Keezhapavur Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple –  Thirunelveli

Address

Keezhapavur Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple –  Thirunelveli

Keezhapavur, Alangulam Taluk,

Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu -627806

Mobile: +91 94423 30643

Moolavar

Lakshmi Narasimhar

Amman

Alarmel Mangai

Introduction

• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Location: Keezhapavur village near Pavoorchatram, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• Age: Estimated to be 1000-2000 years old.
• Special Name: Called Dhakshina Ahobila (South Ahobila).
• Theertham: Narasimha Theertham.
• Historical Evidence: Inscriptions from Pandya and Chola eras discovered during renovation.

Puranic Significance

• Legend: Narada, Kashyapa Rishi, Varuna, and other Devas performed penance at Keezhapavur to witness Narasimha avatar.
• Divine Appearance: Lord Vishnu appeared as Prasanna Venkatachalapathy with Mahalakshmi and displayed his Ugra Narasimha form slaying Hiranyakasipu.
• Unique Phenomenon: Roaring sound of a lion was historically reported from the temple.

Beliefs

• Devotee Appeals:
  • Relief from debt.
  • Resolution of delayed marriages.
• Special Offerings:
  • Ghee lamps.
  • Circumambulation (16 rounds) offering Panakam (sweet drink).
  • Milk and tender coconut abishek on Swati star and Pradosham days.

Special Features

• Unique Depiction of Narasimha:
  • Ugra Narasimha with 16 hands is a rare form seen only in a few temples.
  • Depicted with Hiranyakasipu on his lap, intestines used as garland, and divine weapons in hands.
  • Accompanied by Kayadu (Hiranyakasipu’s wife), Prahaladha, King Kasi Pandiyan, and Narada Maharishi.
  • Carving includes hand-fans symbolizing Devas and Rishis calming the Lord.
  • Seen in a sitting posture facing east, with a fierce expression.
• Comparison with Other Temples:
  • Similar form of Ugra Narasimha seen at Ahobila (Jwala Narasimha) and Singirikudi (near Pondicherry).

Temple Structure

• Sanctum Sanctorum:
  • Features Prasanna Venkatachalapathy with Mother Alarmel Mangai facing east.
  • Small-sized sanctum resembling a cave temple.
• Narasimha Theertham: Sacred spring associated with calming the Lord’s anger.

Festivals

• Main Celebrations:
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi (Dec-Jan).
  • Narasimha Jayanthi.
  • Purattasi Saturdays (Sep-Oct).
  • Swathi star days.
  • Pradosham (13th day from the new/full moon).

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/05/lakshmi-narasimhar-temple-keezhapavur.html

Century/Period

2000 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Keezhapavur

Nearest Railway Station

Tenkasi

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram

Location on Map

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