Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Namakkal

Address

Arulmigu Narasimha Swamy Temple, Namakkal – 637001, Tamilnadu, India Phone: 04286 – 233999 Mobile: +91 – 97500 42615 / 97867 98837

Diety

Narasimha Swamy AMMAN: Lakshmi

Introduction

The Narasimhaswamy Temple in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in Namakkal, a town in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is constructed in a unique blend of Dravidian and rock-cut architectural styles. The temple is situated on the Salam – Namakkal – Trichy Road, making it easily accessible to devotees.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s legend is connected to the avatar of Lord Vishnu, Narasimha. According to the story, the demon king Hiranyakasipu was causing havoc and could not be killed by any human due to a boon he received from Lord Brahma. This boon made him invulnerable in various conditions, including being unkillable during morning, noon, or night and on land, in water, or in the air.
Prahlada, his son, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, which further infuriated his father. Hiranyakasipu attempted to harm Prahlada on multiple occasions but was miraculously saved by Vishnu’s divine grace.
During a heated argument, Hiranyakasipu questioned the omnipresence of Vishnu and attempted to break a pillar with his weapon. At that moment, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Narasimha, a half-human, half-lion deity, and emerged from the pillar. He proceeded to slay Hiranyakasipu in the evening, in a location that was neither land nor air.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for successful deals in marriage talks and for child boon and academic distinctions. Devotees perform special abisheks with new vastras to the Lord.

Special Features

The temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century by the Pandya kings. It showcases elements of rock-cut architecture and is of historical importance in the region.
Historians have placed the temple’s construction in the 8th century based on palaeography, architectural style, and other factors.
Some architectural elements of the temple are compared to the Badami Caves, which date back to the 6th century. This suggests a possible influence on the temple’s design.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The most prominent festival is the fifteen-day Panguni Uthiram festival, which occurs during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). During this festival, the presiding deities are taken on a chariot procession through the temple’s streets.
Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Chittirai (Tamil New Year), Vaigasi Visagam, Telugu New Year, Avani Pavitrotsavam, Narasimhar Jayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Thai Pongal, which are observed in various months.