As per legend, Sri Ramachandra Murthy established Sri Siddheswara Swamy here during the Treta Yuga. Sri Ramachandra Murthy along with Sita Lakshmana during their Vanavasam (exile) visited this place known as Dandakaranya.
Sitadevi was attracted by the natural beauty of the place and asked Lord Rama to stay in the area for some time. Lord Rama agreed and stayed here for some time. During this period Lord Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga. After that Lord Rama left the place and the sages worshipped this Shiva Linga. This Shiva Linga disappeared at the beginning of Kaliyuga.
In Kaliyuga the Siddhapurushas who came to this place in their journey identified the Shiva linga surrounded by trees and bushes. They cleaned up the surrounding areas, built a temple, and performed pujas. Historical sources reveal that the ancestors of the Tallapaka Annamacharya including the father of the Tallapaka Annamayya were priests in this temple.
History of the temple
According to historical sources, the temple was built by the Chola kings around the 11th century AD. It is believed that the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara emperors, and the local rulers developed the temple. During the last decade, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams developed the temple. At present, the temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Temple Structure
Sri Siddheswara Swamy Temple is located in a spacious courtyard. The temple faces east. To the opposite of the main temple, there are Nandeeswara, Dwajastambam, and Balipeetham. The main temple consists of Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam and Garbhalayam. In the main sanctum sanctorum, we find Lord Sri Siddheswara Swamy in the form of a Linga. Opposite Swamy, there is a small Nandeeswara. In Antaralaya we can see the Utsavamurthis.
In temple Mukhamandapa there is a separate temple for Deveri of Siddheswara Swamy. In this temple, we can see Goddess Sri Kamakshi Devi facing south. We can see Maha Ganapati, Siddhi Ganapati, Dakshinamoorthy, Valli Devasena sametha Sri Subramanya Swamy in Mukhamandapa.
It is said that a sage named VekaTatayya used to live in this area. Once he had a headache. He used many medications for headaches but, he was not relieved of it. He reached the place with a severe headache and was about to break his head. Then Swamy appeared and gave relief from headache and gave a boon to Veka Tatayya that those who suffer from headaches should be relieved if their head touches Veka Tatayya’s head.
We can find Veka Tatayya’s image in Mukhamandapa. People who suffer from headaches hit their heads to Veka Tatayya’s head. Devotees can visit Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple in the temple premises.
Along with the temple of Sri Siddheswara Swami, devotees can also visit
Sri Sudarsana Chakrattalwar Temple,
Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple, and
the Annamacharya Meditation Hall in Tallapaka.
Brahmotsavams
Brahmotsavams are performed every year in the month of Ashada for nine days for Tallapaka Sri Siddheswara Swamy apart from daily poojas. During Brahmotsavams different vahana sevas including Rathotsavam and Kalyanotsavam are performed grandly. Besides Brahmotsavam, every year Sri Mahashivarathri, and Kaartheeka Masa Pujas are also performed in a great way.
Accommodation and Transporation
There are no accommodation facilities for the devotees in Tallapaka as of now. Accommodation is available at private lodges in the towns of Rajampet and Kadapa.
Tallapaka(click on the name for Maps Location) is located at a distance of
50 km from Kadapa,
8 km from Rajampet, and
95 km from Tirupati.
Transport facilities are available from Rajampet. There are regular buses to Rajampet from all corners. All important trains stop at Rajampet Railway Station on the Chennai-Mumbai main railway line.
To put an end to the atrocities of evildoers and to defend His true devotees Lord Mahavishnu took as many as 24 avatars of which the most popular are the ten avatars called Dasavatara. In almost all Vishnu temples we can have dharshan of Dasavataras in a separate sannidhi.
Of the main ten avatars, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna avataras are hailed as poorna avataras and the temple of these avataras in our country is legion. Next to these avataras, Narasimha avatara of the Lord is very popular and Narasimha temples particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are innumerable.
Though Lord Narasimha has taken abode in temples such as Ugra Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Prahlada Varada Narasimha and several other forms like AhobilamKshetra, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temples are too many.
Yanaimalai Narasingam Temple
In Tamil Nadu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temples located in Sholingur, Parikkal, Singirikudi, Sevilimedu, Narasingapuram, and Velachery in Chennai are very popular.
The most popular Narasimha temple where the Lord appears as Yoga Narasimha is the one near Madurai City.
West tower of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
The very place where the cave temple of Sri Yoga Narasimha is situated is called Narasingam, a small village at the foothills of the massive rock called Yanaimalai just 8 km from the city of Madurai. Of the 108 Divya Desams, 18 are in Pandya country.
Of these 18, there are Divya Desams temples in Thirumalirumcholai known as Alagar Kovil at a distance of 20 Kms from Madurai and Thirumohur Sri Kalamega Perumal temple 10Kms from Madurai. Narasingam temple is located between Alagarkovil on the North and Thirumogur on the East.
It is believed that in 770 A.D. one Madurakavi also known as Maarankari who served as a minister under the Pandya king Parantaka Nedunchadayan (775-795) of the First Pandya Empire, commenced the construction of this temple and later the construction was completed with a Mukha Mantapam by his brother Maaran Eyhinan.
The Cave Temple
The temple has its puranic legend behind its inception.
Once, Sage Romasa did penance on the banks of Padma Sarovar (lotus tank pond) at the foot of Gajagiri (yanaimalai) and prayed to Lord Vishnu to give him darshan as Narasimha. As Narasimha appeared in his ugra (ferocious) form the rishis and devas were frightened by the intense heat of His fury and propitiated Him to calm down.
Prahlada and Sri Mahalakshmi rushed there, prayed, and pacified Sri Ugra Narasimha who calmed down and appeared to them as Yoga Narasimha, took abode in this kshetra as Yoga Narasimha and Sri Mahalakshmi also stayed here as Sri Narasinga Valli. The presence of the colossal rock running to more than a kilometer, serving as a natural backdrop to this impressive temple has its legend.
Gajagiri and Hasthigiri
According to Thiruvilayadal Purana which narrates the 64 leelas of Lord Sundareswara tells us that a Chola king sought the help of Jain monks to win the battle against a Pandya King. When the King implored Lord Shiva to save him, the Lord dispatched the Narasimha Asthra which turned the wild elephant into a massive rock.
Therefore, this rock is called Yanai Malai Tamil and is also known as Gajagiri and Hasthigiri, The rock resembles a crouching elephant.
Another Legend
There is another legend that tells that Lord Shiva took a holy dip in the Chakra Theertham here, worshipped Sri Yoga Narasimha, and got rid of his brahmahathiya dosham which afflicted him following his act of removing the head of Lord Brahma.
Therefore, it is believed that taking a holy dip in this theertham would absolve us of our sins.
The sprawling lotus pond on the right side of the temple arrests our attention with a lot of lotus flowers. The lotus pond, the gopuram, and the backdrop of the huge yanaimalai rock add charm and beauty to the temple. The entrance of the temple is adorned by a three-tier gopuram with five kalasas.
After the entrance, there is Maha mandapam followed by Artha mantapam and garbagruha. As we enter inside on our left is the separate south-facing sannidhi of Sri Mahalakshmi called Sri Narasingavalli Thayar in this temple. The gopuram and other mantapams belong to Pandya period.
Yoga Narasimha
The Yoga Narasimha form of Sri Narasimha Moorthy is closely associated with Sudarsana Chakra, the prominent weapon of the panchayudas of Lord Maha Vishnu. In Sudarsana idols, Sri Sudarsana Moorthy with four, eight, or 16 hands wielding various weapons is shown within a shatkona (six points) yanthra, and behind this idol Yoga Narasimha in the yogic posture wielding Sudarsana in all his four hands gives dharshan.
Yanaimalai Narasingam is the most famous Yoga Narasimha Temple in Tamil Nadu.
In the Yanaimalai temple, the sanctum is bursting with the glorious and imposing presence of Lord Yoga Narasimha majestically seated in yoga posture with both hands on His folded legs with yoga battam. The six feet tall majestic moorthi has been carved on the rocks and a sanctum is formed in front of it.
The upper hands wield Sanka and Chakra and the front hands are held on the slightly lifted knees. In front of the Moola moorthi is the ursavautsava idol of Sri Narasimha in standing posture with four hands. The upper hands hold Sanka and chakra while the front right hand is in abhaya mudra and the left hand rests on the mace.
Inscriptions
There are several Brahmi and Tamil inscriptions in this temple. Two of them speak of the gifts granted to the temple by Pandya king Srivallabha (1101-1124 AD).
Two more inscriptions refer to the conquest of Chola country by Sundara Pandya (1216-1238AD). There are also references to the presence of Vedic scholars in the village and the gifts of lands to them by kings.
Festivals
Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated grandly in Yanamalai Narasingam Yoga Narasimha temple. On Maasi Magam day (February) Sri Kalamega Perumal from Thirumogur visits Narasingam for the Gajendra Moksha festival.
On every Swathi Nakshathra day, special thirumanjanam and poojas are performed.
On Saturdays, hundreds of devotees throng the temple. Devotees believe that a dip in the holy Padma Theertham and Dharshan of Yoga Narasimha will absolve us of our sins and that Lord Narasimha will bestow on us His abundant grace for health, peace of mind, and santhana baghyam.
Narasingam village is just 2Kms from Othakkadai, Madurai – Melur main road. Othakkadai at a distance of 8Kms from Madurai is the bus stop from where one can engage an auto and visit both Thirumogur (4Kms from Othakkadai) and Narasingam temple. One can visit this temple and be blessed.
Sri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Mahavishnu. The divine couple’s dwelling place is Vaikunta. Sri Mahalakshmi accompanied Sri Mahavishnu in most of his incarnations.
Tirumala Venkateswara is one of the incarnations of ‘Lord Vishnu’ and so Tirumala Venkateswara is also invoked with the name ‘Srinivasa’ in which ‘Sri’ means Mahalakshmi and ‘Nivasa’ means ‘abode’, – ‘the abode of Mahalakshmi’ .
Daughter of the Ocean of Milk, Glow of heavenly bodies, Abode of fortune, Beloved of Sri Mahavishnu, Goddess of Wealth – Sri Mahalakshmi
Sri Mahalakshmi is the domicile of fortune. Deeply hurt by the placid behavior of Mahavishnu towards Sage Bhrigu who visited Vaikunta to test Mahavishnu, Mahalakshmi left Vaikunta and settled on earth in the ancient city of Kolhapur.
Kolhasura and Karaveera, the two giants, were rulers of Kolhapura. Goddess Lakshmi did a ferocious war and executed the two giants. From then onwards, Kolhapur has been considered as the most significant place, and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Kolhapuravasini and Karaveerapuranivasini.
After it, Mahavishnu, in search of Mahalakshmi reached earth and settled at Venkatachala on the name of Venkateswara. Lord Venkateswara did penance for ten years at Kolhapuram to get back Sri Mahalakshmi but failed to convince her.
12 years of penance
On the suggestion of Asariravani, Sri Venkateswara Swami performed 12 years of penance on the bank of the Swarnamukhi River at Padmasarovaram. Pleased with Sri Vishnu’s penance, Mahalakshmi appeared in Padmasaravoram as Alamelmangamma and Padmavathi in the golden flower which contains 1000 petals and restored the fortune of heaven to Venkateswara.
Swarnamukhi River at Srikalahasti
Legend: The Story of Mahalakshmi
According to the legend, Sri Mahalakshmi, the consort of Mahavishnu felt insulted and left Vaikunta in anger and settled down in Kolhapur. Then the eminent Agastya accompanied with his peer members, reached Kolhapur to see Mahalakshmi.
They recited the Goddess with innumerable names like
Padmavathipuramani,
Yakshalayamani,
Shivalayamani,
Dakshina kasimani (The place where Sathidevi eyes fell during Daksha Yagna),
Karaveerapuramani also invoked her with different slokas.
Delighted with their hymns, Mahalakshmi blessed them that she would stay in Karaveerapuram, blessing the people on earth.
How the names Kolhapuram and Karaveerapuram did come into use?
Lord Brahma created Gayasura, Lavanasura, and Kolhasura on earth. The three were born in the zodiac sign of monsters and as they grow, their behavior and attitude turn cruel and violent. They harassed people and sages. Unable to tolerate their attitude, Lord Vishnu killed Gayasura and Lavanasura. Kolhasura was the only one who survived among the three.
He developed an attitude of revenge on Sri Vishnu who slaughtered his brothers. He realized that he could kill Vishnu only after attaining the power that he could gain from severe penance. Leaving his responsibilities to his son, Kolhasura went for penance.
Immediately after he left, Sukesi, the enemy of Kolhasura, killed his two sons and seized Kolhapura. He tortured the Gods and sages and made them think that Kolhasura was better than Sukesi. They waited for the day of Kolhasura’s return. After a few decades, Kolhasura returned to his kingdom. He was shocked to hear the assault of Sukesi on his kingdom.
With anger, he killed Sukesi, his sons, relatives and regained his throne. Even then, the revenging attitude on Gods and sages did not die. He tried to kill them but he couldn’t. He was disappointed and searched for reasons. He traced out the mystery behind it.
Kolhasura – Penance – Asking Goddess to leave Padmavathipuram
Kolhasura sensed that Sri Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of heavenly bodies resided at Padmavathipuram in Kolhapur. He understood the reason behind his continuous failures. He decided that he should keep aloof Mahalakshmi from Gods and that he could achieve only through penance.
He assigned his responsibilities to his son Karaveera and reached the forest. He did deep meditation to impress Mahalakshmi. Satisfied with his Prayers, Sri Mahalakshmi appeared before him and asked him to convey his desire. He requested Goddess Lakshmi to leave Padmavathipuram for 100 years.
Blessing Kolhasura, Goddess left his kingdom. But by the time he returned to his place, he almost crossed his age and so he handed over his responsibilities to his son Karaveera. Karaveera was more cruel than Kolhasura and tortured Gods. Trembled by his behavior, Lord Shiva put Karaveera to death. While he was dying, he requested Lord Shiva to bless him so that his place should be called in his name.
From then onwards, the place has been called Karaveerapuram.
After Karaveera’s Death
On hearing the death of Karaveera, his father Kolhasura raged and started harassing the Gods. On request, Goddess Lakshmi answered the Gods that no one could kill him for 100 years and so suggested them to wait for time. Once the time given was crossed, Sri Mahalakshmi killed Kolhasura.
While he was dying, he requested Mahalakshmi to bless the place as the holy shrine and it should be called in his name. From then onwards, the place was denoted as Kolhapuram and Sri Mahalakshmi settled in that place blessing her devotees.
The temple is highly known for its artistic sculpture. In the temple’s sanctum Sanctorum, Goddess Lakshmi is placed on a two-foot seat, carved on a six square feet pedestal.
The deity is in a sitting posture, holding the objects of symbolic value in her four hands.
The first holds a citrus fruit,
the second-hand holds a large mace,
the third holds a shield and
the last has a bowl.
The image of Mahalakshmi is three feet, embellished with jewels and gems. A stone lion statue stands behind the statue of the Goddess. Unlike the other statues, this statue faces west. The light of the setting sun touches the face of the image through a small open window, three times a day, for three consecutive days, two or three times a year.
The devotees of Mahalakshmi specifically visit more in numbers during those three successive days to see the wonder of the temple. Sri Chakra is placed over the sanctum Sanctorum. The existence of the Mahalakshmi temple goes back to the very early centuries.
Later in the 11th century, during the time of Gandaraditya, the area of the temple extended. Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi temples were built along with the path to circumambulation around the temple. Sriyantra was placed between the main deity of the temple and the statue of Mahakali.
The Architectural beauty of the temple
Of all the temples of Mahalakshmi, the temple of Kolhapur is the most famous and significant temple. It is located in Maharashtra on the bank of the Panchaganga river. Its history goes back to 6000 years. The kings of different dynasties were involved in building this temple. This temple was built in a spacious place.
It displays Hemandpanthi’s architectural form with beautiful sculpture. The temple has four archways in four directions with five domes. One dome is in the centre and the other four domes lie in four directions North, South, East, and West.
Under the dome on the east lies the sanctum of Mahalakshmi with Kumaramandap under the center dome, West – Ganapathi, North – Mahakali, and South – Mahasaraswathi. Inside the temple premises, various shrines of Gods and Goddess consecrated namely Venkateswara, Radha Krishna, Kalabhairava, Vinayaka, Simhavahini, Tulja bhavani and many more along with Navagrahas.
This is a South view of Mahalaxmi Mandir Kolhapur. Old temple with made of creative work on the rocks.
What does Devi Mahatyam speak about?
Mahalakshmi appears in nine different forms: Mahishasuramardhani, yogindra (Mahakali), Kaushika (Maha Vidya), Sunandha (Vindhyavasini), Raktadhamtika, Shakambari (Daanya Lakshmi), Durga, Bhima, Bhramari.
Sri Mahalakshmi Srinivasa
Sri Mahalakshmi is the beloved of Mahavishnu. She is an embodiment of virtuousness and righteousness, pervaded all over Mahavishnu who is an embodiment of the universe. She spread through in every part of Mahavishnu as eight Lakshmi’s –
The eternal body – Bhagya Lakshmi,
two hands – Daanya Lakshmi,
Two shoulders – Veera Lakshmi,
heart – Bhootha Kaarunya Lakshmi,
virtuousness – Keerthi Lakshmi,
placid nature – Sowmya Lakshmi,
Nandaka kadgam – Sourya Lakshmi and
the whole structure – Sarva Samrajya Lakshmi.
Due to being spread through the body of Vishnu, Swamy is also named ‘Sri Mahalakshmi Srinivasa’.
Rituals and Prayers
Worship services are offered every day five times starting with the Suprabhata service (Opening of the temple). The Kakada Aarti is (the morning aarti) followed by Morning Mahapuja at 8.00 AM. Thereafter, the afternoon Aarti along with other services; the temple closes with Shej Aarti (the Night Aarti).
Every Friday, special and specific prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi. The Full Moon day of Chaitra month and the Dasara festival are splendidly celebrated. A festival image of the deity is taken out on procession around the temple courtyard on Full Moon Days.
How to Reach Kolhapur
Road and rail transport facilities to Kolhapur are frequent from Hyderabad which is about 540 km distance. Mahalakshmi also appeared as Padmavathi at Tiruchanur.The Goddess Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur and Padmavathi at Tiruchanur are known as the Goddesses who shower their love and blessings on those who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly.
So let’s visit these temples to seek their blessings and to overcome all hurdles and obstacles in life.
There are very few temples of Goddess Saraswathi Devi. Basara Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi temple is one of the ancient historical temples in India. Basara is situated in Nirmal District of Telangana State and is 35 km away from Nizamabad town.
As per sthalapurana, in the olden days Sri Vyasa Maharshi lived in this place, hence the place called ‘Vasara’. Later, Vasara became ‘Basara’ due to the influence of the Marathi Language.
Legend
There is an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and Goddess. Accordingly, Vyasa Maharshi installed Goddess Gnana Saraswathi Devi in Basara from the sand on the banks of Godavari.
Kumarachala Parvata
In the olden days, Kumara (Lord Subrahmanya) Swami, came to Bhooloka and took a rest for some time on a mountain in this region. Hence the mountain is named ‘Kumarachala Parvata’. After the Mahabharata war, Vyasa Maharshi came to the south and reached the Kumarachala Parvatha and spent some time there doing penance in a mountain cave.
One day while doing penance, Jaganmata appeared to Vyasa Maharshi and asked: “Bring three handfuls of sand from River Godavari and pour it on the earth and perform puja for that sand”. According to the Jaganmata’s words, sage Vyasa took three handfuls of sand from the Godavari and poured it on the earth. Immediately the sand became three holy idols.
The three idols are
Sri Saraswati Devi,
Sri Lakshmi Devi and
Sri Mahankali.
Kumarachalavasini
Goddess Saraswati is also known as ‘Kumarachalavasini’ because the goddess is enshrined on ‘Kumarachala Parvatha’ (Mountain).
Another Legend
According to another legend, after the end of the Mahabharata war in the Dwapara Yuga, Vyasa Maharshi reached South India and reached the present Basara region after traveling to different places. Looking at this glorious area, sage Vyasa wanted to stay here for some time and set up an ashram.
He used to bathe in the Godavari river every day bring sand with three handfuls and perform puja. Meanwhile, one day he bathed in the Godavari river as usual brought three handfuls of sand, and made three idols. Those three idols are Sri Saraswati Devi, Sri Lakshmi Devi and Sri Mahankali Ammavarlu.
Sthala Purana reveals that sage Vyasa worshipped these three idols.
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi, Basara
History
As per historical records, the temple was first built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Rashtrakuta king. The temple was destroyed due to the attacks of the Muslim rulers in the 13th century A.D. After that, Sri Vidyaranyaswamy rebuilt the temple in the 14th Century A.D.
Makkaji Patel, the local leader played a major role in the construction and development of the temple. During the Godavari Pushkarams in the year 2013, the temple was renovated.
The Godavari River is located one kilometer away from the Gnana Saraswati Temple in Basara. On the banks of the river Godavari, there is a temple for Lord Siva. In this temple, Lord Siva is being worshipped as ‘Sri Suryeswara Swamy’ in Lingarupa.
There are idols of Mother Godavari and Vedavati near Shivalayam. There is a temple of Sri Vedavyasa on the main road near the road leading to Sri Gnana Saraswati temple premises.
Temple
In Basara, Sri Gnana Saraswathi Ammavari temple was built in a large area.
On the North and the West sides, there are Gopuradwaras to enter the main temple.
It is a three-storied gopuram on the north and a five-storied gopuram on the west.
The main temple consists of Mahamandapam, Mukhamandapam and Garbalayam.
Utsavamurti of the Goddess appears in Mukha Mandapam.
In Garbhalaya, we can see the Goddess of Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi Ammavaru holding veena in two hands we can also see the Lotus flower in one hand and akshamala in the other. In addition to the main deity Sri Saraswathi Devi, we can also see Sri Lakshmi Devi on the right side.
On the northern side of the temple premises, we can see various gods on the platform under the neem and peepul trees. In the temple premises, there are temples for Sri Dattatreya Swamy and Sri Mahankali Ammavaru.
Aksharaabhyasam
There is Vyasa guha (cave) on the hill near the temple. It is said that sage Vyasa did penance in this cave. ‘Aksharaabhyasam’ (It is an age-old practice in which a child is given initiation of education in the temple or a sacred place or done in front of a priest etc.) is the first step to acquiring knowledge. It is believed that doing such Aksharaabhyasam in the temple in Basara temple will be fruitful.
Hence, Hundreds of parents perform Aksharaabhyasam with their children every day in the temple. In this temple, daily sevas like Suprabhatam, Sahasranamaarchana, Ekanthaseva are being performed.
There are weekly and monthly rituals performed in the temple. Annual Brahmotsavams are celebrated in the month of Ashvayuja Masam for nine days during Dasara in a grand style. Special pujas are performed on the occasion of Sripanchami, to Sri Saraswathi Devi in Maghamasam.
Goddess Saraswati beside Godavari river
Route
In Basara, accommodation facilities are available for the devotees in temple cottages and private cottages.
Basara is located at a distance of 145 km from Adilabad and 35 km from Nizamabad on the Hyderabad-Manmad railway line and has train facilities from Secunderabad, Nanded, Nizamabad, and Kamareddy.
There are bus facilities from places like Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Bhainsa, Nirmal.
Next to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, there are several well-known and lesser-known Sri Narasimha Swamy Temples in Karnataka. Some are in the crowded cities/towns which are ancient and hence in the interior area; some are on the river banks and some on the confluence of three rivers such as Nira Narasingpur in Maharashtra and some in the caves.
However, there is one temple which is dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy (Gunja Narasimha Swamy) in Tirumakudal Narasipura locally called TN Pura. This temple is old and unique. It is well known for ‘’Kumbha Mela’’ in South India. It is on the right bank of the Kaveri.
Two other rivers Kapila and Spatika which is Gupta (hidden) join the confluence. This place is just about 30 Km from Mysore on Mysore Kollegal State Highway and about 140 Km from Bengaluru.
Before this Temple came into existence in this area near Kaveri River, one Washerman (Dhobi) was daily coming to wash clothes on one big stone. One night he had a dream in which Lord Narasimha asked him to remove his idol which is below the stone on which he was washing the clothes and construct a temple for him. But he asked God where and how he would get money for this work.
Finding Gold
Lord asked him to look under the stone. He removed the stone dug the soil and found some gold coins there. He then arranged to construct the Sanctum Sanctorum for Lord and used the stone also he was using for washing the clothes. Lord after seeing this Temple asked him to visit Kashi which is now known as Varanasi in U.P, the very famous Pilgrim Center.
Dakshin Kashi
He visited and the Lord told him that he earned an additional Punya (Merit or Sanchit) of about a coral bead vine seed (Rosary Pea) more than that one accrues by visiting Kashi. So with this, this place became ‘‘Dakshin Kashi’’ for him and it is said that devotees who visit this ‘‘Gunja Narasimha Swami Temple’’ get one Gunja more Punya than Kashi. And the name tag Gunja came into usage with the name of the God Narasimha.
It signifies therefore the importance of this place and vice versa to Kashi. Gunja is a seed from a plant known as Rosary Pea or Gulaganji in Kannada The botanical Name is Abrus Precatorius. This plant grows in front of this temple and on the sides.
As Washerman built this temple and wished that he would be given Moksha which the Lord granted, after Washerman’s death, the temple authorities of that time carved their images on the threshold [Hostilu in Kannada] of the door in his memory and his wife’s.
Decorative door jamb and lintel over a minor shrine in the rear prakara of the Gunja Narasimha Swamy temple at Tirumakudal Narasipura
Temple Renovations
Over time, Gunja Narasimha Swamy temple was renovated by the then-ruling kings in Dravidian style. Hoysala architecture with inscriptions from the Krishadevaraya period in Nagari script is also found. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.
However, there was another major repair and restoration work needed in recent times due to flooding and loosening of soil during the year 2008 in this temple. It developed cracks and some structures of the temple crumbled.
However, some devotees extended help for this work and completed it with the help of the descendant.
Inside the Temple
On entering the temple there are colorful pillars in Ranga Mandapa followed by the main Sanctum where the main idol is seen weighing balance with a twig (berry stalk) with seeds of Gunja tree between his thumb and forefinger.
Another interesting aspect to note is that the devotees here (who believe it as an ill omen if the Lizard falls on any part of the Body,) touch the Lizard carved inside the roof just like Kanchipuram’s Varadaraja Perumal temple (Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple) to remove the evil effect. Devotees climb up one small ladder kept there to touch it and get rid of any doshas on them.
Pillared entrance to mantapa of Gunja narasimha swamy temple at Tirumakudal Narasipura
About Temple Rituals and Festivals
The temple is open daily from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 to 8:30 PM and Puja is performed as per Agama Shastra.
Every year Chariot / Car Festival is conducted for Narasimha Swamy and Agastheswara Swamy and once in three years Kumbha Mela is held for three days. The Kumbha Mela commenced in 1989 in this holy place of which there is reference in Skanda Purana.
The Kumbha Mela of Allahabad and Nashik is replicated here when lakhs of devotees assemble to take a holy dip in the confluence of three rivers. A spectacular view of ancient India unfolds with ochre-clad sadhus joining people to take a dip.
Devotees may visit one temple after another in this town. One of the oldest Peepal Trees (Botanical name Ficus religiosa) is situated here. It is said to be approx. 200 years old. The place is known as “Bahuvara Prasadi’’.
It is believed that childless couples come here to pray for a child and install a Naga idol to fulfill their wishes.
Pancha Linga Darshan
Devotees go for Pancha Linga Darshan when they come here.
These Lingams are
Markandeswara Lingam,
Someshwara Lingam,
Garageshwara Lingam,
Agastheshwara and
Hanuman Lingam.
Hanuman Linga Agastheshwara Temple which is one of five Pancha Lingams which was believed to be founded by Agastha Rishi is worth visiting. To reach this temple, one has to cross a river in Coracle. Ganapathi Temple and Sri Sasal Vyasaraya Mutt are other attractions.
