Thalassery Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Kerala

Address

MM Road, Near Bank of India Branch,

Thalassery, Kerala 670104

Moolavar

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha

Introduction

The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the foremost temple of Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins in and around Thalassery. The Temple is located in the heart of Thalassery town, in the Kannur district of Kerala. The temple and the prathishta face north which is a unique feature. The temple was established in 1831 A.D. The temple is near Mukund Maller road, about 0.5 km from Thalassery Railway station and Bus stand. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (24.5 km).

Puranic Significance

A small group of GSBs migrated from Goa settled in Tellichery in the latter half of 17th century and early part of 18th century. They built a small shrine dedicated to Lord Kodanda Rama, in the Tellichery town.

A Rich GSB Merchant named Devdas Bhandari submitted the Idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha to the shrine in the early 19th Century. A proper temple was built in the site of the old shrine in 1831. This prathishta was done by H.H. Srimad Sumatheendra Tirtha Swamiji in 1831 A.D. on Samvatrasra Vaishaka masa Shukla Panchami, Monday, Punarvasu Nakshtra of the Shaka era. H.H.Srimad Sumatheendra Tirtha was the 15th pontiff of Sri Kashi Mutt Samsthan, Varanasi. Apart from the Main Deity of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha the Deities of Lord Kodanda Rama, Lord Venkataramana with his divine consorts of Sri Devi and Bhoomi Devi were installed.

Special Features

The Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum is where the Main idol or Moola Vigraha is placed. The Garbha Griha in the temple is a ‘Bahu-vera Vidhana’ i.e. more than one idol is installed in the same Garbha Griha. Garbha Griha has a three tiered “Simhasana” or throne on which the deities are installed.

Moola Vigrahas or Predominant Deities or Main Deities

On the top most level in the centre is Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, flanked by Sri Pattabhi Narasimha and Veera Vittala on either side. On the second tier are Lord Kodanda Rama along with Sri Lakshmana and Sita Devi, on either side of this group are Lord Hayagriva, Lord Varadaraja with his consorts and Gopalkrishna. On the lower most tier are Lord Venkataramana along with his Divine consorts Sri Devi and Bhoodevi. On either side of this group are Sri Hanuman and Sri Garuda. The saligramas and Naga devatas are installed on a separate Peetha below the Simhasana.

Uthsava Vigraha or Festival Deities

The idol of Lord Venkataramana is used as the Uthsava Vigraha.

Sub Deities or Upadevathas

The temple complex consists of an outer ‘prakara’ or quadrangle which includes the shrines of Sri Hanuman, Sri Ganapathy, Sri Lakshmi & Sri Vitoba-Rakhumai. It also contains a Copper clad Dhwaja Stambha or Flag staff on which the temple flag is hoisted during Brahma Rathotsava. A shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is located near the temple pond.