Singaperumalkoil Padalathri Narasimhar Temple - Kanchipuram

Address

Singaperumalkoil Padalathri Narasimhar Temple – Kanchipuram

Singaperumalkoil, Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 603209

Moolavar

Padalathri Narasimhar

Amman

Ahobilavalli

Introduction

Padalathri Narasimhar Temple or Narasimhar Temple (also called Singaperumal Koil Temple) is dedicated to god Vishnu (Narasimhar) located in Singaperumal Koil, Kanchipuram district, near Chennai City, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Rock-cut architecture, dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Narasimhar and his consort Lakshmi as Ahobilavalli, the temple was built by the Pallavas during the 8th century. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

Singaperumal Kovil was originally called by various names like Azhwar Narasingadevar and Narsinga Vinnagar Azhwar. The original temple is believed to have been built in Rock-cut architecture by the Pallavas, who built cave temples of similar kind in the area.

According to the legend, Singaperumal Kovil is referred by a Sanskrit Padalathri. The temple finds mention in Brahmanda Purana, which mentions that Vishnu appeared as Narasimha to the sages performing penance at this place after killing the demon king Hiranyakasipu. Hiranyakasipu was troubling the Devas as he got a boon from Brahma that no human can kill him. His son Prahlada was an ardent devotee of Vishnu, which Hiranyakasipu discouraged. He also tried to slay Prahalad by various means, but was saved by the divine grace of Vishnu. Vishnu took the avatar of Narasimha and appeared from a pillar. Narasimha was a human with lion face and slayed Hiranyakasipu on an evening time in a doorway, which was neither land nor air. His anger was not quenched even after slaying the demon king, but Prahalad sang and prayed Narasimha to calm down, which he acceded to. He is also believed to have quenched his anger by bathing at the temple tank in this place. The water is believed to have turned red after the incident.

Beliefs

For relief from debt burden, success in litigations, those under adverse aspect of Mars affecting their marriage, those born of Swathi and Tiruvadirai stars, those undergoing Rahu Period (dragon’s tail) and those suffering from Saturn aspects pray to Lord Patalathri Narasimha for relief. There is a tree called Azhinjal behind the temple with powerful effects. Those awaiting marriage, seeking child boon and excellence in education pray on this tree applying sandal and kumkum and light lamps with ghee. Sooner their prayers are granted, devotees perform Tirumanjanam to the Lord on Pradosham days (13th day either from new moon or full moon day) and offer Vastras.

Special Features

The temple is built in Rock-cut architecture, occupies around 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) and has two precincts. The presiding deity housed in the sanctum in a cave is a rock-cut image, in seated posture with his right leg bent and left leg left hanging. Narasimha has four hands with two of the top hands holding his conch and Chakra, while the other two hands showing Abaya Mudra and Uru hasta (resting on his lap). Ugra Narasimha is sported with a third eye on his forehead, which is usually a feature of Shiva temples. The sanctum is guarded by two Dvarapalas image on either side. The shrine of his consort, Ahobilavalli is located in the second precinct, which is believed to be a later addition. There is a shrine of Andal located to the right of the sanctum. While the two shrines of Ahobilavalli and Andal have precincts, unlike the shrine of Narasimhar.

The shrine of Garuda facing Narasimhar, the eagle mount of Vishnu, is located axial to the central shrine. The central shrine is approached through Mahamandapa, the worship hall and a narrow Ardha mandapam. The flag post is located behind the shrine of Garuda, axial to the central shrine and the gateway tower. There are images of Azhwars in the worship hall on both sides and the shrine of Ahobilavalli is located in the second precinct. The vimana, the roof over the sanctum, has stucco images of various avatars of Vishnu. There are separate shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha, Ramanuja, Manavala Mamunigal and Vishwaksena

Festivals

Chithirai new year day, Chitra Poornima (both in April-May), Sri Narasimha Jayanthi, Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi, 10 day Brahmmotasavam beginning 10 days before the Friday of Swathi star day, Aadi Pooram (July-August), Pavithra Utsav in Aavani (August-September), Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Navarathri, Acharya Manavala Mamunigal festival in Aipasi (OctoberNovember), Thirukarthikai (November-December), Sri Andal Neerattu Utsav (bathing) On Makara Sankranthi in Thai (falling almost on January 14), 5 day Teppa Utsav in Masi (FebruaryMarch) and Panguni Uthiram (March-April) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.