Anthili Sri Narasimhar Temple, Villupuram

Address

Sri Narasimhar Temple, Anthili, Villupuram District – 605 752 Phone: +91 4153 225 238 / 254 098 Mobile: +91 94867 89200

Deity

Narasimhar

Introduction

• Temple Name: Narasimha Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Location: Anthili Village, near Thirukkovilur Town, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Setting: Situated on the banks of the Thenpennai River.
• Age: The temple is believed to be 1600 years old.
• Significance:
  • One of the four Narasimha temples in the region, along with Parikkal, Poovarasan Kuppam, and Singiri.
  • Part of the Eight Prominent Narasimha Temples in Tamil Nadu, along with Namakkal, Sholingur, Singapperumal Koil, and Sinthalavadi.
• Pooja Tradition: The temple follows the Madhwa Sampradaya for performing poojas.

Puranic Significance

1. Penance of Garuda

• Backstory: During the Gajendra Moksham episode, Lord Vishnu skipped Garuda while going to kill Hiranya, which deeply hurt Garuda.
• Penance: Garuda, feeling inadequate in his devotion, chose to perform penance on the banks of the Thenpennai (Dakshina Pinakini) River, which is considered as holy as the Ganges, as it is believed to have washed Lord Vishnu’s foot during the Vamana avatar.
• Impact of Penance: The severity of Garuda’s penance caused heat waves and raging fires, which concerned Brahma and the Devas. They sought Lord Vishnu’s help.
• Lord Vishnu’s Arrival: Lord Vishnu, along with Goddess Lakshmi, came to cool Garuda’s anger. Lakshmi questioned why Garuda was left behind during the task of killing Hiranya.
• Darshan and Blessing: Lord Vishnu explained the urgency of the situation and appeared before Garuda as Narasimha with Lakshmi on his lap. Garuda calmed down and requested Lord Narasimha to stay in this Shantha Roopi (peaceful form) to provide darshan to devotees.
• Garuda’s Joy: Having missed accompanying the Lord earlier, Garuda carried Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi around the nearby areas including Thiru Kovilur, Mugaiyur, Arakandanallur, and Paranur.

2. Visit of Sri Vyasaraja

• Historical Visit: Sri Vyasaraja, a renowned Madhwa seer, visited Anthili and had darshan of Lord Narasimha atop a hillock shaped like Garuda.
• Connection to Sri Raghavendra: In his next birth, Vyasaraja became Sri Raghavendra.
• Hanuman Idol Installation: The idol of Hanuman in the temple was installed by Sri Vyasaraja, who is known for installing over 729 Hanuman idols across India.

Beliefs

• Devotees’ Prayers: People pray to Lord Narasimha for relief from:
  • Burden of debt.
  • Threats from enemies.
  • Obstacles in marriage proposals.
  • Childbirth boons.
  • Eye diseases and mental illness.
• Devotees’ Offerings: On realizing their boons, devotees perform Thirumanjanam and Narasimha Homa to Lord Narasimha.

Special Features

• Temple Design: The temple is built atop a rock shaped like Garuda, with wings spread as if ready for take-off.
• Lion Shape: The back of the hillock resembles a sleeping lion, adding to the temple’s unique appearance.
• Darshan Significance: The rays of the Sun fall on the presiding deity every day of the year (365 days).
• Anjaneya Idol: There is an idol of Anjaneya (Hanuman) within the temple premises, believed to be one of the 729 Hanuman idols installed by Sri Vyasaraja Theertharu.
• Renovations: Paranur Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal renovated the temple, and the Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony) took place in 2004.
• Sculptures: The temple houses sculptures that suggest it might have been renovated by Madhwa Saints of Karnataka.

Festivals

• Major Festivals Celebrated:
  • Narasimha Jayanthi
  • Hanuman Jayanthi
  • Swathi Star Days
  • Swathi Thirumanjanam
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi

Century/Period/Age

1600 years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Anthili

Nearest Railway Station

Thirukkovilur, Villupuram

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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