Sreemath Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Sreemath Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Kadiri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh 515591

Diety

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Amman: Lakshmi

Introduction

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in the Kadiri Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. At a distance of 1.5 km Kadiri Railway Station, 100 km from Anantapur, 113 km from Kadapa, 458 km from Hyderabad. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, a Man-lion form and is one of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu. Lord Narasimha in this temple is swayambhu emerging from the roots of Khadri tree (Indian mulberry). The specialty of this temple is that after the daily Abhishekam is performed, the idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha oozes sweat continuously even after repeatedly wiping off sweat by the temple priests.

Puranic Significance

The construction of this temple is said to have been commenced during the Western Chalukya rule but it was completed during the time of Vijayanagara rulers. The inscriptions in the temple relate mostly to the Vijayanagar period. One of them states that the temple was built by a Nayaka during the reign of Bukka I in 1332 AD. The raja gopuram was built by Harihararaya. The popular king of Vijayanagara Sri Krishna Devaraya and Maharashtra King Shivaji visited this famous temple and constructed sub temples and Mahishasuramardini Temple respectively. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Narasimha spontaneously evolved from the roots of the Kadiri tree to the killer Hiranyakashyap. The idol of Lord Narasimha wipes away the sweat after daily holy bath or anointing, which is the unique quality of this idol. This pilgrimage is the centre of devotees. The festival is celebrated every year with great pomp and ceremony. Kadiri is the name given to this place by the name of Lakshmi Narasimha Swami who came out of the Kadiri tree. Kadiri refers to the canary tree or Indian mulberry. Narasimha Swamy Temple was built during the royal period. The specialty of the idol of Lord Narasimha Swami is the daily holy bath or sweating after Abhishekam. The idol of Narasimha Swami in the temple has eight arms and lion faces, with Hirankashyapa and Prahlada standing behind folded hands. The idol portrays the entire mythological story. The temple is spread over a wide area surrounded by vast beautiful idols. Areas like Garbhagruha and Mukha Mandapam is an example of legendary architectural works of Thretayugam. Garbagruha is decorated beautifully with four Lions in the corner. The temple has four entrances, the main entrance of which is built by Harihararaya, the eastern gateway. The statue of Anjaneyaswamy can be seen at the entrance of the Eastern Ghats. The lotus-shaped Dias depicts Narasimha Swami, behind which is the posture of Prahlada and Anjaneya near the main entrance. A beautiful idol of the deity with four arms and the goddess Lakshmi is placed in another temple in the Prahladhanukra Murthy complex. According to the mythology, the ceremonial bodies were handed over to Brigu Rishi by the Lord Himself in a box or coffin for his daily worship. The Lord is also worshipped under the names of Vasantha Vallapudu or Vasantha Madhavalu as it is consecrated in the spring. The Madileru River, also known as the Arjuna River, is famous for the river where Arjuna did penance. The course of the river is called 6 theerthams respectively. Sweta Pushkarini, Bhrugu Theertham Sesha Theertham Kunti Theertham Laxmi Theertham Ganga Theertham Garuda Theertham Bhavanasi Theertham.

Special Features

The temple is enclosed in large walled compound with 4 entrances having a gopura over each entrance. On the eastern entrance one can see the idol of Anjaneya. Garbgriha is decorated beautifully with four lions in corner. There is an idol of Prahalada standing beside the lord. Sri Mahalakshmi, the Lords consort is known here by the name of Sri Amruthavalli. The procession image of the deity is in the form of Vishnu made of metal with Bhudevi and Sridevi on either side. The temple is facing east; with a large pushkarini (temple tank) in the north east corner of the temple. Inside the temple, every wall is covered with beautiful and delicate carvings of gods and puranic scenes.

Festivals

A grand festival is held each year during the month of March – April (which varies according to the Indian calendar). These are known as Brahmotsavam.