Singaperumalkoil Padalathri Narasimhar Temple – Kanchipuram

Address

Singaperumalkoil Padalathri Narasimhar Temple – Kanchipuram

Singaperumalkoil, Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 603209 

Moolavar

Padalathri Narasimhar

Amman

Ahobilavalli

Introduction

1. Location and Deity

• The Padalathri Narasimhar Temple, also known as Singaperumal Koil Temple, is situated in Singaperumal Koil, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, near Chennai.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar, the deity is worshipped as Padalathri Narasimhar, and his consort, Ahobilavalli, represents Goddess Lakshmi.
• The temple, built in the Rock-cut architecture, dates back to the 8th century, constructed by the Pallavas.
• It is managed by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.

2. Puranic Significance

• The temple is also referred to as Azhwar Narasingadevar and Narsinga Vinnagar Azhwar.
• As per the Brahmanda Purana, this site witnessed the manifestation of Vishnu as Narasimha to slay the demon king Hiranyakashipu, protecting his devotee Prahlada.
• Lord Narasimha emerged from a pillar in a unique form—half-human, half-lion—and defeated Hiranyakashipu at twilight, in a doorway, neither on land nor in air, fulfilling Brahma’s boon conditions.
• It is believed that Lord Narasimha calmed his anger by bathing in the temple’s tank, which turned red after the event.

3. Beliefs and Benefits

• Devotees pray to Lord Narasimha for:
  • Relief from debt burdens.
  • Success in litigations.
  • Overcoming adverse planetary influences like Mars and Rahu.
  • Blessings for marriage, childbirth, and academic excellence.
• Worship practices include applying sandal and kumkum to the Azhinjal tree behind the temple and lighting ghee lamps for wishes to be fulfilled.
• Once their prayers are answered, devotees perform Tirumanjanam (holy bath) to the Lord on Pradosham days and offer vastras (clothes).

4. Special Features

• The temple, spanning 1.5 acres, features Rock-cut architecture with two precincts.
• The deity, Ugra Narasimha, is depicted with:
  • A seated posture, his right leg bent and left leg hanging.
  • Four hands holding conch, chakra, and displaying Abhaya Mudra (blessing) and Uru Hasta (resting on the lap).
  • A third eye on the forehead, a unique feature typically seen in Shiva temples.
• The sanctum is guarded by Dvarapalas (gatekeepers), and the vimana (roof) features stucco images of Vishnu’s avatars.
• Other shrines include:
  • Ahobilavalli (his consort).
  • Andal, Lakshmi Narasimha, Ramanuja, Manavala Mamunigal, and Vishwaksena.
  • Garuda, the eagle mount of Vishnu, faces the sanctum.

5. Festivals Celebrated

• Chithirai New Year Day and Chitra Pournami (April-May).
• Sri Narasimha Jayanthi, Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi, and 10-day Brahmotsavam (beginning 10 days before Swathi star day).
• Aadi Pooram (July-August) and Pavithra Utsav (Aavani – August-September).
• Sri Krishna Jayanthi and Navarathri.
• Manavala Mamunigal Festival (Aipasi – October-November).
• Thirukarthikai (November-December) and Sri Andal Neerattu Utsav (Makara Sankranti – January).
• 5-day Teppa Utsav (Masi – February-March) and Panguni Uthiram (March-April).

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Singaperumalkoil

Nearest Railway Station

Chengalpattu

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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