Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple- Villupuram

Address

Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Parikkal, Villupuram – 607204. Phone: +91- 99438 76272 9944238917, 9943073722

Diety

Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Amman: Kanakavalli

Introduction

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Parikkal, Tamil Nadu, holds a rich history and is known for its unique deity, Lord Narasimha. Here are some key details about the temple:

Location: The temple is located in Parikkal, approximately 25 km southwest of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India.

Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu. There are unique aspects associated with the idol in this temple.

Legends and History:

The temple is known to be one of the four Narasimha temples in the Villupuram region. The others are located in Anthili (near Thiru Koviloor), Poovarasan Kuppam (15 km north of Panruti), and Singiri (12 km south of Pondicherry).
The presiding deity, Lord Narasimha, is believed to be a Swayambu Murthi, and the idol was, according to some scholars, installed by Vyasaraja.
The temple is closely associated with the legend of demon Parikalasuran, who disrupted a yagna (ritual) organized by King Vasantharaja for Lord Narasimha. The demon was eventually defeated by Lord Narasimha, and the place came to be known as Parikkal.
The main deity, Lord Narasimha, is seen in a sitting form, facing east, with a smiling appearance, and with Mother Mahalakshmi seated on his lap. This is one of the unique features of the temple.
There is also a separate shrine for the Goddess, Kanakavalli Thayar, on the right side of the temple.
Lord Narasimha, noted for his fury, is generally seen in Vaishnava temples embracing Sri Mahalakshmi seated on his lap. This is the only temple in India where Lord Narasimha and Mother Mahalakshmi are seen embracing each other.

Worship and Offerings:

Devotees visit the temple with various requests and seek blessings. Those facing challenges such as debts, enemies, diseases, obstacles in marriage, and Navagraha doshas (adverse planetary influences) come to the temple to offer their prayers.
Devotees perform abhishek (ritual bathing) to Lord Narasimha using oil, milk, curd, green coconut, panchamirtham, lime, and sandal paste. They also offer vastras (cloths) to the deity.
One of the unique practices at this temple is the offering of nine kinds of pulses (Navadanyam) to Lord Narasimha as a way of seeking His blessings.

Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Notable festivals include the Brahmotsavam in the month of Chithirai, float festivals on the Thenpennai and Garuda rivers in the months of Thai, Masi, and Panguni, special Thirumanjanam on Swathi Nakshatra days, and celebrations on Puratasi Saturdays. Deepavali, Pongal, Tamil and English New Year days, Krishna Jayanthi, and Vaikunda Ekadasi are also celebrated with special pujas.

Special Features:

The temple features an Ashtakona Vimana as its roof tower above the sanctum (vimana).
There is a well inside the temple known as “Naga Koopam,” and bathing in its water is believed to have curative properties.
Garuda and Gomukhi Theerthams are other sources of holy water.
The holy tree of the temple is “Magizham.”

Unique Beliefs:

Devotees who have lost their positions, those awaiting job promotions, and people with various personal challenges believe that Lord Narasimha at this temple can help them regain their status and overcome their difficulties.
It is believed that worship at the Parikkal Narasimha Temple can relieve individuals from Navagraha doshas and bring prosperity.

The temple is not only a place of worship but also holds cultural and historical significance. Its unique features, legends, and the special relationship between Lord Narasimha and Mahalakshmi make it a prominent pilgrimage site in the region.