Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Narasingapuram

In a serene location amidst lush green fields and away from pollution and traffic is the smiling Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Narasingapuram, about 55kms from Chennai off the Chennai- Bangalore highway near Sriperumbudur.

Normally the one with an angry exterior, Narasimha here is one with a smiling face and is referred to as Shaantha Moorthy.

Another speciality at this temple is the posture of MahaLakshmi, who is seen facing the devotees. In typical Narasimha temples, Thaayar is seen pacifying and cooling the angry Lord(Ugraha Moorthy) and hence her face is turned towards the Lord. Since the Lord is seen here as a ‘Shaantha Swaroopi’, Thaayar has taken the opportunity to turn her attention to the devotees.

Unlike in other Narasimha Kshetrams, Thaayar is seen directly facing the devotees and blessing them.

Paraspara Alinganam- Posture of Narasimha and Thaayar

Mahalakshmi Thaayar and Lord Narasimha are seen embracing each other, referred to as ’Paraspara Alinganam’, unlike in other Narasimha Kshetram where it is just the Thaayar in the alinganam posture. Hence, the Lord is referred to as Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar.

Garuda-Liberation from Naga Dosham

Garuda is seen here with 16 kinds of snakes around him. Hence this is said to be a place for liberation from Naga Dosham.

Anjaneyar Sannidhi

Opposite the Lakshmi Narasimha temple is the west facing Anjaneya Sannidhi. The speciality of this Anjaneya is his tail is twirled back on to his head.

Historical Inscriptions

There are several inscriptions seen on the outer walls of the main Prakaram. From this as well as the stone structure(Karungal used for the base construction of the temple) and looking at thOn the Northern wall of the Nachiyar Shrine, a 1104AD inscription relating to Kulotunga I records a gift of land by inhabitants to God, Goddesses and Lakshmana. On the South wall an inscription in Tamil dating 1105AD and to the same ruler records consecration of a shrine and a gift of oil for two lamps.

Another inscription dating to the same year and ruler provides for offerings and lamps.

An inscription on the Northern wall of the Nachiyar shrine dates back to 1070AD and to the rule of Kulotunga I.

An inscription on the Northern Wall dating to 1125AD and to Vikrama Chola Deva records the sale of land for registration and one on the Western wall in Tamil records the sale of a land for the temple.

The original idol of the utsava deity, the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Narasingapuram can be said to date back to the early Pallava period(6th-8th century AD) and to be at least 1400 years old.

The historical importance of the temple can be seen from the fact that ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage and maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites has taken note of the inscriptions found in the temple for an in- depth study and analysis relating to the period of the temple.

Prarthana Sthalam

It is believed that offering sincere prayers to Lakshmi Narasimha at Narasingapuram will keep away devotees from bad debts, enemies and illness/diseases.

Festivals

Narasimha Jayanthi in Chitrai, Adi Pooram, Rama Navami

Quick Facts

Moolavar : East Facing Lakshmi Narasimhar with Thaayar on his left lap
Thaayar : Maragadavalli Thaayar
Temple Time: 730am – 12noon and 430pm – 8pm

Source:

prtraveller.blogspot.com