Sholinghur or Thirukkadigai Sri Lakshmi Narasimmaswamy Temple, Vellore

Address

Sholinghur or Thirukkadigai Sri Lakshmi Narasimmaswamy Temple Sannathi Street, Sholinghur, Vellore – 631102.

Deity

Yoga Narasimhar, Amman: Amirtha Valli

Introduction

• Location: Sholinghur, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Lakshmi Narasimhar and Thirumamagal (Lakshmi).
• Architecture: Built in Dravidian style, mentioned in Divya Prabandham by Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD).
• Three Shrines:
  • Yoga Narasimha (on the larger hill).
  • Bhaktavatsala Perumal (at the base of the larger hill).
  • Yoga Anjaneya (Hanuman) (on the smaller hill).

Puranic Significance

• Ancient Name: Originally called Chozhsimhapuram, later became Sholinghur.
• Kadigai Significance: Worship for one Kadigai (24 minutes) here grants blessings.
• Scriptural Mentions: Peyazhwar refers to Vishnu as “Vaan Poonkadigai Ilankumaran.”
• Legends:
  • Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana mention this place as Kadigai.
  • Vishwamitra attained Brahmarishi title here.
  • Contributions from Kulothunga Chola III, Mayuravarman, and Seeyagangan.
  • Manavala Mamunigal performed Thiruppavai enunciation here.
• Historical Influence:
  • Area was once under Shaivite control, evident from temple ruins near Parappan Kulam.
  • British-Hyder Ali Battle (July 1781) took place here.
• Temple Administration: Maintained by Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Tamil Nadu.

Beliefs

• Moksha: Staying in the temple for one Kadigai (24 minutes) ensures liberation (Moksha).
• Saptarishis: Attained Moksha here after performing penance.
• Vishwamitra: Earned his Brahmarishi title after worshipping Lord Narasimha here.

Special Features

• Twin Hills:
  • Periya Malai (Big Hill): 750 ft tall, covers 1.25 acres.
  • Chinna Malai (Small Hill): 350 ft tall, houses Yoga Anjaneya shrine.
• Steps to the Temple: 1,305 steps lead to the hilltop temple.
• Temple Structure:
  • Temple at the top: 200 ft × 150 ft with a five-tiered Rajagopuram.
  • Sanctum Vimana: Called Hemakoti Vimanam.
  • Yoga Narasimha Swamy: Seated in a yogic posture facing east.
  • Festival Deity (Varadaraja): Placed in the lower shrine of the big hill.
  • Consorts: Separate shrines for Amrithavalli Thayar and Sudavalli Thayar.
  • Temple Tank: Brahmatheertham, where Lord Brahma performed penance.
• Rituals at the Temple Tank: Devotees perform rites seeking blessings from ancestors.
• Renovations:
  • Temple consecration in September 2010 at a cost of ₹25 crore.
  • Foundation for rope car facility was also inaugurated.

Festivals

• Chithirai Brahmothsavam (April-May)
• Karthigai Thiruvizha (November-December)

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Arakkonam

Nearest Railway Station

Arakkonam

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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