Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple
On the Vimana Pradakshana path, in the northeast direction, there is a west-facing Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple. It has Mukha Mandapam (pillared entrance) Antharalamu (middle space) and Garbha Alayam (Sanctum Sanctorum).
In the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a three-foot-high platform. On that platform west facing idol of Yoga Narasimha is installed. A small room in front of Sanctum Sanctorum is the Antharala of this temple. Through Mukha Mandapam, we have to enter into Antharalam first and then have darshan from the threshold of Sanctum Sanctorum. There is a provision for circumambulation also.
Researchers believe that this temple would have come into existence somewhere between 1330 and 1360 A.D. Before the construction of this temple the idol of Yoga Narasimha was in a God forsaken place without any pooja. Ramanuja brought this idol from that God-forsaken place. After installing it in the temple he even made provision for circumambulation.
As per inscription
In Kandadai Ramanuja Iyyangar’s inscription of 1469 A.D., there is a mention of this temple. Yoga Narasimha Swamy has been mentioned as Alagiya Singar (beautiful lion) and as Venkataththurai (Lion of Venkatachala mountain). Though daily pooja is not offered to this Yoga Narasimha, Naivedyams are offered daily. Every Saturday Abhishekam is performed to Yoga Narasimha. This will be followed by pooja and Naivedyam.
Every year in the month Vaisakha (the second month in the Hindu calendar) on a grand scale poojas are performed on Nrusimha Jayanthi day. On that day evening after Aradhana, Thomala seva and Archana ‘Thomala Dosapadi’ naivedyam are offered to Lord Venkateswara.
After this, the Archaka’s of Lord Venkateswara with Swamy “Sattari” come in a clockwise direction with all temple Paraphernalia like piped music, Chathra (umbrella) Chamara (fans) etc., to the Yoga Narasimha’s temple. They will perform Purusha Sooktha Abhishekam.
After Abhishekam new robes will be given to Him. He will have Pushpa Alankarana (adorning). At that time Jeeyangars and others will chant ‘Tirupallandu’ from Divya Prabandham (Tamil).
Afterwards, Prasadam vadapappu (green gram soaked in water) panakam (sweet jaggery water) chakkara pongali (sweet cooked rice) will be distributed. After this there will be Asthanam (court) Harati and discourse. This will be followed by the distribution of prasadam.
Annamacharya
Annamacharya the great devotee of Lord Venkateswara has composed so many keerthanas in praise of Yoga Narasimha. As far as Annamaiah is concerned there is no difference between Lord Venkateswara and Yoga Narasimha. One will be thrilled to have Vimana Darshan from Yoga Narasimha’s Mukha Mandapam.
Sanku Sthapana Sthambam (Foundation Laying Pillar)
Towards the northeast corner of Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, at the centre, you can see a pillar. At the behest of Lord Venkateswara, Thondaman Chakravarthy (emperor), it is said, had laid the foundation at this particular spot for the construction of Ananda Nilaya’s tower and prakaras (rampant).
This may not be true. Perhaps it may be a pillar erected for the foundation laying ceremony of Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple. On the four sides of this pillar, you can find the carved figure of Anjaneya.
It is firmly believed that whoever circumambulates this pillar with sincere devotion may succeed in having a house of his own. Let us circumambulate this pillar with the holy name of Lord Venkateswara on our lips!
Let us reverentially bow to Sri Venkata Narasimha
Sri Matpayonidhi Niketana Chakra paane!
Bhogeendra Bhoga Mani Raajitha! Punya Moorthe!
Yogeesa Saaswatha Saranya! Bhavabdhi potha!
Lakshmi Nrusimha! Mamadehi Karavalambam!!
