Bidar Jala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Karnataka.

Address

Bidar Jala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Malkapur Road, Mangalpet, Bidar – 585401, Karnataka. Phone: 098862 13492

Diety

Narasimha Swamy Amman: Lakshmi

Introduction

• The Jala Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Narasimha Jharni or Jharani Narasimha Temple, is located near Bidar town in Karnataka, approximately 120 km from Hyderabad and 700 km from Bengaluru. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Narasimha, the fierce man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is excavated inside a 300-meter-long cave under the Manichoola hill range, situated about 4.8 km from Bidar city. To reach the deity, devotees walk through a water-filled cave, with water levels ranging from 4 to 5 feet, making it an architectural and spiritual wonder.

Puranic Significance:

• According to legend, Jharasura (also known as Jalasura), a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, lived in this cave. After Lord Vishnu, in His Narasimha form, killed Hiranyakashipu to protect His devotee Prahalada, He is said to have also defeated Jharasura. Before his death, Jharasura requested that Narasimha reside in his cave and grant blessings to the devotees. Narasimha granted his wish and now resides in the cave. At the end of the cave, there is a roughly carved image of Narasimha on a stone wall, constantly bathed by a stream of water, which is said to be the demon’s body turned into water. This water has flowed continuously ever since, and the cave has never dried up.
• Additionally, the cave houses a Shiva Linga, representing Jharasura’s devotion to Shiva. The combination of both Narasimha and Shiva makes this temple unique. According to traditional lore, the region was once called Viduranagara, believed to be associated with Vidura from the Mahabharata and the meeting place of Nala and Damayanti. The recorded history of Bidar dates back to the Mauryan Empire in the third century B.C., followed by the rule of the Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.

Beliefs:

• Devotees believe that the sulfur-infused water in the cave has healing properties, particularly beneficial for those suffering from skin ailments. The temple is especially popular with child-seeking couples, who believe that praying to Lord Narasimha can bless them with children. The unique aspect of walking through water to reach the deity adds to the spiritual significance of the temple.

Special Features:

• The Jharani Narasimha Temple is unique for its location inside a water-filled cave. The statue of Narasimha is positioned at the end of the tunnel, which is continuously filled with 4-5 feet of water. Devotees must walk one by one through the narrow space, making the experience intimate and sacred. Only 6-8 people can stand near the deity at one time, and others must wait in the water for their turn. The presence of both Narasimha and the Shiva Linga adds to the temple’s spiritual significance. The constant flow of water, believed to originate from Jharasura, remains a mysterious and continuous natural phenomenon.

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates Narasimha Jayanti, the appearance day of Lord Narasimha, with great fervor. During this festival, various rituals and prayers are conducted, drawing a large number of devotees to the cave temple. Other important occasions celebrated at the temple include special Abhishekam (ritual bathing) and Archana (worship) to honor the deity.

Century/Period/Age

3rd century B.C

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Bidar

Nearest Railway Station

Bidar

Nearest Airport

Begumpet

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