Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram Location
As can be seen from the map, Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram is located in a cluster of about 160km due east of Srirangam along the Bay of Bengal coast not far from Chidambaram.
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Thiruvaali
Sthalapuranam
One legend states that Lord Nrusimha was uncontrollably angry after killing Hiranyakasipu. He was calmed by Goddess Lakshmi sitting in his lap and hugging him. Alli comes from the word Alingana which means hug. Hence the name of the kshetram. It is also known as Lakshmi Nrusimha Kshetram.
When Thirumangai Alwar tried to rob the toe ring by biting it off, the Lord made him realize who He was by whispering the Ashtakshara in his ears with meaning. This completed the transformation of Thirumangai into a Vishnu bhakta.
Special features
This temple was built by Chola kings with later additions made by Vijayanagar kings and Nayaks.
Because he was given the Ashtakshari here by the Lord, Thirumangai Alwar has a separate shrine. The incident of Thirumangai robbing Perumal is celebrated as a separate utsava (on Panguni month and Uthiram star) even now. The mandap where Alwar fed 1000 persons daily is still there nearby. This was also known as Alinadu of which Thirumangai Alwar was King. This is also the place where Kumudavalli (consort of Thirumangai) was raised. She was instrumental in his conversion to Vaishnavism.
This temple is deemed the equivalent of Badrikashrama as the Lord is presented as a Teacher in both places. The Lord is ‘Azhagiyasingar’ (Ali-manavalan) and the Universal mother is ‘Poornavalli’. The Vimana is Ashtakshara Vimana.
Mangalasasanam
In Peria Thirumozhi, Thirumangai Alwar (1188 – 1217) refers to the Lord of Thiruvalli as one who having entered his heart and residing there, is sweet to think about. Alwar mentions the natural beauties of the Thiruvalli area as a place filled with parks, flowing waters and punnai trees.
He refers to the Lord who resides here as the one who shot an arrow through seven trees at one go (Rama Avataaram).
Alwar says that he is eternally attached to the Lord and the Lord in his turn resides in His heart so one cannot leave the other.
He refers to ThiruAlli as the place where the brahmins well versed in vedas reside. He sends the six-legged bees as ambassadors to the Lord of Alli. He asks them to inform the Lord of his suffering and longing to reach him.
Only a small portion of the pasurams about these Kshetras is given here. The numbers are given to facilitate self-study for those who are interested.
