Poovarasankuppam Sri Lakshmi Narashima Swamy Temple, Villupuram

Address

Sri Lakshmi Narashima Swamy Temple, Poovarasankuppam, Villupuram-605105 Phone: 9944238917, 9786518444 +91-413 269 8191, 94439 59995

Deity

Lakshmi Narashima Swamy AMMAN: Amirthavalli

Introduction

• Location: Poovarasan Kuppam, about 18 km north of Panruti and 18 km east of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Significance: Often referred to as South Ahobilam or Dakshina Ahobilam, this temple is one of the foremost shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha and is part of a group of four Narasimha temples around Villupuram, which includes Anthili, Parikkal, and Singiri. It is believed that visiting this temple and offering a 48-day prayer can help alleviate debts and enemies.

Puranic Significance

• Ancient Origins: The temple is approximately 5000 years old and is believed to be the site where Lord Narasimha granted darshan to the Sapta Rishis (seven sages) along with his consort.
• Incarnation of Lord Narasimha: Lord Narasimha manifested as a human-lion deity in response to the prayers of his devotee Prahalada, to slay the demon king Hiranyakasipu. After defeating the king, Narasimha’s anger persisted, leading him to roam throughout India.
• Darshan to the Rishis: The Sapta Rishis prayed to Lord Narasimha for his darshan on the northern shore of the river South Pennai, known as Dakshina Pinnakini. At Poovarasan Kuppam, Lord Narasimha appeared before them, but his intensity was overwhelming. The Goddess Amirthavalli (Lakshmi) sat on his lap and looked at him with one eye and at the rishis with the other, calming him down. This unique pose of the Goddess is believed to symbolize her presentation of the devotees’ petitions to the Lord. It is said to be the only temple in the world where Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is depicted in this manner.

Special Features

• Historical Significance: The temple features stone etchings dating back to the 3rd century AD, with references to construction during the reign of the Narasimha Pallavas in the 7th century AD. There are also inscriptions indicating a visit by Krishna Deva Raya.
• Temple Layout: The main sanctum (Sannidhi) houses the idol of Lakshmi Narasimha. Notably, the Garudalwar (the eagle mount of Vishnu) faces the main sanctum, and the deity is depicted in a unique posture, pacified by Goddess Lakshmi.
• Unique Iconography:
  • The posture of Lakshmi is particularly special, as one eye of the Goddess is directed towards the Lord, while the other welcomes devotees.
  • Both Lakshmi and Narasimha are depicted at the same height in this temple, symbolizing their equality and oneness.
  • The main sanctum also includes the Uthsavamoorthi (processional deity) of both Narasimha and Lakshmi, along with a separate Sannidhi for Amirthavalli Thayar located in the northeast corner.

Festivals

• The temple celebrates various festivals, including:
  • Narasimha Jayanthi
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi
  • Ratha Sapthami
  • Tamil and English New Year
  • Purattasi Saturdays
• Special poojas are conducted during every Swathi Nakshatram.

Century/Period/Age

5000 years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Poovarasankuppam

Nearest Railway Station

Villupuram

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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