Sreemath Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Sreemath Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Kadiri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh 515591

Dety

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Amman: Lakshmi

Introduction

• The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated in Kadiri, Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, just 1.5 km from Kadiri Railway Station and approximately 100 km from Anantapur, 113 km from Kadapa, and 458 km from Hyderabad.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the Man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) deity, emerging from the roots of the Khadri tree (Indian mulberry).
• A unique feature of the temple is that after daily Abhishekam (ritual bathing), the idol of Lord Narasimha continuously oozes sweat, even after being wiped by the priests.

Puranic Significance

• The temple’s construction is believed to have begun during the Western Chalukya dynasty but was completed during the Vijayanagara period. Most inscriptions in the temple date back to the Vijayanagar era, including one stating that it was built by a Nayaka under the reign of Bukka I in 1332 AD.
• The Raja Gopuram (tower) was built by Harihararaya, and the temple is historically significant as both Sri Krishna Devaraya, the famed king of Vijayanagara, and Shivaji, the Maratha king, visited this temple, contributing to its construction and development.
• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Narasimha spontaneously emerged from the roots of the Khadri tree to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu. The unique sweating of the idol after the Abhishekam adds to the temple’s divine aura and attracts numerous devotees.

Temple Structure and Features

• The name Kadiri is derived from Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, symbolizing the Khadri tree from which the deity emerged.
• The temple has a spacious layout adorned with intricate sculptures and beautiful idols. The Garbhagriha (sanctum) is decorated with four lions at the corners, and the idol of Lord Narasimha features eight arms and a lion face, with Hiranyakashyapa and Prahlada depicted standing with folded hands behind him, illustrating the entire mythological narrative.
• The temple has four entrances, with the main eastern entrance constructed by Harihararaya. A statue of Anjaneya (Hanuman) greets visitors at this entrance.
• The deity is represented in various forms, with a metal image of Vishnu flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi, placed in the Prahladhanukra Murthy complex.
• The temple faces east and features a large pushkarini (temple tank) located in the northeast corner. Every wall inside the temple is embellished with intricate carvings depicting deities and puranic stories.

Special Features

• The temple is surrounded by a vast walled compound with gopuras (towered gateways) over each entrance.
• The presence of Sri Mahalakshmi, the Lord’s consort, who is known as Sri Amruthavalli, adds to the temple’s sanctity.
• The idol of Prahlada stands beside Lord Narasimha, reinforcing the narrative of protection and devotion.
• The Madileru River, also known as the Arjuna River, flows nearby, recognized for being the site where Arjuna performed penance. The river is associated with six theerthams (sacred waters): Sweta Pushkarini, Bhrugu Theertham, Sesha Theertham, Kunti Theertham, Lakshmi Theertham, Ganga Theertham, and Garuda Theertham.

Festivals

• The temple hosts a grand annual festival known as Brahmotsavam, celebrated with great fervor during the month of March-April, although the specific dates vary according to the Indian calendar.

Century/Period/Age

1332 AD

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Ananthapur.

Nearest Railway Station

Kadiri.

Nearest Airport

Puttaparthi, Tirupathi, Kadapa

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