Mela Mada Veedhi Narasimha Perumal Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Mela Mada Veedhi Narasimha Perumal Temple, Thirunelveli

Mela Mada Veedhi,

Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627 001

Mobile: +91 98940 20443 / 95859 58594

Moolavar

Narasimha Perumal

Amman

Mahalakshmi

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Mela Mada Veethi, behind the Nellaiyappar Temple in Thirunelveli Town, Tamil Nadu.
• Easily accessible by bus from the old bus stand, with the nearest railway station at Thirunelveli and airports in Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.

Deity:

• The main deity is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, with Mother Mahalakshmi seated on his left lap, holding a lotus and gazing at the Lord.
• The Utsavar deity is Srinivasa Perumal.
• Unique form of Narasimha known as Prahaladha Varada, without a lion’s face.

Historical Significance:

• The temple was built in the 8th century by the Pandya kings.
• It is believed that the Narasimha idol was sculpted even before the construction of Lord Nellaiyappar’s temple.
• The original Moola Linga and Narasimha Perumal idols were at the same level, and there was an underground pathway connecting both temples.
• The temple was rediscovered by the Vaishnavite scholar Koorathazhwar and restored by saints like Perarulalar and Thirumangai Azhwar.

Puranic Significance:

• Lord Narasimha’s incarnation is known for protecting his devotee Prahladha from the tyrannical king Hiranyakashipu.
• Narasimha manifested from a pillar, breaking the boon granted to Hiranyakashipu, and killed him in a form that was neither human nor animal, as per the king’s boon.

Beliefs:

• Worship here is believed to relieve devotees from financial troubles, property disputes, and other personal challenges.
• Devotees offer lime juice with sugar as Nivedhana and light a lamp known as Neeranjana Deepam, which is believed to alleviate problems related to the Mars planet and expedite delayed marriages.

Festivals:

• Major festivals celebrated include:
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi (December-January)
  • Narasimha Jayanthi
  • Purattasi Saturdays (September-October)
  • Swati Star Days
• Special pujas are performed on Pradosham days (13th day of the new moon or full moon fortnights).

Unique Features:

• Lord Narasimha is depicted with Mother Mahalakshmi in his left lap, unlike the common lion-faced portrayal.
• The temple has a rich history with inscriptions, and it is believed that Lord Narasimha Perumal here responds to the sincere prayers of devotees.

Century/Period

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirunelveli

Nearest Railway Station

Thirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.

Location on Map

lightuptemple