Vedasandur Narasimha Perumal Temple, Dindigul

Address

Vedasendhur, Dindigul district,

Tamil Nadu

Moolavar

Narasimha Perumal

Amman

Shri Sridevi Shri Bhudevi

Introduction

Vedasandur Narasimha Perumal Temple; Vedasandur is around 20 Kms north of Dindigul and the temple is well connected with the main town. The temple of Shri Sridevi Shri Bhudevi sametha Shri Narasimha Perumal is located very close to the bus stand. Kodaganaru is flowing Uttaravahini (flowing from south to north, which is a rarity in Peninsular India) nearby. Though the temple is called Narasimha Perumal temple, the Moolavar does not have the lion face

Puranic Significance

Narasimha’s Fiery Form:
- After the destruction of Hiranyakashipu, Narasimha continued in his fiery and intense form, which caused fear among the devas. They were unable to approach him due to his anger.
- The devas, seeking to calm Narasimha, turned to Lord Shiva for intervention. Shiva then took the form of Sarabeswara and pacified the furious Narasimha.
- This episode of calming the fierce Narasimha is believed to have taken place at this temple. As a result, the deity here is considered a Shantamurthy (peaceful form) of Narasimha.
- In front of the Perumal shrine, a Lingam is carved in the Mandapam, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s role in calming the fierce form of Narasimha.
The Dream of the Devotees:
- According to another local legend, a group of devotees wished to erect a temple for Lord Narasimha but could not decide on the location.
- Lord Narasimha appeared in their dreams and directed them to construct the temple on the banks of Kodaganaru, a river that flows Uttaravahini (towards the north).
- As per the divine guidance, the temple was constructed at this location. However, the Lord appeared to the devotees in a peaceful form as Shantamurthy in the dream.
- Despite their original intention to build a Narasimha Murthy temple, the devotees decided to install the peaceful-looking Perumal (Vishnu) along with his two consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi, and named the temple after Narasimha.
Lord Narasimha’s Appearance:
- Though the temple is dedicated to Narasimha, the Lord does not appear in the traditional lion-faced form.
- Instead, Lord Narasimha is depicted with conch and discus in his hands, performing the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection) and the Varadha Mudra (gesture of granting boons) to bless and ensure the safety of his devotees.
- The Lord is worshipped here as Narasimha Perumal, symbolizing his more serene and benevolent form, in contrast to the furious Narasimha who destroyed Hiranyakashipu.
Other Important Shrines:
- Shri Veeranjaneya (Hanuman): An important shrine in the temple complex is dedicated to Hanuman. The idol of Hanuman faces south, standing with one hand raised towards the raised tail, where a bell is tied. He holds a Sougandhika flower in one hand, symbolizing his devotion and grace.
- The Hanuman idol is considered special for its position and significance, enhancing the temple’s spiritual aura.
Location and Divine Guidance:
- The temple is situated on the banks of Kodaganaru, a sacred river. The river flows northward, referred to as Uttaravahini.
- The devotees, eager to construct a temple for Lord Narasimha, were unable to find a suitable place until Lord Narasimha appeared in a dream, revealing this exact location on the banks of the river.
- Following the divine instructions, the temple was built, and the idol was installed in the same form the Lord appeared in the dream. Although the temple is named after Narasimha, it features the peaceful form of Vishnu along with his consorts.

Beliefs

Devotes pray for freedom from the fear of death, escape from accidents and longevity and for the removal of obstacles in marriage alliances. Devotees offer Thirumanjanam to the Lord. As nivedhana, they offer tamarind rice (puliyodharai), sweet pudding (sarkarai pongal) and perform special pujas.

Special Features

The temple is said to be more than 1500 years old. The shrine of Lord Narasimha here graces from under a Padma (Lotus) designed roofing. Sri Veera Anjaneya graces from a shrine facing south in the corridor holding a Sougandhika flower. The Lord, though called Narasimha Perumal does not have the Lion face. The Lord appears in the sanctum sanctorum with His conch and discus with hands assuring safety to devotees (Abhaya Mudra) and offering boons (Varadha Mudra).