Yanaimalai Othakadai Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple, Madurai

Address

Yanaimalai Othakadai Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple, Narasingam, Othakadai, Yanaimalai, Madurai – 625 107 Mobile: +91 98654 88821

Deity

Yoga Narasimha Perumal Amman: Narasingavalli Thayar

Introduction

• Located at the foot of Yanaimalai hills, Narasingam, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Yoga Narasimha and his consort Narasingavalli.
• A rock-cut temple showcasing Pandya Kingdom cave architecture.
• Positioned between Alagar Koyil (north) and Thiru Mohur (east).

Puranic Significance

• Construction History: Started by Maran Kari in 770 A.D. and completed by his brother Maran Eyinan.
• Sage Romasa Legend: Sage Romasa’s penance led to the appearance of Ugra Narasimha, who calmed down into Yoga Narasimha after help from Prahlada.
• Chakra Theertham: Sacred water believed to have cured Lord Shiva of Brahma Hathi Dosham (curse).
• Elephant Hill Legend: Lord Narasimha protected the Pandya king from a mystical elephant, turning it into a hill.
• The hill, Yanaimalai, resembles an elephant, also known as Gajagiri or Hasthigiri.

Special Features

• Main Deity: Yoga Narasimha carved into the rock, six feet tall, in a seated meditative posture with Chakra and Shangu in his hands.
• Utsava Idol: Unique standing posture of Narasimha, holding Sudarsana (discus), Panchajanya (conch), Gathai (club), and blessing with Abhaya Hastha.
• Mother Deity: Narasingavalli in a separate shrine facing south.
• Other Shrines: Dedicated to Anjaneya and Garuda.
• Chakra Theertham: Sacred water believed to cleanse sins.

Festivals

• Narasimha Jayanthi: Celebrates Lord Narasimha’s incarnation, reenacting the Gajendra Moksham episode.
• Maasi Pournami: Full moon day ritual of Girivalam (circumambulation) and Abhishekam (oil bath) for Lord Narasimha.
• Swathi Thirumanjanam: Special pujas during the rise of Swathi star, Yoga Narasimha’s birth star.
• Pradosham Thirumanjanam: Celebrates Narasimha’s incarnation during Pradosham period for spiritual growth.

Century/Period/Age

770 A .D

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Othakadai

Nearest Railway Station

Madurai

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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