Singiri Kudi Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Singiri Kudi, Cuddalore – 605 007 Phone: +91 413 261 8759

Deity

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy AMMAN: Kanakavalli Thaayar

Introduction

• Location: The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated in Singirikudi, a town in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is one of the four significant Narasimha temples in the region, alongside Anthili, Poovarasan Kuppam, and Parikkal.
• Orientation: The three Narasimha temples—Parikkal, Poovarasan Kuppam, and Singirikudi—are aligned from west to east, with Lord Narasimha at Singirikudi facing west towards the other two temples, creating a spiritual connection among them. It is considered auspicious for devotees to visit all three temples in one day.

Puranic Significance

• Sage Vashista’s Redemption: A significant legend associated with this temple is that of Sage Vashista, who was relieved of his curse here.
  • King Nimi’s Yagna: King Nimi conducted numerous yagnas to secure boons from the Devas and aimed to perform an Indra Yagna for the welfare of mankind. Unable to perform it himself, he sought the help of Sage Vashista, who promised to visit him the next day.
  • Curse Exchange: When Sage Vashista sought entry to the king’s palace but was denied by the guards, he cursed the king to lose his identity and wander without a body. The king, feeling wronged, reciprocated with a curse on the sage. Consequently, both wandered aimlessly in the atmosphere.
  • Salvation Through Penance: The assembled sages performed a yagna to liberate them. Sage Vashista sought Lord Brahma’s guidance, who advised him to undertake penance at Singirikudi. Following the sage’s penance, he attained liberation from his curse.
• Prahaladha’s Visit: According to tradition, after visiting the Thiru Vahindapuram Divya Desam, Prahaladha is believed to have come to Singirikudi to seek the blessings of Ugra Narasimha.
• Krishnaranya Kshetram: The temple’s ancient name is Krishnaranya Kshetram, but it is popularly known as Singar Koil.

Beliefs

• Devotional Practices: Devotees facing mental distress, debt burdens, threats from enemies, or obstacles in marriage proposals come to the temple seeking solace. Common practices include:
  • Lighting ghee lamps on Tuesdays.
  • Performing Archana with Tulsi leaves.
• Fulfillment of Boons: Upon receiving their boons, devotees perform Tirumanjanam (ritual bathing) for Lord Narasimha and Mother Kanakavalli, often offering vastras and feeding visitors as a form of gratitude.

Special Features

• Historical Significance: The temple, belonging to the Chola period, is linked to the Azhwar of Singavezhkundram (around 1051 A.D.). Inscriptions within the temple detail donations made by Chola Kings and Krishnadevaraya to Lord Narasimha.
• Architectural Elements:
  • The temple features a five-tiered Rajagopuram and is unique as it portrays Lord Narasimha in a furious form with 16 hands, a representation of his fierce aspect during the destruction of Hiranyakasipu.
  • The deity faces west, maintaining a connection with the other Narasimha temples. The temple showcases three forms of Narasimha—Presiding Deity, Yoga Narasimha, and Bala Narasimha—each facing north within the sanctum, a rare portrayal found only in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.
• Mother Kanakavalli: The goddess is worshipped in a separate shrine facing east, while the procession deity, Prahladha Varadan, is depicted standing under the Bhavana Vimana with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

Festivals

• Narasimha Jayanthi: The temple celebrates a grand ten-day Brahmotsavam during Narasimha Jayanthi, which includes festivities starting nine days prior to the event, marked by a car festival in Chithirai (April-May).
• Other Festivals:
  • Theerthavari: Celebrated during Masi Magam (February-March) at the Puducherry sea.
  • Pavithra Utsavam: Held in Aipasi (October-November).
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi: Marked by the opening of the Paradise Gate (Sorgavasal), with Garuda Seva in the evening and Theerthavari on Mattupongal (generally January 15 or the following day in some years).

Century/Period/Age

1000 – 2000 years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Singiri koyil

Nearest Railway Station

Villinaur, Puducherry

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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