Index of Contents
- Introduction
- Google Map of Pancha Vishnu Kshetrams
- Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Andhra Pradesh
- Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Tamilnadu
1Introduction
Thirteen Categories of Pancha Vishnu Kshetrams could be seen as given below : In this series of 6 Blogs details of the temples in each category are given.In this Blog, details of Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Andhra Pradesh and Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Tamilnadu are given.
Pancha Vishnu Kshetrams
- Pancha Narayana Kshetrams, Tamilnadu
- Pancha Narayana Kshetrams, Krnataka
- Pancha Krishna Kshetrams
- Pancharanga Kshetrams
- Bhavannarayaana Swamy Temples
- Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams – Andhra Pradesh
- Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams – Tamilnadu
- Pancha Dwaraka
- Pancha Badri
- Five Temples Built By Panch pandavas For Lord Krishna In Kerala
- Pancha Bhargavi Kshethrams
- Pancha Rama Kshetrams around Tiruvannamalai
- Pancha Rama Kshetrams around Tiruvarur
2 Google Map of Pancha Vishnu Kshetrams
I have created several Customized Thematic Google Maps of Temples as follows :
- Map of 2500+Sri Rama Temples with 30 Famous Temples . Web link
- Map of 1000+ Subhramanya temples with 30 Famous Temples , web link
- Map of Sri Parashurama Prathishta Shiva , Bhagavathy and Dharma Sastha Temples and Parashurama Kshetrams (650) with Top 10 Parashurama Temples. Web Link
- Google Map of 300+ Thevara Vaippu Sthalangal . Web Link
- Map of 1000+ Sri Narasimha with 25 Famous temples, web link
- Map of 1500 + Saraswati Temples with 20 Famous temples web link NEW !!
- Map of 4000+ Worldwide Krishna Kshetrams with 30 Famous Temples Part 1 of 2 Part 2 of 2 NEW !!
- Map of 500+ Ranganatha temples with 30 Famous Temples Part 1 Part 2 NEW !!
In continuation, I have created a Map giving locations of 13 Categories of Pancha Vishnu Kshetrams and given in this blog. For some of the temples, weblink for more details are given
3. Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Andhra Pradesh
Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Andhra Pradesh are : Mattapalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Wadapally, Kethavaram laxminarshima swamy temple, Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Vedadri ,Sri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri.
Also See my Blog wherein details of several more famous Narasimha Kshetrams are given. : 25 Famous Narasimha temples in India with Map of 1000 Narasimha Temples
Also See my Blog wherein details of several more famous Narasimha Kshetrams are given : 35 Famous Narasimha Temples of Karnataka with map of 1000 Narasimha Temples in India To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue
3.1 Mattapalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Mattapalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mattapalli, Suryapet, Telangana 508218 Mattapalli Lakshmi Narasimha temple is situated on the banks of river Krinaveni & is 140km from Vijayawada. Sri Mukkoor Lakshmi Narasimhacharaiyar has done many swathi yagnas in this kethram. He has opened a goshala here. Moolavar is Shree Yoganandha Lakshmi Narasihmar and Thayar: Rajya Lakshmi Thayar .
Sthala Puranam: In one of the caves adjoining the pilgrim town, the image of the Lord has been radiating glory from times immemorial. As per Legend Sri Bharadwaja Maharshi worshipped this deity everyday accompanied by several other sages. In those unknown times, only sages and gods could worship the self revealed images of Narasimha in the cave. The sages who had the welfare of this world at their heart decided to throw open this holy place to the common man. An auspicious time for this came in during the Kali Yuga.
The deity was revealed in a dream to the devotee Sri Anumala Machireddi, the ruler of Thangeda which is 3 km off Mattapalli on the opposite bank of river Krishna. The Lord wished Machireddi to reveal his image for the good of the mankind during Kali Yuga.
The ruler accompanied by his pandits, searched all the caves on the banks of river Krishna, as ordained by the Lord, but could not trace the location of the deity. Sad and depressed, he fell asleep in the forest. Again the Lord appeared in his dream and ordained him to search further, in a designated area near an “Aare” tree hidden behind the foliage in a cave.
Waking up, the ruler found the cave and the image of the Lord in a seated posture, with the wellspread hood of Sesha over his head, fully adorned with Shankha Chakra Gadha and as if the Lord was being worshipped regularly, with flowers, sacred leaves, fruits etc. Overjoyed, the ruler revealed the Maha Kshetram to the general public and constructed a Mukhaalaya.
When Mughal forces were to attack the temple, ruler prayed to the Lord to dispel the danger. Then the Lord created countless bees which attacked and drove the Mughal soldiers away. Their attempt to capture this temple proved a futile exercise
Temple Architecture: There is a rock above the door to the sanctum sanctorum. On it is the sculptured motif of Gaja Lakshmi with two elephants raising their trunks upwards on either side. The sanctum is a cave. The roof of the Garbhagriha is a big rock. The Lord manifested Himself on a rock, which is on the backside of the Garbhagriha. Another rock is spread like the hood of Sesha over it. The Lord is one foot in height. Seated in Padmasana, He holds a Chakra in His upper right hand and Sankha in His upper left hand. He has kept His lower left hand on His left knee, and His lower right hand is not visible
There is a small lengthy rectangular rock of about one foot length at the feet of the Lord. The rock is said to be “Chakri”, an ardent devotee of the Lord who was not given mukti when he requested for the same because the Lord did not want to be separated from him. So he was made into a rock like form and placed in the sanctum. Daily the abhishekam is performed to this rock also.
To the left of the manifested Lord, there is a black, stone image of Lakshmi which is 1.5 feet in height, in a sitting posture on a lotus. She holds lotus flowers in her upper hands. Her lower right hand is in Abhaya posture and the left hand is in Suchi posture.
Below the Lakshmi image, there is another image of Lakshmi, which is carved on a rock. As Lakshmi is not visible to the visitors, the image of Rajya Lakshmi is installed for the ‘darsan’ of the devotees. It was consecrated in 1975. She holds Chakra in her upper right hand and Sankha in her left hand. She holds lotus buds in her lower hands. She is in sitting posture. She is 1.25 feet in height. She wears a Makuta on Her head.
As there is no convenience to go around the sanctum, the devotees perform circumambulation (pradakshinam) around the Dhwajasthambha and the stone image of Hanuman which faces the Lord. There is a Ramanuja Kutam (Madapalli or kitchen) to the north of the temple in the same premises where in, the naivedya to the Lord is prepared.
There is an entrance to the temple which faces the south. There is a fleet of steps leading down to the river Krishna just outside the main temple but within the compound. Temple Traditions : Vaikhaanasa Aagama is followed here. The priest is a Sri Vaisnava who is a hereditary priest. There is a Vedic pandit who recites Vedas and other mantras at appropriate occasions.
3.2 Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Wadapally
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple,MMV8+PH7, Wazirabad, Wadapally, Telangana 508355 VADAPALLY Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is 170 Kms from Hyderabad as well as Vijayawada is situated at the confluence of the River Krishna and Musi River at Wadapally. The two tributaries coincide with each other, in the form of the alphabet – L, in a rather unusual way. It is the first PANCHA NARASHIMA KSHETRAM in Andhra Pradesh.. List : (Vedadri, Vadapalli, Mattapalli, Mangalagiri, Ketavaram). Better to go by boat from Mattapalli to Wadapally to save time. there are boats that can carry trucks/vans plus people.
As per Legend, 6000 years back Agyasthya muni brought the Siva Kesava idols and he wanted to install them. He was traveling through all Lokas and finally he landed in Bholokaham, as he was heading towards Kasi kshetram, he heard akasa vani saying that Lord Narashima wanted to be installed at this place where sangamam of River Krishna and River musi.Agyastayar installed and constructed a temple for Lord Narashimar. As the years passed there was lot of changes and the temple was not taken care and the main deity was covered by ant hill.
As per another Legend, Vyasa Bhagavan, knowing the piousness of the place, meditated for a long time on the manifestation of Sri Narasimha Swamy. The Lord benedicted him by manifesting in his ferocious Ugra form.
Vyasa Bhagavan experienced Lord Narasimha at the moment when His breath was filled with tremendous anger, so he concluded that the Lord had come to him just after killing Hiranyakasipu. Therefore, he prayed to Sri Narasimha Swamy to manifest at Vadapalli in that Form only. Accordingly, Lord Narasimhadeva manifested there to bless the devotees and to alleviate their suffering.
During 12th century Reddy Kings developed their city and at that time they found the deity of Narashimar and they re constructed the temple and installed the main deity. The temple is small one and has lot of place, around it with trees and plants. We see Dwjasthanbam near the entrance and Garuda near the Dwajasthambam. As we enter inside we have the darshan of Jaya, Vijayan to either side of the entrance. We have to enter into artha mandapam and inside in the main sanctum we have the darshan of Lord Lakshmi Narashima swamy. There is no separate sanctum for Goddess. This is the only sanctum in the temple.
Inside the main sanctum we see two lamps lit and tied to a pole next to deity. One lamp is to the height of main god and the other is half way down. The light lit to the lamp on the top is wavering where as the one to the other lamp is still. They say the shake in the light is due to the breath of Lord Narashima in main sanctum. This is a unique thing about the Lord of this place. The deepam here is Akanda Deepam.
The temple is open upto 12 noon and in it’s opened again at 4.30 Pm onwards As we go around the temple to the side we have the darshan of Anjaneyar. This is a small village and we did not see any rooms as such for rental Temple timings : 6 am to 1 pm and 4pm to 7 pm
Another famous temple in Wadapally is the Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara Swamy temple, built under the reign of the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th Century. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has a huge Shiva lingam within its grounds and is has a history of 6000 years
3.3 Kethavaram laxminarshima swamy temple
Kethavaram laxminarshima swamy temple, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522411 Kethavaram laxminarshima swamy temple is located in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh at a distance of 120 Kms from Vijayawada on the banks of River Krishna and is more than 1000 years old.
Kethavaram was named after the King Ketha Varma who ruled this region. Kethavaram is also called as Kaataaram or Kethaaram in the scriptures.
As per Legend, once, during the reign of KethaVarma, the Lord appeared in the dream of a Yadava King who ruled a nearby land and told him about His(Lord’s) presence in the hill of Kethavaram. The Yadava King immediately conveyed this message to King Ketha Varma, who conducted an extensive search in the hill and finally discovered the Swayambhu Moorthy of Lord sri Narasimha.
Kethavarma constructed a temple at the place and arranged for Nitya Pooja. Festivals began to be celebrated at a grand splendour. Lord Narasimha graces the devotees with Mother Mahalakshmi. There is also a shrine for Sri Anjaneya in this temple.
While digging the land here for a tank, one worker was hit by a stone and it began bleeding. Testing the rock, it turned to be a diamond rock. Further digging brought out some idols also. Hence, Lord Narasimha is praised as Vajralaya., vajram meaning diamond.
Sri Narasimha Swamy at Kethavaram is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested deity). The Mother Goddess is Chenchu Lakshmi. There are 2 temples here. One is at the foot of the hill and the other is at the hill top. There are 600 steps to reach the hill temple. As the temple is situated in a dense jungle area, the temple at the foot hill temple is open during the visit of devotees. A family is staying near the temple. River Krishna is too deep in this region. Frequentfloods had destroyed huge parts of the place. Presently, it hasfields and forests only. The population too is very small
The uphill temple is the original temple where Lord Narasimha appeared with His consort Rajyalakshmi Devi. Deities of Vajra Narasimha Swamy and Rajya Lakshmi are swayambhu.- self manifested from a black rock. The unique feature is that Anant Sesha has also manifested above the deity of Sri Rajyalakshmi Devi – usually Anantsesha is above Lord Vishnu. On the right and left side of Vajra Narasimhar are 12 Azhwars – 6 each on both sides of the Lord carved in the rock itself.. A seperate shrine for Sri Anjaneya Swamy is there in the temple complex.
The temple does not have a grand architecture – but simple one in Dravidian style in both uphill and downhill temples.The roofs have simple carvings.Uphill temple is in a ruined state with only one cave remaining.Pillars, Mandap and stairs are in a dilapilated state.There is only one Pujari who performs puja on saturday in the uphill temple.
3.4 Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Vedadri
Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Vedadri, Vedadri, Jaggaiahpeta, Chillakallu, Andhra Pradesh 521457 Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in Vedadri, Andhra Pradesh at a distance of 78 Kms from Vijayawada on the banks of Krishna River Vedadri represents the Vedas in the form of a hill.
Here the Lord exists in five different forms known as Pancha Narashima Moorthy, namely Jwala Narashima on vedasikara of the mountains,Saligrahma Narashima in the River Krishnaveni, Yogananda Narashima installed by sage Rishya Sringar,Lakshmi Narashimar on his own peetam and Veera Narashimar on garudadri situated at a distance of 5 km from east to Vedadri.
As per the Legend, Brahma purana says, Somasura stole the Vedas from Brahma and hided himself in ocean. Brahma approached Lord Vishnu to get back the Vedas from the Asura. Sriman Narayanar in the form of Matchaya avathara rescued the Vedas from the asura. Vedas took human form and thanked lord Vishnu, and prayed to stay on their heads.Lord Vishnu agreed to stay with them as pancha murthy, only after Hyranya vadham. He asked them to stay in the river as Saligrahama Mountain till then.
Lord Narayanar in the form of Narashima killed, Hiranya kasyapa and ever since stayed as jwala Narashima on the mountain head of Vedadri.
Brahma requested Lord Narashima to stay at sathya lokha as saligrahama. Lord Narashima agreed and even before Brahma could offer prayers to Lord the sathya lokha was in flames. So Brahma brought back the saligrahma moorthy to River Krishnaveni and erected it on Saligrahma Mountain. Thus Lord Narashima fulfilled the wishes of Veda Purushas and River Krishnaveni
As per another Legend, later on, the Lord, at the request of Rishis like Rishya Srunga and Kings like Manu, stayed in the middle of the mountain as Yogananda Narasimha Swamy and at the request of the Garudas the Lord stayed as veera Narasimha and as per the Prayer of Vana Devatha the Lord is prevading the mountain as Laxmi Narasimha Murthi. The facts were revealed by Suta Mahamuni to Shounaka and others who acclaimed the efficacy of Vedadri as a unique deity in the entire world. It is the only place where Pancha Narasimha Murtis are existing.
Kalav Smaranan mukthi means in kaliyuga mere smarana is enough for mukthi. As per another Legend, the rishis having got the information from veda vyasa began searching for a suitable place for their penance and at last they found Vedadri as the most suitable place, as the Lord is staying there in five forms (Panchamurthi). Further the rishis while searching, for a suitable place heard recitals in perfect swaras being emanated from the holy mountain they named as ‘Vedadri’ the mountain of Vedas.
The rishis were enchanted by the chanting of Vedas by the Mountain, especially the same veda (music) the Gandharva Swara and its varied moorchans. They have been immensely satisfied by the holy recitals and have settled there for penance. They took a holy dip in the River Krishnaveni, had a pradakshan of the mountain and then settled in Penance. During their deep Penance in their Samadhi., they heard a divine voice saying “Holy rishis this is Vedadri or Vedagiri where Lord Sreemannarayana has taken the avatara of Nrusimha Swamy”.
After the holy words the rishis discovered a Luminous light discerning the path upwards the mountain by which the rishis have scaled it and found Yogananda Nrusimha Swamy in a temple on the top of the mountain. Then the Lord gave them darshan as Jwala Nrusimha in the shape of fire, as Saligrama murti in the river, as Yogananda Nrusimha (Laxmi Nrusimha Murti), as Veera Nrusimha murti in Garudachala. The rishis after Visiting all the shrines came back to Vedadri and sat for Penance.
This mountain has been enriched in its spiritual splendor not only by the Pancha Murtis but also due to the Penance of several rishis.
In the temple, the main image of deity shows Narasimha with Lakshmi sitting on his left lap. The temple also has separate shrines for the 12 Tamil Vaishnavite Saints (Alvars) and for the founders of the Vaikhanasa Agamas, including Rishis Kashyapa and Atri. The temple structure is conventional, being brightly colored and ornamented with a variety of images. This temple is a testimonial for the architectural skills of Vishwakarma sculptors. There are murtis of Bhagwan Varaha, Laksmi Devi, Garuda and Hanuman in the temple. The utsava murtis are extraordinarily high and impressive, and the dwajasthamba (flag pole) of imposing height.
The importance of this place is that anyone affected by dheergha Vyadhis like ghosts, black magic etc, if they visit this temple and stay back, Narasimha is said to appear in a dream and guide them. To this day people with various complex issues have had a permanent solution to their problems. contact phone no :-9848275029; Temple timings : 6.30 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8.30 pm
3.5 Sri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri
Sri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Kothapeta Rd, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh 522503 Sri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh at a distance of 16 Kms from Vijayawada.Mangala Giri means Holy Hill. This is one of the eight temples where Lord himself opted to stay for the redemption of humanity from sin. The mountain looks like a reclining elephant from the distance.
Mangalagiri is in existence from the beginning of all Four Yuga. It was known as Anjanadri in Krutha Yugam, Totadri in Tretha Yugam, Mukthadri in Dwapara Yugam and Mangalagiri in Kali Yugam.
As per the Legend, Sri Narashima Swamy destroyed the demon known as Namuchi in Kritha Yugam. He stayed back as Swayambu Moorthy in this place. Devas were unable to with stand Lord’s Ugra Swaroopam, and they tried to cool him by offering Amrutham in Krutha yugam, in Tretha yugam he was offered Cow’s Ghee, in Dwapara yugam he was offered Cow’s Milk and in Kaliyugam he is offered Panakam. Anjaneyar is Kshetra palakar in this place.
As per another Legend, Prince Harsva srungi who born with deformities and to get out of this bodily deformities went on a pilgrimage and finally reached Mangalagiri and stayed back doing penance in praise of Lord Vishnu. One day when his father visited this holy place and tried to dissuade his son’s penance, to take his son back to kingdom Hrusva Sringi who was not convinced with his father’s words assumed the shape of an elephant and became the mountain Mangalagiri so that his body might serve the Lord as a holy abode.
As per another interesting legend associated with this temple, Lord Rama visited Mangalagiri to attain Salvation. Hence this hill is also called Totadri. In Krutayuga when the Ocean of Milk was churned by the Mandara Hill, Goddess Lakshmi emerged out of this process. Devas constructed a temple tank at Mangalagiri by bringing water from the holy rivers of the land, and Goddess Lakshmi took bath in this Tirtha and offered herself to the Lord Vishnu as his beloved consort. This Tirtha called by Lakshmi Pushkarini.
Yudistara the elder of Pandavas installed Lord Narasimha here at the foothills of Mangalagiri Hills.It is Sri Anjaneya who is the Kshetra Palaka for this temple. While Rama leaving to Vaikunta, he asked Anjaneya to stay here at this hills for the benefit of humankind so Anjaneya remained here as directed..
To reach the top of hill we have steps as well as road. We reach the Panakala Narashima swamy temple, mid way to the hill top. There are many shops selling pooja items. We enter into a sanctum where to the left we have darshan of Sri Hanuman and we proceed further in a line to have darshan of Sri Panakala Narashima swamy.
We see a cut in the rock to which the face of Narashima Swamy kavacham with wide opened mouth is kept. This is the place where Panakam (Panakam is made of Water and Jaggery) is offered to God. We climb few steps to see Hanuman sculpture to the wall. Further few steps lead us to Thayar Sannidhi, which is behind Sri Narashimar sanctum
There is a small cave outside next to Sri Lakshmi temple,which is believed to lead to Vundavalli caves on the bank of River Krishna. The Sages used to use that way to have their bath in River Krishna. When we go around the temple we see Sanctum for Sri Rama to the left. West gopuram is un finished. We see Rajalakshmi Thayar Sannidhi to right side of main Sanctum.We climb few steps to enter inside the main mandapam where we see Garudazhwar sanctum.
During the 16th Century, Krishna Devaraya from Vijayanagara dynasty built the Mukha Mantap. Temple Tower which is of 153 ft height was built during 1807 – 1809 A.D by Raja Vasireddi Venkatadri Nayudu.
It is said that during Krutayuga Honey was offered, Ghee in Dwaparayuga, Milk in Tretayuga and Panakam or Jaggery water in this Kaliyuga. Devotees used to offer Panakam by pouring into the wide-open mouth of the Lord. Only half of the Panakam will be accepted by the Lord and the rest will come out of the open mouth which will be offered to the devotees as the Prasadam. There will be no ants even after offering large quantities of Jaggery water.
Great devotees and personalities who visited the temple were : Adi Sankaracharya, Madhwacharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Temple timings : 7:00 am – 4:00 pm To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue
4. Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Tamilnadu
Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Tamilnadu : Sri Ugra Narasimmar Temple Thirukuraiyaloor, SRI VEERA NARASIMHA PERUMAL TEMPLE, Mangaimadam, Sri Narasimma Perumal Sannathi,Thirunagari (Yoga Narasimhar and Jwala Narasimhar) and Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple (Divya Desam) ,Thiruvali. Thirumangai Alwar praised all the Five Narasihars. Also See my Blog wherein details of several more famous Narasimha Kshetrams are given. : 25 Famous Narasimha temples in India with Map of 1000 Narasimha Temples See my Blog wherein details of several more famous Narasimha Kshetrams are given : 35 Famous Narasimha Temples of Karnataka with map of 1000 Narasimha Temples in India
4.1 Sri Ugra Narasimmar Temple Thirukuraiyaloor
Sri Ugra Narasimmar Temple Thirukuraiyaloor, 6R47+FP4, Mangaimadam – Kezhamovarkarai Road, Thoothukkudi, Thennampattiam, Tamil Nadu 609106 Sri Ugra Narasimmar Temple is located in Thirukuraiyaloor, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 15 Kms from Vaitheeswarankoil and 25 Kms from Mayiladuthurai. It is 1000-2000 years old temple. There are four Narasimha kshetrams with five Narasimhars in various forms (one temple has two Narasimhars) around Thiruvaali and Thirunagari. 1) Ugra Narasimhar at Thirukkuravalur 2) Veera Narasimhar at Mangai madam 3) Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha (two Narasimhars) at Thirunagari 4) Lakshmi Narasimhar at Thiruvaali
It is one of the 1000 Narsimhar Kshetrams in India. See more details in weblink : https://kalyangeetha.wordpress.com/2018/03/23/map-of-narasimha-narasingh-temples/ Thirukurayalur is the avathara sthalam of Thirumangai Alwar. Even though Thirumangai Alwar was born and sung Hymns in this place, this temple is mentioned in the most of the temple pasurams, hence this temple is a abhimana sthalam.
River Manniaru, a tributary of Cauvery running between Tirukudalur and Swamimalai passes through this place beforereaching the ocean. Sri Vaishnava Acharyas had praised thisplace as “Kurayalur fertile with perennial River Manniyaru” and”the sacred soil that gave Seer Kalian” – Kalian-Tirumangai Alwar. Great Vaishnava Gurus as Kulasekhara Alwar, SriRamanuja and Manavala Mamunigal had visited and worshipped the Lord in this temple.
Moolavar : Ugra Narasimhar; Thayar : AmirthaValli;
The temple complex is very small and facing east. There is an entrance arch. Balipeedam and Garudalwar are in front of the sanctum. Ugra Narasimhar is in sitting posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Thirumangai Alwar and Kulasekara Alwar sannadhis are in the mandapam. Thayar is in a separate sannadhi in the prakaram. The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a elevated level with 6 steps, on a simple pathabhandha adhisthana with a raised upana. An ekathala vesara vimanam is on the sanctum Sanctorum.
As per the legend, Lord Shiva danced in anger for the death of his consort Parvati in the Yagna of Daksha. Shiva sent Veerabhadra to destroy everything. Still his anger didn’t reduced. To the request of Devas, Narasimhar with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi appeared before him and Lord Shiva cooled down. Usually Narasimhar will be with Lakshmi, but this is the only place where Narasimhar will be with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Tirunagari twin temples are closely associated with this temple. In the Padma Puranam, Tirukuraiyalur is referred to as Poornapuri and Poorna Narasimha Kshetram, possibly because of Amritavalli Thayar, the daughter of Poorna Maharishi, was born at Tirunagari.
Those mentally retarded or distressed, facing burden of debtsand problems in family pray here on Ashtami (8th day from newmoon or full moon days) and Swati Star days lighting ghee lamps and offerPanakam – the sweet water – to Lord as Nivedhana. Mother Amirthavalli graces from Her own separate shrine. Special pujas are performed to Lord Narasimha on Pradosha 13th day from new moon or full moon days). Those suffering fromdepression, debt burdens and family problems pray on this day and onAshtami and Swati Star days and offer Panakam as Nivedhana to the Lord.
Sudharsana Homa is performed to Chakarathalwar (the deity attributed tothe discus of Lord Vishnu) on Amavasya day – new moon day). Thosefacing adverse planetary effects and curses of the departed ancestors andthreats from enemies join this Homa and offer prayers for relief.There are separate shrines for Sri Aanjaneya, Chakarathalwar andTirumangai Alwar and Sri Vaishnava Gurus. Temple timings : 8 to 11 am & 5 to 7 pm saturday. 9 am – 1 pm; 5-7 pm; Contact phone number : +91 94435 64650. Parthasarathy Dikshidar;
4.2 SRI VEERA NARASIMHA PERUMAL TEMPLE, Mangaimadam
SRI VEERA NARASIMHA PERUMAL TEMPLE, Mangaimadam-PO, Sirkali-TK, VOC St, Mangaimadam, Tamil Nadu 609106 SRI VEERA NARASIMHA PERUMAL TEMPLE is located in Mangaimadam, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 25 KMs from Mayiladuthurai and 13 Kms from Vaitheeswarankoil. It is one of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetram in Sirkhazhi .
There are four Narasimha kshetrams with five Narasimhars in various forms (one temple has two Narasimhars) around Thiruvaali and Thirunagari. 1) Ugra Narasimhar at Thirukkuravalur 2) Veera Narasimhar at Mangai madam 3) Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha (two Narasimhars) at Thirunagari 4) Lakshmi Narasimhar at Thiruvaali
Moolavar : Sri Veera Narasimha Perumal; Urchavar : Sri Ranganathar; Thayar : Sri Sengamala Valli; Urchavar : Sri Kamalavalli. The main deity is made of Salagramam and it is highly auspicious to perform Thirumanjanam (holy bath) to the deity and offer food. The temple is facing east with an entrance arch with stucco image of Veera narasimhar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. In addition to this Periya Thiruvadi on the left and siriya thiruvadi on the right ( Hanuman ). A 3 tier rajagopuram is at the entrance of Temple complex. Vishwaksena is in front of the Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar sannadhi are after the Rajagopuram. In sanctum Veera Narasimhar is with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Urchavar Sri Ranganathar is with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Thirumangai Alwar with Kumudavalli Nachiyar sannadhi is in the mukha mandapam and Anjaneyar is on the opposite side.
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a simple pada bhandha adhistanam. There is no idols in the koshtams / Niches. A Two tier Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum and the Vimanam is called as Sri kara Vimana.
Festivals celebrated are :Narasimha jayanthi, Aadi month Brahmotsavam, Sri Jayanthi, Navarathri, Tamil New year Day, Alwars Mangalasasanam day, Thai Amavasai ( No moon day ) and Vaikunta Ekadasi are celebrated in a grand manner. In addition to this Swati Nakshatra yagam, Thirumanjanam, Amavasai Thirumanjanam are conducted regularly.
As per the legend, Kaliyan also known as Parakalan and Ruler of Alinadu turned Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar had performed Thathiarathana for a period of one year to 1008 vaishnavas, to get married with Kumudhavalli Nachiyar. Thirumangai mannan was born as Brahmin called Karma Prajapathi in Krita yuga, as Kshatriya King called Uparisravas in Treta yuga, as Vaishnava called Vairamohan ( A Vel Kula merchant ) in Dwapara yuga worshiped Lord Veera Narasimha Perumal of this temple. Hence Perumal is called as Vaira Perumal. In Kali yuga Thirumangai Mannan who was born at Thirukurayalur was taught (upadesam ) the Thirumanthiram NARAYANA by the Lord Veera Narasimha Perumal of this temple.
It is believed that worshiping Lord Veera Narasimhar will fulfill the wishes for Navagraha Dosha nivarthi, Victory in court case, marriages, Child boon, Govt Jobs, Cure from decease, relief from mental stress and tension etc. TEMPLE TIMINGS: 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Contact phone number : +91 94438 72893; Balaji bhattar.
4.3 Sri Narasimma Perumal Sannathi,Thirunagari
Kalyana Renganathar Sannathi, Divya Desam 30, Agrahaaram Rd, Thirunagari, Tamil Nadu 609106 (Sri Vedarajan) Yoga Narasimhar and Jwala Narasimhar Sri Narasimma Perumal Sannathi is located in Thirunagari, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 10 KMs from Sirkhazhi. It is part of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams of Tamilnadu .Saint Thirumangai Alwar praised all the Five Narasimhars by his hymns. Thirunagari is known by different names Lakshmipuram, Aalinganapuram, Srinagari and Vigneswaranallur,
As per Legend, Thirumangai Azhwar continued to compose hymns and worshiped the Lord the events of Hiranyakasipu occurred and Thirumangai Azhwar desired to have the darshan of Lord in the form of Lord Narasimha.
Acceding to the request of his devotee, in Thirunangur in Sirkhazhi, Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Thirumangai Azhwar in five forms of Lord Narasimha as desired by him. The most important amongst them are situated in villages Thiruvali and Thirunagari which are situated 2-3 Kilometers away from each other. Al the five temples (called Pancha Narasimma Shethras) where Thirumangai Azhwar had the darshan of Lord Narasimha are situated in and around Thiruvali and Thirunagari. The five Lord Narasimha Kshetras where the Lord appeared in five different forms are as below: Kuraiyalur – As Lord Ugra Narasimha Mangai Madam – As Lord Veera Narasimha Thirunagari*- As Lord Hiranya Narasimha Thirunagari* – As Lord Yoga Narasimha (*two Narasimha idols in one Temple) Thiruvali – As Lord Lakshmi Narasimha
In Thirunagari, the Lord gave darshan both as Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha in two separate sanctums. The legend of the temple is that it belongs to Thretha Yuga and one of the son’s of Lord Brahma did penance at this place for the darshan of Lord Vishnu. Since Lord Vishnu did not give darshan even when requested by Goddess Lakshmi, she got angry, deserted him and came to this place and hid herself inside a lotus flower.
Lord Sri Vishnu came in search of Goddess Lakshmi and found five lotuses in the tank. In order to find out in which of the lotus flowers his consort lay hid, he opened his left eye which was Lord Chandra and immediately four lotuses blossomed while the fifth one in which Goddess Lakshmi hid did not open as it was held tightly by the goddess. Immediately Lord Vishnu identified the place of hiding of Goddess Lakshmi and opened the fifth Lotus and embraced her. Hence this place came to be called ‘Thiru’(Sri) Nagari, to mark the event of Goddess Lakshmi having stayed here. While the Lord informed Prajaapathi that there was still time left for Moksham, he offered to grant any other wishes to Brahmma’s son. Though dejected, Prajaapathi requested that the Lord and Goddess remain here in the same form so all the devotees could have darshan. This is the only Divya Desam where one can see ‘Kalyana Ranganathar’ in a sitting posture.
The uniqueness of this temple is unlike any other temple, this is the only temple where two Flag posts are installed. As per the pundit one is meant for the Presiding deity of the temple and the other for Thirumangai Azhwar. Iit has Karuvarai, Arthamandapam, MahaAmandapam and 5inner prAkArams. It has three West facing Gopurams with 7,5 and 3 stages respectively.
Moolavar: Sri Vedarajan.Thayaar: Amurdha Valli. Utsavar: Kalyana Ranganathan. Pushkarani: Ilaakshani Pushkarani. Vimanam:Ashtakshara Vimaanam.The temple is facing East with 3 Raja gopurams: First entrance is 7 tiers, 2nd entrance is 5 tiers and 3rd entrance 3 tier.Vedarajan temple covers an area of about 2 acres.; This lord is also known as KalyAna Ranganathar as he gave darshan to Thirumangai Azhwar in that state. Kannan, Aandaal, all Azhwars, Aalinganapureeswarar, Nathamunigal, Udayavar and Desikar also decorate the prakarams. This temple is mentioned in the uthara kandam of Garuda puranam. Known as Vilvaranyam this place is one of the Pancha Narasimha ksethrams with lord having manifested as swayambhu Yoga Narasimhamoorthy.
4.4 Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple (Divya Desam) ,Thiruvali
DD34 – Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple (Divya Desam) ,Thiruvali, Tamil Nadu 609109 DD34 – Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple (Divya Desam) ,located at Thiruvali, 9 kms from Sirkazhi and 10 kms from Vaitheeswarankoil,Tamil Nadu is one of the 108 Divya Desams (wherin 12 Vaishnavaite Alwars have sung songs in praise of Lord Vishnu).- Mangalasasanams by Thirumangai Alwar, & Kulasekara Alwar in this temple.
Though Thiruvali and Thirunagari are two sthalams Azhwars have considered them as one while singing mangalasasanams. Two temples north of ThiruNangur, and within a km of each other, Thiruvaali and Thirunagari, make up one Divya Desam. This is a Pancha Narasimha Shetram. There are 5 Narasimha temples in and around Thiruvaali and Thirunagari.
At Kuraiyalur, the birth place of Thirumangai Azhvaar, Ugira Narasimha. At Mangai mutt, where Mangai Mannan fed a 1000 Vaishnavites as per the wishes of Kumudavalli, is Veera Narasimha.At Thirunagari, there are two Narasimha idols- Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha and here at Thiruvali, is Lakshmi Narasimha with the Goddess on his right lap.
Moolavar: Sri Lakshmi Narashimar (Also known as Vayalaali Manavalan). Irundha (Sitting) Thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards West direction. Prathyaksham for Thirumangai alwar and Allathi Nikanchama Prajapathi. Thayaar: Amrudhakada Valli.; Utsavar: Thiruvaali Nagaraalan.Theertham: Ilakshani pushkarani; Vimanam: Ashtashara Vimanam.
Thirumangai alwar was born on Thirukurayalur near Thirunagari. His orinigal name was “Neelan” and was the Army chief of the Chola Kingdom. He was well versed in Tamil and Sanskrit. As a reward for his valor, the chola king made Neelan the king of “Aali nadu” a small state whose capital was “Thirumangai”.
Sumangalai was the head of the young ladies of heaven (Deva Kanni) who were involved in the job of fanning the lord using the “Samaram”. Once while saint Kabila was preeching the qualities of Lord Narayana, Sumangali distracted him by making an odd remark of his ugly students. So he cursed to go to earth and take birth.
As a curse, she born on this earth on a lilly flower and was named as “Kumudhavalli”. Thirumangai Mannan wanted to marry her, but she put 2 conditions: one to become a Srivaishnavan; second – to give food for 1008 Brahmins daily and fill his stomach by accepting the remaining food kept by the Brahmins and drink the water used to wash their lotus feets.
Thirumangai Mannan accepted her terms and married her happily. His extreme love for his wife, brought him into a delicate position of finding enormous money need for the second condition. He even used the many intended to pay the revenue to the chola king. Thirumangai Mannan was unable to repay it and so he was put in jail. He spent 3 days in the jail without eating food for he took a vow of eating food only after giving food to the Brahmins.
Varadharaja perumal of Kanchipuram, came into his dreams and asked him to come to the Vegavathi river bank to collect the required money. So along with many Ministers, he came to Kanchi under a tight security and amazingly he found the required money.
But, as the day passed on, he spent all the money he had and was not sufficient to spend. and so he made up his mind to rob money from rich people. Once a rich couple passed along the forest where Thirumangai Alwar was waiting so that he could steal money and ornaments from them to serve the Brahmins. Sriman Narayanan and Periya Piratti were dressed as a newly married couples. He took away all of their jewles from the marriage party but could not get the precious ring of the Groom. Finally he took the ring by bitting the Groom’s finger.
After that he gathered all the things and asked his servants to lift. But the parcel was too heavy even to Thirumangai alwar. He scolded the groom in suscipion of Chanting Manthra against him. The groom asked alwar to come near him to know the Manthra he chanted and he preeched alwar the most powerful “Ashtaksara Mandiram – Om Namo Narayanaya”. After that Alwar became a true devotee to Lord Narayana and did Mangalsasasanams in 84 Divya desams. To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here.
Continued in Blog 4
Kshethradanam 
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