A less known 5000 year old Narasimha temple at the foot of Yaanamalai Madurai
Thiru Mogur Kaalamegha Perumal makes his annual trip to this temple on Maasi Pournami to enact Gajendra Moksham episode
Located 8kms East of Madurai off the Melur Highway and 4kms North of the Thiru Mogur Kaalamegha Perumal Divya Desam at the foot of the huge Yaanaimalai (elephant hill) is the Yoga Narasimha temple in Narasingam (Y. Narasingam). This place is referred to as the Gaja Giri Kshetram and this temple is known as ‘Kodavarai Koil’ signifying the construction of the temple by breaking the huge piece of rock.
History
Going by the inscriptions seen inside the Moolavar Sannidhi, this temple may date back over 5000 years.
The Story
Pulastiya Maharishi is said to have undertaken penance at this place and had darshan of Lord Narasimha.
Romasa Maha Rishi’s Penance
Another story relates to Romasa Rishi.
Not having a child, Romasa Maha Rishi approached Sage Narada, who asked him to bathe in the Sakkara Theertha and undertake penance at Padma Thadagam, a place filled completely with flowers. He performed a Sathra Maha Yagna to invoke the blessings of Lord Narasimha, who pleased with his prayers appeared before in a Gigantic form in an Ugra Kolam.
Worried about the presence of Narasimha in this ‘hot’ form, the Devas went to Brahmma for solution. They invited Prahalada to come to this place to try and cool down Lord Narasimha.
Finally the story goes that it was the presence of Goddess Lakshmi that cooled Narasimha down and the two of them are said to have blessed Romasi Rishi with a child.
Unique Utsava deity
Varada Narasimha, the Utsavar, is seen in a standing posture with a Lion shaped face and a mace in his left hand, not seen elsewhere.
Festivals
Swathi Thirumanjanam
Prathosham Thirumanjanam
Once a year, on Maasi Pournami day, Kalamegha Perumal of Thiru Mogur Divya Desam makes a trip to the Yoga Narasimha temple here in Y.Narasingam. Gajendra Moksham episode is enacted here.
On this day, an oil Abhishekam is performed on Lord Narasimha.
Kodikulam Veda Narayana Perumal Koil
3kms East of this temple is the VedaNarayana temple in Kodikulam where Pilla Lokacharya is said to have brought and kept Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam in safety during the Muslim Invasion of Srirangam. Pillai Lokacharya is said to have attained moksham there. To recognize this special contribution, a separate temple dedicated to Pilla Lokacharya has been constructed at Kodikulam.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Yoga Narasimha in a Ugra Kolam
Goddess : Narasinga Valli Thaayar(Separate Sannidhi)
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 4pm – 8pm
How to reach ?
Mini buses for every 10 minutes from Othakkadai is available.
Auto from Mattuthavani bus stand is available.
Auto from Madurai Railway Station is available.
Source
http://prtraveller.blogspot.sg/
