Velachery Yoga Narasimhar Temple, Chennai

Address

Velachery Yoga Narasimhar Temple, Velachery Rd, Ram Nagar, Murugapakkam, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042

Deity

Yoga Narasimhar Amman: Amirtha Bala Valli Thaayar

Introduction

• The Yoga Narasimhar Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Velachery, a prominent area in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The presiding deity is Yoga Narasimhar, while the Goddess is worshiped as Amirtha Bala Valli Thaayar.
• This temple, considered an Abhimana Sthalam, is situated close to the Dandeeswarar Temple.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is believed to be 1,500 years old, constructed during the Chola era, along with the nearby Dandeeswarar and Chelliamman temples.
• Stone inscriptions from the reigns of Raja Raja Chola and Pallava King Dhandi Varma have been found.
• A bronze idol of Veda Narayana from the Pallava period predates the temple’s recorded history.

Legends Associated with the Temple

1. Vedasreni and Purification of the Vedas:
   • During the Treta Yuga, demon Somasura stole the Vedas from Lord Brahmma.
   • Lord Vishnu retrieved the Vedas, which, having been tainted by the demon, prayed to Lord Shiva at this location for purification.
   • Lord Shiva sanctified them, and the place was named Vedasreni, later evolving into Velachery.
2. Lord Narasimha’s Darshan to Prahlada:
   • Lord Narasimha is believed to have appeared before Prahlada here, blessing him after defeating his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu.
3. Velvichery and Yagnas:
   • The area was known as Velvichery due to the numerous yagnas (sacrifices) performed here, eventually becoming Velachery.
4. Shaivite and Vaishnavite Communities:
   • Historically, the Velachery Main Road divided the Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities.
   • The agraharam near Dandeeswarar Temple housed Shaivite Iyers, while the one near Yoga Narasimha Temple accommodated Vaishnavite Iyengars and Telugu Brahmins.

Special Features

• Temple Layout:
  • The temple has east and west entrances, with the Rajagopuram (tower) on the west.
  • The deity, Yoga Narasimhar, faces west and is seated in a yogic posture with Shangu and Chakra in his upper hands and his lower hands resting on his knees.
• Unique Aspects:
  • The Moolavar idol is a 4-ft-tall depiction of Yoga Narasimha, surrounded by depictions of the Nine Forms of Narasimha on the sanctum’s outer walls.
  • Prahlada stands in front of the deity instead of the traditional Garuda.
• Historical Elements:
  • The temple features inscriptions from the Raja Raja Chola period.
  • The bronze idol of Vedanarayana Perumal, older than the temple itself, is enshrined in the Manimandapam.
• Other Shrines:
  • Shrines dedicated to Andal, Chakrathazhwar, Kothandaramar, Anjaneya, Ramanuja, and other deities are located within the premises.
  • A banyan tree with Naga idols is present near the Dwajasthambam.
• Recent Renovation:
  • The temple was entirely rebuilt in granite and consecrated in 2016 by the Prahlada Kainkarya Trust.

Festivals

• Narasimha Jayanti is celebrated with grandeur, attracting devotees from across the region.

Century/Period/Age

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Velachery

Nearest Railway Station

Velachery Metro Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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