nrsimhadev shrines in andhra pradesh

Nrsimhadev Shrines in Andhra Pradesh

BY: SUN STAFF http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/features939.htm

— A tour of some of Lord Nrsimhadev's glorious abodes in Andhra Pradesh.

http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/features939.htm

Pana Narasimha, who resides in a hill shrine at Mangalagiri. Devotees pour sweet water (pani)into the Lord's open mouth, and worship it as prasadam.

Feb 22, CANADA (SUN) — A tour of some of Lord Nrsimhadev's glorious abodes in Andhra Pradesh.

The three most well-known Narasimha shrines in Andhra Pradesh are Ahobilam, Simhachalam and Mangalagiri. Mangalagiri means The Auspicious Hill. This place is one of the 8 important Mahakshetrams (sacred places) in India. The eight places where Lord Vishnu manifested himself are (1) Sri Rangam (2) Srimushnam (3) Naimisam (4) Pushkaram (5) Salagamadri (6) Thothadri (7) Narayanasramam (8) Venkatadri.

Thotadri is the present Mangalagiri. Lakshmi Devi has done tapas on this hill, and that's why it was named "The Auspicious Hill". There are three Narasimha Swamy temples in Mangalagiri. One is Panakala Narasimha Swamy on the hill, another is Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at the foot of the temple, and the third is Gandala Narasimha Swamy at the top of the hill.

From all the directions, the shape of the hill looks like an elephant. The mountain is said to have come into existence when Pariyatra, an ancient king, had a son name Hrasva Srungi who visited all the holy and sacred places to regain normal bodily stature. He finally visited the holy place of Mangalagiri and stayed for three years, performing penance. All the devathas advised him to stay at Mangalagiri and continue to do penance in praise of Lord Vishnu. The father of Hrasva Srungi came with his retinue to take his son back to his kingdom, but Hrasva Srungi took the shape of an elephant to remain and become the abode of Lord Vishnu, who is locally known as Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy.

Mangalagiri

The temple of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy is situated on the Auspicious Hill. On the right side of the steps provided to reach the temple there is a stone inscription by Sri Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar. A little further up, there are the worshipable Footprints of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Midway on the steps there is a temple of Lord Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy (Pana-nrsimha, pictured above) with His mouth widely opened.

A dhwajasthambham was erected in front of the temple in 1955. Behind the temple there is the temple of Sri Lakshmi, to the west of which is a tunnel believed to lead to Vundavalli caves on the banks of the Krishna. The stone inscription of the kings of Vijayanagar also relate to the conquest of Rayalu over Kondapalli, and Siddhiraju Thimmarajayya Devara's granting of a total of 200 kunchams (10 kunchams make one acre) land in 28 villages, of which Mangalagiri was one, and a gift of 40 kunchams by China Thirumalayya to Ramanujakutam.

The steps to the temple were constructed by Sri Channapragada Balaramadasu in 1890. There was a cave next to the Devi temple on the hill. It is said that there is a

way to Vundavalli from that cave, and the sages used to go that way to take bath in Krishna River. Now the cave is very dark, and the way cannot be seen.

The Demon Namuchi

Lord Nrsimhadeva has established Himself on the hill in His man-lion form, assumed to kill the demon Hiranyakasipu, who was the rakshasa father of the great devotee, Prahlada. The Lord is also called Sudarsana Narasimhaswamy. After great penance, the rakshasa Namuchi obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that he would not be killed by anything wet or dry. He then began to harass Indra and the devathas. Encouraged and supported by Lord Vishnu, Indra commenced destroying the army of rakshasa Namuchi, who died in a cave in Sukshmakaram (small size), giving up his sthulakaram (physical manifestation). Indra dipped Sudarsanam, the disc of Lord Vishnu, into the foam of the ocean and sent it into the cave. Lord Vishnu manifested Himself at the centre of the disc, destroyed the Pranavayuvu (life breath) of the rakshasa with the fire of His exhalation. He thus got the name of Sudarsana Narasimha.

The blood that flowed from the body of the rakshasa seemed to have formed into a pool at the foot of the hill. The devathas themselves were unable to withstand the fire of the anger of the Lord and they prayed for appeasement. The Lord took amritam (nectar) and cooled down. This was in Krithayugam. The Lord said that he would be satisfied with ghee in Threthayugam, with milk in Dwaparayugam and with panakam (jaggery water) in Kaliyugam. Hence, in Kaliyugam the Lord is known as Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy.

Nrsimhadev Shrines in Andhra Pradesh, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

Sri Lakshminarasimha with Consort at Mattapalle Photo by M.N. Srinivasan for The Hindu


Getting Shelter of Lord Nrsimhadev in Threthayugam

In Threthayugam, the second of the four yugas, people who enjoyed in heaven as a result of their good deeds in the world are most unhappy to return to this world (when once the fruits of good deeds are exhausted, and the soul has to come back to the world). Some prayed to Lord Indra, the Lord of heaven, to save them from the impending fate. Indra advised them to spend their time in the world at Mangalagiri to attain heaven again.

In Krithayugam, the first of the four yugas when the sinners were few, Yamadharmaraja, the Lord of hell, advised them to wash off their sins by doing penance at Mangalagiri. Mangalagiri has been in existence since the beginning of the Universe, known by the names Anjanadri in Krithayugam, Thotadri in Threthayugam, Mangaladri and Mukthyadri in Dwaparayugam, and Mangalagiri in Kaliyugam. In all ages, Mangalagiri affords salvation to sinners.

In Krithayugam, Vaikhanasa Maharshi worshipped Lord Nrsimhadev, and the Deity is worshipped there even today in the temple. It is also said that Lord Rama, while departing for Vaikuntam after completing his mission in that incarnation, advised Anjaneya to stay at Mangalagiri, after obtaining his blessings to remain in this world for ever. Anjaneya took his adobe at Mangalagiri as Kshetrapalaka.

Panakala Narasimha Swamy - God Who Drinks Panakam

It is said that here in Mangalagiri, God is self-existent. In the temple, there will be no Deity of the Lord, but only mouth, widely opened to 15 cms. The mouth is covered by the metal face of Sri Panka-Nrimsha. The temple is to be opened till afternoon only, so that the devatas will perform pujas in the night. Pana-nrsimha takes jaggery water as an offering, poured with a conch. When the sweet water is poured into the mouth of the Lord, a gurgling sound is clearly audible as if the Lord is actually drinking it and the sound becomes shriller and shriller as and when the Lord is drinking. The sound will come to a stop after sometime and the balance of the jaggery water is thrown out. This phenomenon happens not once in a day, but is a recurring feature during the course of the day, as devotees offer panakam. It is interesting to note that not even a single ant is to be found near the Lord or around the temple in spite of the offering of so much jaggery water. As the offering of the panakam to the Lord is peculiar, the Lord here is called Panakala Narasimhaswamy. vBehind the temple there is the shrine of Sri Lakshmi, to the west of which there is a natural cave. This case is believed to lead to Undavalli caves on the banks of the Krishna river, and the sages used to travel through to take bath in Krishna River. Now, the cave is very dark and the way cannot be seen. Today the temple can be reached by a walkway and by road.

Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

At the foot of the hill, there is another temple whose origin is traced to the time of Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Yudhishtira is said to be the founder of the chief Deity of this temple and the deity here is called Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. In Vijayawada itself, 8 miles from Mangalagiri, there is a hill called Indrakeeladri in which Arjuna is said to have done tapascharya (penance) in order to obtain the weapon Pasupata from Lord Siva.

About 200 ago back Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu, who ruled from Amaravati, constructed a stupendous gopuram (tower) on the eastern gate of the Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple. It is one of the highest gopurams in South India and the only one of its type in this part of India. It is 153ft. in height and 49 feet wide with 11 storeys, and gates facing east and west. This great and imposing tower dwarfs the central shrine. The devoted patience of thousands of skilled craftsmen and the labour of many more apprentices which have gone into this great structure are a testimony to the religious fervour which characterized the builder. After constructing the gopuram, it was found to be leaning towards one direction. The Kancheepuram architects suggested to dig a tank opposite to the tower. After digging the tank, it is said that, the tower became straight.

The Deity of the Lord in the form of Narasimha (man-lion) and that of Lakshmi Devi to His left are of stone. The garland of the Lord with 108 saligrams is of special significance here. Dakshanavrutha Sankham, a special conch believed to be one that was used by Lord Krishna, is one more possession of significance of the Lord. There is also an ancient ratha (temple car) belonging to the temple with ornamental wood carvings depicting the scenes from the great epics of Bharata, Bhagavatha and Ramayana.

Thimmaraju Devaraju, a military chieftain of the Vijayanagar rulers, improved this temple. He had constructed prakarams (compound walls), mandapas, gopurams, five images of Lord Bhairava, a festival chariot, ten varieties of courts for annual ceremonies, flower gardens, lakes and tanks. He also installed utsava vigrahas in the temple, which are metal images intended for being taken out in procession.

Sri Garuda Vahanam

To the north of the temple there is a temple of Sri Rajyalakshmi ,to the south that of Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, and to the west Vahanasala (the store house for the vehicles of which the golden Garudavahanam, the silver Hanumanthavahanam and Ponnavahanam are noteworthy). The Lakshmi Narayana temple and the Anjaneya Mandiram in Pedda Bazar are the other places of worship in the town.

Gandalayam

On the top of the hill, there is no deity for the Lord. There is only facility to put a deepam (lamp). If anyone gets miseries then they go there, light the deepam with cow ghee, and they lose the miseries. That lamp is visible from many villages.


BY: SUN STAFF

Pana Nrsimhadev


Festivals at Mangalagiri

Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmothsavam is very important annual festival in Mangalagiri. The celebration was inaugurated by Dharmaraja at the behest of Lord Krishna. Pradyumna, Krishna's son, requested his father to celebrate his birthday annually for a sapthaham (seven days) from Phalguna Suddha Sapthami. Lord Krishna entrusted this work to Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas, who was the successor to the throne at Hasthinapur.

At present the festival is celebrated for 11 days commencing from Phalguna Suddha Shasti (February-March). One day before Phalguna Suddha Purnima, i.e. on Caturdasi, the marriage of Santha Narasimha Swamy, Sridevi and Bhoodevi is celebrated. The Agama sastra is followed for this celebrations. Before the marriage, Chenchus celebrate on the occasion of Narasimha Swamy marrying their daughter, Chenchu Lakshmi. On that night, Narasimha Swamy comes by His Sesha Vahanam and participates in Eduru Kola.

The next day after the marriage is Purnima, on which the Holi festival is celebrated. The same day here, people celebrate Tirunalla, and about 1,000,000 people from

local and from distant places congregate together. The Lord goes on procession in a big chariot and hundreds of devotees pull His cart with fervour and enthusiasm.

Srirama Navami, Hanumajayanthi, Narasimhajayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Mahasivarathri are the other festivals celebrated here on a large scale. On Mahasivarathri, the Lord goes on procession in a small chariot.

Ksheera Vruksham (The milk tree)

Ksheera vruksham on the Mangalagiri hill is a great attraction, particularly to the woman devotees. King Sasibandi was advised by Narada to visit pilgrimages, so the King left the kingdom and his queen for that purpose. When the queen came to know about this she grew furious and cursed Narada to become a Ksheera vruksham on the hill within easy reach of devotees. There, for having ill-advised her husband to desert her and take to penance, the milk tree remains, blessing women at its very sight and eradicating sins committed out of ignorance or oversight. Narada took this not as a curse but as a boon since it meant service to humanity. He blessed the queen with happy life with her husband and a thousand children. Even today, thousands of women visit and worship the milk tree on Mangalagiri hill for begetting children.

There is a local legend connected with the making of the procession idols of the temple. A reputed goldsmith was appointed to make the processional images of the Lord. The panchalohas (five metals) are melted together in a huge crucible and smeared over the images to form a brilliant coating. Despite all the goldsmith's skill and care, the metals kept separating themselves, and this bitter disappointment continued day after day. He began the process of burning one day after praying for the Lord's grace, then he heard a voice that success in his work required human sacrifice. Just then his son rushed to him and asked the father for water to quench his great thirst. The goldsmith lifted his son and threw him into the molten mixture of the five metals and the body disappeared in no time. The amalgam was cast and beautiful icons of the Lord were then completed. After completing the work, the goldsmith thought about his son and called out in agony, come my son and I will give you water to quench your thirst. It is believed that the body jumped out of the image and stood before his father.

Gali Gopuram (Tower)

Thoorpu Gali Gopuram (the tower on the East Side) is a main attraction of the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Vijayanagara kings constructed three storeys and Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu constructed another 8 storeys. Raja Vasireddy's addition was constructed from 1807 to 1809. The height of this temple is 153 feet and the width is 49 feet. It is very rare to find towers that have less width and more height than this tower.

Utthara Gali Gopuram (the tower on the North Side) is opened on the Vaikunta Ekadasi (Mukkoti) day. It was constructed by Rangapuram Jamindar Madapati Venkateswararao in 1911. When Padamati Gali Gopuram (the tower on the West Side) was being constructed, some of the stones accidentally fell down and some workers died. Due to this incident the work was stopped and has not been started till now. Dhakshina Gali Gopuram (the tower on the South Side) was renovated in 1992 for Krishna pushkaras by the initiative of the Executive officer, Sri Nootakki Kotaiah.

Source : Mangalagiri Pattana Vikasa Mandali


BY: SUN STAFF

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, Dharmapuri


In yesterday's segment, we featured an image described as Lord Nrsimhadev on a Simha (lion) Vahana. The image was acquired from a Mangalagiri temple archive, and the representation of the Lord's lion vahana (carrier) jives with sastric descriptions of one of Nrsimhadeva's vahanas. However, one of our readers advises us that this image is not Lord Nrsimhadev, but rather a Durga expansion called Prathyangira devi, who is recognizable by garment and crescent. At the moment we are unable to confirm either opinion from sastric descriptions of form and iconography, but we call the question to our reader's attention. The contested image has been replaced in the feature article, but can be seen here.

Three of the most well-known shrines of Lord Narasimhadev in Andhra Pradesh are found in Ahobilam, Simhachalam, and Mangalagiri. Today we move on from our first three segments on Mangalagiri to the Karimnagar district, Telengana region of Andhra Pradesh. There, in the town of Dharmapuri is found the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Devasthanam, in which Yoga Narasimha resides.

On average, more than 1,000 devotees each day visit Lord Narasimha at Dharmapuri. The holy dhama of Dharmapuri is the place where Ugra Narasimha went to cool his temper after killing the demon Hiranyakasipu. At Dharmapuri, the Lord went into a deep meditation with yoga mudra, thereby getting His name of Yoga Narasimha. The shrine was built in honor of the Lord's pastime by the King of Dharmapuri, Dharma Varma, who was a staunch devotee of Narasimhadev. King Dharma Varma is said to have performed meditation on Lord Brahma and Visnu, asking to be given a vision of Lord Narasimha in the Sowmya-roopam as opposed to the terrifying Ugra form. Lord Brahma bestowed this boon on the King.

http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/nrsimha2.jpg

Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri is well known for its rich culture and artistic community, which includes theatre, classical music and poetry. There are many temples in the town besides Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Mandir. One, the Shiva panchayatanam, is a miniature temple housing Deities of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Nagaraja and Nandiswara.

Dharmapuri is located on the banks of the River Godavary, and is therefore called Dakshin Kashi. A Vedic school and Sanskrit college are located here. The dhama is also called Hari Hara Kshetra due to the presence of Lord Shiva in the form of Ramalingeshwara. Other Deities to be found here that are quite rare include Lord Brahma, Lord Yamadharmaraja, and Lord Shiva in a form other than his typical Lingakaram form. Also found here are Deities of Balarama and Murali Krsna, along with eight images of Hanuman.

Each day, a number of nitya-sevas are performed on the main altar of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Devastanam. These include suprabhata seva, abhishekam, nitya archana, nivedana and neerajana manthra pushpam, sarva darshanam and archana, sahasra namarchana, sarva darshanam and nitya kalyanam, maha nivedana and archana, srva darshanam and archana, and finally sashwata nidhi seva, Laxmi asthottaram, kumkumarchana and nivedana.

Sri Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy

Special pujas include Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Nitya Abhisheka Saswata Nidhi, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Ksheerabhisheka Shaswata Nidhi, Narasimha Navaratra Sashata Nidhi Nitya Kalyanam, and Yoga Narasimha Swami Saswata Nidhi (Abhisekham, Seva, Kumkumarchana).

The Brahmotsavams, typically known as jatara in local dialect, are celebrated every year during the month of Phaluguna, which falls generally in February or March.


BY: SUN STAFF

Sri Varaha Laksmi-Nrsimha, Presiding Deity at Simhachalam


Varaha Laksmi-narasimha Temple at Simhachalam

Simhachalam, the Hill of the Lion (Simha means "lion", and chalam means "hill"), is located 18 km from Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Here we find a most beautiful 11th century temple in which resides the presiding Deity, Sri Varaha Laksmi-narasimha. Millions of devotees each year come to visit Lord Varaha Lakshmi-narasimha, Whose form combines the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha.

The Deity resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandalpaste. Sandal paste was offered to Lord Nrsimhadev to appease His fury after the slaying of Hiranyakasipu. Once a year only, during the Chandana Visarjana, the Visaka day in May, (Akshaya Tritiya day), the sandal paste is removed from the Deity so the devotees will get to see the real Form of the Lord. The Deity is sculpted in tribhanga posture, having two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso.

The Nijaroopa Darshan, or appearance in true form, continues for 12 hours and lakhs of people from various parts of the State gather at the temple to worship the Deity. Peeling off the old sandal paste from the Deity and applying new paste takes about 18 hours. Devotees get to see the true form of the deity during the inter regnum.

Sandalwood is specially brought from Vellipoottur in Tamil Nadu to be used in preparing the paste which is applied three times a year, on Vaisakha Pournami, Jyestha Pournami and Ashadha Pournami. About 120 kg of sandal paste is applied each time.

On Sravana Pournami, the Lord is covered in the sandal and decorated with opulent ornaments, known as Karala Chandana Samarpana. Today, Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple, after Tirupati, for donations from pilgrims.

Puranic History of the Temple

The Sthala Purana for the temple describes the temple in 32 chapters, and Vedavyasa wrote about the original temple in the Skanda Purana.

According to Puranic records, Hiranyakasipu tried to punish his son Prahlada by throwing him into the sea. He then placed Simhachalam hill over his head in order to drown him. Lord Narasimha rescued Prahlada, tilted the hill by standing it on one side so that Prahlada could escape. Later Prahlada founded this shrine.

The Sthala Purana consists of a further account of the foundation of the temple. The temple was at one time a favorite resort of the demigods, but fell into disuse. Urvashi, the divine apsara, informed Pururavas that she had come to the Simhadri hill when Lord Narayana came as Narasimha in order to save Prahlada. Urvashi with Pururavas found the Gangadhara rivulet flowing west.

Pururavas wished to have darshan of the Lord through penance. On the third day of meditation he saw the Lord in his dream, telling Pururavas that an ant-hill in front of the king held the Deity, and the king should offer flowers, sandal wood, music, lamps, and incense to the Lord. The king woke up, searched the anthill, found the Deity, renovated the temple and consecrated it. However, he did not find the Lord's feet. The Lord informed the king that the feet will not be visible, and are hidden in the earth,. Sight of them will get one salvation, so they should not be seen in pure form, but only covered with sandal paste. The exception is for one day on Akshaya Tritiya, when the mere sight of the Lord's feet is enough to bestow salvation. The Vyasa pournami, the Ashadha pournami days, and the Kalyanotsava in the first week of April are also important festival days here.

Temple Architecture

The Simhachalam temple faces the West unlike so many others which face to the East. An east-facing entrance is said to bring prosperity, while the west-facing entrance brings victory. This ancient temple was renovated by the Chalukyas in the 11th century and again by the Eastern Gangas in the 13th century. Tamil Cholas and Vijayanagar emperors also patronized it. Built on a hill, the temple has exquisitely

carved halls, with extensive application of both Chalukyan and Orissan styles of architecture.

The inscriptions on the walls and pillars provide a great deal of information on the temple's history. There is an inscription dated 1099 AD belonging to King Kulottungachola, who conquered Kalinga. Another belongs to the Velnati Chief, Gonka III and is dated 1137 AD, and states that he covered the image of the Lord with gold. There are a number of inscriptions from the Eastern Ganga kings of Kalinga. King Narasimha I constructed the central shrine, the Mukhamantapa, the Natyamantapa, etc. The Reddy king of Rajahmundry, the Vishnu-Vardhana Chakravarthins of Panchadarla and others also contributed to enriching the temple. Sri Krishna Devaraya visited this temple twice in 1516 and 1519 AD, and the jewelry offered by him to the Lord, including an emerald necklace, can still be seen here.

The temple is 800 feet above sea level. A flight of steps leads all the way from the foot to the top of the hill, to the temple. At the foot of the hill there are choultries for the pilgrims to stay. Many take bath in the Pushkarani, located near to the foothill. Pilgrims process up through a grove of trees. On the top north side is found a wooded hollow surrounded by a wide circle, resembling an amphitheater. This is the temple of Lord Narasimha of the Northern Circars.

Simhachalam is surrounded by large mountain upon which grow many trees with great medicinal values. By visiting this sthalam, pilgrims are not only blessed by getting darshan of Sri Narasimhadev, but also benefit from His mercy by way of the air, which is mixed with medical herbs that will cure many diseases.

The temple comprises of a square shrine, with a tall gopura and mukhamantapa having a

small circular tower over it. The natyamandapam has a stone car drawn by two horses, and is enclosed by a veranda, into which scenes from the Vishnu Purana have been sculpted with great skill.

The temple artwork is similar to that of Konark, with elephants, flowers and plants carved into the walls and lintels. On the outer walls of the sanctum, images of King Narasimha are presented in various postures. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with a bas relief depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.

Outside the enclosure, to the north is the kalyanamantapam that has 96 exquisitely carved pillars, where the Kalyana Utsava is performed on the eleventh day of the Suklapaksha, Chaitramasa every year. Here Lord Vishnu is represented as Matsya, Dhanvantri and Varuna. There are also many murtis of Lord Narasimha here. A perennial spring called gangadhara is found here and is said to have medicinal properties.

One of the pillars in the Mukhantantapa is named Kappam Stambham, or the Pillar of Tribute. It attracts a large

number of pilgrims, in part due to the belief that the pillar has the power to cure cattle of diseases, and to eliminate barrenness in women.

Source: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Mandir


BY: SUN STAFF

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami and Rajyalakshmi Sametha Mattapalli Maha Kshetram


Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Maha Kshetra in Mattapalli

In the Huzurnagar taluq, Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh is the town of Mattapalli, which is home to another famous temple of Lord Narasimhadeva. Here, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami (also known as Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy) resides in His maha kshetram cave dwelling beside the Krishna River. The other presiding Deities of Mattapalli dhama are Sri Raajyalakshmi Thaayar and Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thaayar, who are present alongside Lord Narasimha.

Mattapalli is the centre of a cluster of Nrsimhadev temples, which are placed in all four directions: Vedadri, Vadapally, Vethapuram and Mangalagiri. Together, the five temples are known as the Pancha Narasimha Kshetras.

The importance of Mattapalli Kshetram is seen in this verse:

ekameva kshetram, mattapalli kshetram,na anyat kshetram, mattapalli tulyam,ekameva tatvam, mattapalli naatham,na anyat tatvam, palli Simha tulyam

"Mattapalli is the only pilgrim spot. There is no secondary whatsoever and there is no equal to it. There is only one Lord and He is the Lord of Mattapalli. There no secondary whosoever and none is comparable to him."

History of the Mattapalli Kshetra

The Lord has been radiating glory from the Mattapalli cave kshetra since time immemorial. Originally, Lord Nrsimhadeva was worshipped here only by the rishis and devas. Sri Bharadwaaja Maharshi worshipped the Deity here every day, accompanied by various other sages.

Later, during the Kali Yuga, the Lord appeared to a local devotee named Machireddi in a dream, telling him the location of His transcendental abode. Sri Anumala Machireddi was the ruler of Thangeda, which is located a few km from Mattapalli, on the opposite bank of the Krishna river. The Lord instructed Machireddi that his above could be identified by a tree, the Vedapatri. The Lord instructed Machireddi to open up the cave so that other devotees could also worship him.

The Maha Kshetram is located in the midst of a dense and lovely forest. At first, Machireddi and the pandits who accompanied him were unable to locate the Vedapatritree amongst the others in the forest. Finally, the Lord appeared in Machireddi's dream and pressed him to search further, near an "Aare" tree hidden behind the foliage. Machireddi came across a beautiful and effulgent bird seated in the tree. A monkey then led him to the exact place in the face of the mountain that needed to be cleared and opened.

Inside the cave, the Deity of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami was found in a seated posture, under the protection of Sesha naga's hooded head, fully adorned with Shankha Chakra Gadha. As if the Lord was being worshipped regularly, flowers, sacred leaves, fruits, etc. were also found there. Overjoyed, Machireddi then revealed the Maha Kshetram to the general public and constructed a Mukhaalaya.

Mattapalli Cave Temple - Main Tower

Physical

The sanctum sanctorium of Sri Mattapali Kshetram is located inside the cave, facing west. As soon as one moves down the narrow passage, they immediately come face-

to-face with Sri Narasimha Swami. A bas-relief silver kavacham displays the Lord's fierce lion form and features a prominent moustache.

Along the wall next to the Lord is His consort, Srimati Rajalakshmi. On her right can be seen a passage in the rock face. Now blocked, the passage at one time lead out of the cave, to the river. By this path, Bharadwaja came each day to worship the Deity. A few years ago, the river flooded up the passage and engulfed the Lord.

The temple's mukha mantapam has 21 pillars with a cement roof. Before the Vaikunta dvaara (north door) there is a mantapa with five pillars and a cement roof that was built in the 1970's. It measures 21feet x 18 feet. The mukhamantapam in front of the sanctum measures 24 feet x 45 feet and is about 20 feet high.

Because the sanctum cannot be circumambulated, the devotees perform pradakshinam by going around the Dhwajasthambha, where a stone murti of Hanuman faces the Lord. There is also a Ramanuja Kutam (madapalli or kitchen) to the north of the temple on the same premises, where the naivedya to the Lord is prepared.

There is an entrance to the temple which faces the south, and a series of steps leading down to the river Krishna, just outside the main temple but within the compound.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, Mattapalli - Garbhagriha, front view

Description of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum):

In the Garbhagriha, or sanctum sanctorum, there is a rock above the door into which is carved a motif of Gaja Lakshmi with two elephants raising their trunks upwards on either side. The roof of the Garbhagriha the rock cave wall.

The Lord manifested Himself on a rock, which is located on the backside of the Garbhagriha. Another rock is spread like the hood of Sesha over it. The Form of the Lord is 1 foot in height. He is seated in Padmasana, holding a chakra in His upper right hand and Sankha in His upper left hand. His lower left hand is on His left knee, and His lower right hand is not visible.

On the left side of the Lord are three Namams (Thirumann), and two eyes which are understood to be the Form of Prahlada Maharaja. A small, lengthy rectangular rock of about 1 foot is positioned at the feet of the Lord, and it is said to be "Chakri", an ardent devotee of the Lord who was not given mukti when he requested it, because the Lord did not want to be separated from him. Instead, the devotee was made into

a rock-like form and placed in the sanctum. Daily abhishekam is performed for this personality, also.

To the left of the manifested Lord there is a black stone image of Lakshmi devi that is 1.5 feet in height. Sitting on a lotus, she holds lotus flowers in her upper hands while her lower right hand is in Abhaya posture, and the left hand is in Suchi posture.

Below this Lakshmi image there is another image of Lakshmi, which is carved into a rock. This Lakshmi is not visible to the visitors, but the image of Rajya Lakshmi is installed for the darshan of the devotees. She holds the chakra, sankha and lotus and is in sitting posture. This Laksmi form measures 1.25 feet in height, and she wears a makuta on Her head. Elsewhere there are copper images of Sudarsana, Nammazhwar and another Azhwar.

To the right side of the sanctum, leading to the north door are eleven black stone images of the Azhwars, seven of which face the west while the remaining four face east. There is a trench on the left side of the Lord at some distance in the cave, which it is believed to lead to the river Krishna through an underground passage.

Temple Traditions and Festivals

Major celebrations take place at Sri Yogaswami kshetra during the Vykunta Ekadasi in January and at Kalyana Mahotsvam in May. Vaikhaanasa Aagama is followed here,

and the priest is a Sri Vaisnava hereditary priest. The temple closes each day at 12.30 p.m. and opens briefly before 1.30 p.m. for a final aarthi and distribution of prasadam. The temple does not open in the evenings, for that time is reserved for sacred worship by the rishis.

On the occasion of the Brahmotsavas, Mukkoti Ekadasi and Nrsimha Jayanthi, about 5,000 devotees from local and distant places congregate to worship. During festival days one-act-plays, dramas, dances, harikatha, bhajan and songs are provided for the pleasure of the Lord and the enrichment of the devotees. Prasadam is distributed to all the pilgrims.


BY: SUN STAFF


Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy in Yadagirigutta

Another of Andhra Pradesh's famous temple abodes of Lord Narasimhadev is found in the Nalgonda region, in the town of Yadagirigutta, 70 kms from Hyderabad. Because the sage Yadarishi is said to have been granted his wish to see the Lord here, the place became known by the name Yadagiri (giri means hill in Sanskrit, and gutta, which means hillock in Telugu. (The "gutta" seems to have been a latter-day suffix.) Being reputed as a place of worship for the sages, Yadagirigutta is also known as Rushi Aradhana Kshetram.

The sanctum is a natural cave on the Yadagiri hill. Jwala Narasimha (the Lord of flame), Ghandabheranda Narasimha (without an image) and Yoga Narasimha are all worshipped here, in addition to a silver Deity of Lakshmi-Narasimha and a shrine to Aandaalamma.

Two rock formations in the sanctum wall are revered as Jwala Narasimha and Yoga Narasimha respectively. The Jwala Narasimha resembles a serpent, while the Yoga Narasimha image is Lord Narasimha's Form in meditation. In His form of Yoga Narasimha, it is understood that the Lord grants healing, both physical and of spiritual benefit, to His sincere aspirants.

The temple is at a height of 300 feet on Yadagiri hill. It is said that the sacred Vedas took the form this hill so as to bear upon its head the Yogananda Narasimhaswamy. On the foothill there is Vaikuntha Dwara entrance, which features a shrine to Sri Hanuman. There is also a gap in the rock representing Ghandabheranda Narasimha. Also on Yadagiri hill is a temple dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva.

History of the Temple

There are Puranic and traditional accounts of this Sri Narasimhadev shrine, with mention of the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana.

In Tretayugam, there lived a sage named Yadarishi, who was the son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi, who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya on the hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri (now in Nalgonda district). Pleased with the sage's deep devotion, Lord Narasimha appeared before him in five different forms, as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshmi-narasimha. These five Form later manifested Themselves into the finely sculpted forms that came to be worshipped as Pancha-narasimha Kshetram.

Known as the Pancha Narasimha Kshetra, this holy dhama lies on the bank of the River Krishna. There are several independent temples existing at different places, the principal one of which is the shrine of Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy. There are two separate mandirs for Rajyalakshmidevi and Godadevi, both elegantly built. There is another shrine for Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy, the second of the five dedicated to the Lord. The third one, an ant-hill is found on the top of the hill and is called Jwalanarasimhaswamy. The fourth one is said to be a Salagram From in the River Krishna, which only gives Darshan when the river recedes backwards. The fifth one is found on the hill called Garudachalam, which lies a short distance away. The deity is called by two names - Vugranarasimhaswamy and Viranarasimhaswamy. All these places are exercising a great pull on the hearts of the Nrsimha-bhaktas.

At Yadagiri hill, the Lord appeared first as Jwala Narasimha. When Yadarishi was unable to face the intensity of this manifestation, the Lord appeared in a peaceful form as Yoganarasimha (in a padmasana posture with open palms on His knees). Not satisfied with the Lord appearing alone, Yadarishi desired to see Him with His consort, so the Lord is said to have appeared with Lakshmi on his lap, thus He is known as Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

To see these three forms, pilgrims go through an entrance that narrows down into a dark cave. The cave is under a large rock which forms a sloping roof, about five feet high in the middle. Pilgrims must duck their heads to get through the formation, thus involuntarily bowing to the Lord.

At the end of the cave are the actual images of the Lord. Two rocks are fastened to each other and form a vertical cup. On the other side of the rock is found an image in the shape of a serpent head, ending like its tail. This is said to be the aspect of God known as Jwala Narasimha. It is said that a divine serpent still moves about the temple image.

On the opposite rock, is the Yogananda Narasimha image of the Lord, along with the third manifestation as Lakshmi Narasimha, which appears on the same rock. The fourth form, Ugra Narasimha, reveals His Fierce Mouth at the wide entrance to the cave, because it was beyond the strength of the sage to see that Form.

Gandabherunda (the garuda pakshi) is the fifth Form of the Lord, which is said to have been found sculpted in rock underneath the Anjaneya, known as 'Kshetrapalaka', or the One Who ruled over that hill). This form is known only by the presence of an eternal lamp that burns within a crevice beneath Sri Anjaneya sannidhi. All these forms are known as swayambhu or self-emanated.

As these rupams of the Lord are sometimes difficult to see in the small crevices inside the cavern that serves as His sannidhi, Lord Narasimha and Lakshmi also stand together as large silver utsava murthis as Sri Lakshmi-Narasimha. It is this Form of the Lord that is best known and most often worshipped by devotees at the temple. The Lord's hand is raised in the abhaya dana mudra, granting fearlessness.

Standing brilliantly atop the sikharam of garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple is a golden Sudarshana chakra of the Lord. It measures about 3 ft. x 3ft., and can be seen up to 6 km. Away. It is said that many years ago, the chakra moved in the direction from which the devotees came as if it were a compass guiding them towards the Lord.

With respect to Sri Yogananda Narasimhaswamy's great mercy on the devotees, one account describes it as follows: "Over the centuries, and particularly in recent years, Sri LakshmiNarasimhan has revealed an interesting side of His Compassionate Nature by taking on the role of a Divine Doctor. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. Often times, the Lord Himself has imparted mantropadesham to select devotees in their dreams. Those visiting the temple have often come out of an overwhelming desire to be there, and just as mysteriously, those leaving the temple leave with the knowledge and satisfaction that their illnesses have been cured; a

feeling that is often proved true upon their next visit to their family physician. It is for this reason that the Lord has come to be known as Sri Vaidya Lakshmi-Narasimhan."

Temple Activities

The Aradhanam and Puja at this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Puja procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu, who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple. Vaikhanasa agama worship is offered in all the Panchanarasimha kshetras.

The Kalyanotsav falling in the month of Vaisakha Suddha Eakadasi is celebrated on a grand scale. Another annual festival that lures huge crowds of devotees here is Narasimha Jayanthi. Besides the locals, thousands from far off places too visit on account of its antiquity and the ease of accessibility to the Lord.


BY: SUN STAFF

Lord Narasimhadev, Vedadri Temple


Vedadri Temple

Lord Narasimha in Vedadri and Vadapalli

The holy dhama of Ahobilam is populated by nine prominent Forms of Lord Narasimha, worshipped throughout the Ahobilam Hills. These Nava Narasimha Kshetra manifestations of the Lord are surrounded by many other Nrsimhadeva shrines located throughout the countryside of Andhra Pradesh.

The upper Ahobilam temple is located at about 2,800 ft. above sea level and is positioned in a valley between two sacred hills: Garudadri and Vedadri, through which the River Bhavanasani flows. These two hills are conceptualized as the separation of the pillar from which the ferocious Lord Narasimhadev emerged to destroy Hiranyakasipa.

Vedadri Temple

The Vedadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located on the River Krishna, approximately 10 kms. from Chillakallu, near Vijayawada. Here, Ugra Narasimha is the presiding Deity.

The temple structure is conventional, being brightly colored and ornamented with a variety of images. A beautiful Form of Narasimha Swami in yoga pose (above) greets devotees on the outside of the temple. The Lord is joined by murtis of Lord Varaha,

Laksmi devi, Garuda, Hanuman, and other transcendental personalities and figures. The utsava idols are extraordinarily high and impressive, and the dwajasthamba of imposing girth and height. In the waters of the Krishna River, Lord Narasimha can also be found in Salagram form.

Lord Varahadeva

Vadapalli Narasimha Swami Temple

The Vadapalli temple is situated in Nalgonda district near the town of Miryalaguda, at the confluence of the River Krishna and Musi River. These two rivers very unusually come together in the shape of an "L".

Vadapalli is also a famous place of worship for Lord Shiva's devotees. The two main temples are the Sri Lakshmi-Narasimha Swami temple and a Sri meenakshi Agasteswara temple, which was constructed by the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century. There, a Shivalinga is said to always hold a certain level of water, no matter how much water is removed.

There are Puranic references to the history of Lord Narasimha's appearance at Vadapalli. According to the Puranas, Vyasa Bhagavan, knowing the piousness of the place, meditated for a long time on the manifestation of Sri Narasimha Swamy. The Lord benedicted him by manifesting in his ferocious Ugra form.

Sri Lakshmi-Narasimha Swami, Vadapalli

Vyasa Bhagavan experienced Lord Narasimha at the moment when His breath was filled with tremendous anger, so he concluded that the Lord had come to him just after killing Hiranyakasipu. Therefore, he prayed to Sri Narasimha Swamy to manifest at Vadapalli in that Form only. Accordingly, Lord Narasimhadeva manifested there to bless the devotees and to alleviate their suffering. Even now, it is said that the Deity breathes in out. The temple priests have arranged two lamps here. One lights the face of the Lord and can be seen to quiver, as evidence of the fact that the Lord is continually breathing in and out. The second lamp, kept below, burns resolutely.

The Vadapalli and Vedadri temples in Krishna District are also understood to be two of a group of five Narasimha temples which together, form a holy dhama, or religious collective. The other three temples in the group are located at Mattapalli in Nalgonda District, Ketavaram and Mangalagiri in Guntur District.

Although built during different time periods, these five Sri Narasimha temples are connected historically, by the devotees' worship of the Deities, and through their iconography. Author Dr. Anu Vedagiri has published a scholarly study of these five temples in her book, "Five Narasimha Temples in Andhra Pradesh" (2004). In her book, she identifies three prevalent iconographic themes that are associated with the five temples. These include the role of Laksmi devi as the primary servant of Narasimhadev, the importance of the Krishna River, and the underlying Tantric affiliation within the Vaisnava ritual practices in the temples.



Nrsimhadev Shrines in Andhra Pradesh: Antarvedi

Located in the western Godavari district, the village Antarvedi is located 15 km. from Sakhinetipalli mandal and 10 km. from Narsapur. The village is placed at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Vasishta Godavari, one of the seven branches of the Godavari River. It is said that the sage Vasistha brought the River Godavari to its place, and this is one of the most sacred bathing spots in the entire Godavari delta. The place of confluence is known as the Sapta Sagara Sangam Pradesam. Antarvedi is the last and the most important of the seven sacred bathing spots positioned along the river here. Because of its sacred nature, it is also called "dakshina Kasi" (southern Kashi).

Antarvedi is one among the thirty-two most reputed Narasimha Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh, and is one of 108 Narasimhadeva shrines in the area. It is famous for the temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, which was built during the 15th -16th centuries A.D. It's sometimes called an island temple because Antarvedi has a tributory of River Godavari meeting the sea (Sagara Sangamam), whereas the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located on the other side, closer to the bank of Godavari, which is also called Vasishta Godavari.

One of the unique aspects of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is that the Deity is facing towards West instead of East, the usual direction. The main temple has a five-storey vimana (gopuram) and apart from the presiding Deity, Lord Nrsimhadeva, there are also Deities of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara. Lord Brahma sanctified this place by performing the rudra yaga Vedic austerities here for purification, and it is therefore called 'Antarvedi'. Neighboring temples include Nilakanteswara, Sri Rama, and Anjaneya. Nearer to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Lord Shiva temple is also located, with Neelakanteswara and Brahma stapana.

The Story of Raktavilochana

In Kritayuga, Sanaka Rsi and his colleagues gathered at Naimisaranya to conduct Satra-yaga. During their leisure time, they would learn about the distinguished and significant holy places in Bharat, from Sri Suta Goswami. One day, they asked him to tell about the greatness and significance of Antarvedi shrine and of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swami. Sri Suta was pleased to tell the story, which was once told by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada.

Sage Vasista, after mingling the Goutami branch of the Godavari into the sea, established his Ashram there. Lord Brahma, to get freed from the sins he had committed against Lord Sankara, performed Rudra-yaga and installed Lord Neelakantheswara there. As that place was made a stage or vedik to perform the yaga, it was named "Antarvedi". It is the place between the Vasishta river.

Raktavilochana, the son of Hiranyaksha, did tremendous penance for ten thousand years on the banks of Vasishta River to please Lord Siva and get his mercy. Lord Sankara was very much pleased with Raktavilochana's penance and appeared before him. He promised to bless him with whatever he desired, and Raktavilochana asked for a boon wherein the number of sand particles drenched by the blood drops falling from his body onto the

ground at war would produce an equal number of rakshasas as strong and vigorous as himself. The demons would then assist him at war and become one with him after killing all the enemies. Lord Sankara was astonished at the demon's uncommon desire, but impressed by his penance he granted the demon's desires. Raktavilochana then began harassing the brahmins, the demigods, the saints and the cows, and obstructed the yagas and Vedic rituals.

Sage Viswamitra later found an opportunity to take vengeance against the sage Vasishta, and provoked Raktavilochana to kill Vasishta's hundred sons in his absence. The demon did so, causing an irreparable loss to Arundhati and Vasishta. Arundhati, Vasishta's wife, wept terribly over the death of her sons and prayed to Vasishta, who was then at Brahmaloka. The sage, by his divine vision, came to know of all that had happened at this hermitage. He returned to his ashram and prayed for Lord Narasmiha's grace, imploring the Lord to prevent Raktavilochana from wreaking further destruction.

Prahlada varadam Vishnum Nrusimham ParadivatamSaranam Sarvalokaanaamaapannaarti Nivaaranam

To save his devotees, Lord Narasimhadeva appeared along with Goddess Lakshmi, and carried on Garuda Vahana, they appeared before Vasishta. After singing the Lord's glories, Vasishta appealed to Him about the arrogance of the demon and his cruelty in killing his sons. He then prayed to the Lord to descend at his ashram after killing the demon, so that he could worship Him always there.

Lord Narahari blew the Panchajanya, inviting the demon to war. Raktavilochana heard the thundering noise of Panchajanya and like a cyclone, enveloped the Lord and engulfed Him in battle. The demon shot all types of weapons at the Lord, but Lord Narahari could attack and smash them with His only weapon, the Sudarsana Chakra. In this way He wounded the sensitive parts of the demon's body.

As a result of the bloodshed, the soil particles drenched by the blood drops falling onto the ground from Raktavilochana's body produced an equal number of demons as strong and vigorous as Raktavilochana, just as the earlier boon from Lord Shiva had promised. The demons having been thus generated they began hurting Garuda, who attacked them in such a way that they could not withstand him. The demon-king saw this and threw his weapons, one after another, at Sri Garuda but they could not harm him, as Lord Narahari destroyed them on the way with his Sudarsana Chakra.

The Lord also manifested Maya Shakti to help prevent the blood of the demon falling onto the ground. The Lord eventually chopped off the hands of Raktavilochana with Sudarshana Chakra and killed him, along with his asura fighters. The blood was stopped by Maya Shakti and was then released by her as a reddish river, which is known as the Raktakulya. This river cannot be crossed over, even by the demigods and demons.

Maya Shakti rode a horse, and so she is called Aswarudhamba, or Gurralakka. After killing the demons, the place where the Lord washed his chakra-yudha become known as Chakrateertham. A dip at that holy place will wash away all sins. There are five important spots at this holy shrine namely, the Sea, the Sagar Sangam, the Vasishta River, the Raktakulya River, and the Chakrateertham.

Joyous at the victory, Vashista consecrated the Deity of Lord Narasimha at Antervedi, and all the demigods came to sing of the Lord's glories. The Lord told them about the significant greatness of the shrine in future. He described Antarvedi in many ways, including as being the easiest means for achieving the ultimate Mukti.

Later on at the request of the sages, Suta explained in detail about the sacred and splendid power of the Lord of Antarvedi, the affects of doing any harm to the place, and the remedy for it. He told them the story of Santhana as an illustration. Once Santhana by mistake lost his divinity and was cursed as unworthy to ascend to divinity. Indra's sons used to take away all the flowers from a garden cultured by Ruchi at Antarvedi. Ruchi was very much worried about this. Lord Narahari appeared to him in a dream and advised him to keep the flowery remnants of worship of the temple around the garden. He did so on the next day. As usual, Indra's son descended to the earth in his chariot, but he could not find them there, as he lost his divinity by passing over the flowery-remnants. Then his driver told him the cause for it. At his master's request before returning to the Heavens, he also advised him to perform Mahasatrayaga for twelve years and to eat the food remnants after they were tasted by the Brahmins. Indra's son did so, and the Brahmins learned from him about the purpose of doing so and blessed him. He then regained his divinity and returned to the Heavens, ascending in his divine chariot. Santhana was advised by Narada to follow Indra's son, and he also did so at Antarvedi and regained divinity.

The Laksmi Narasimha Swami Temple

Over time during the Kaliyuga, Antarvedi became a jungle and the location of the Narasimha Swami Deity became lost. A cowherd named Keshavadas was grazing his cattle nearby, and one day he found that one of his cows, a reddish-brown cow from the herd, had rained her milk on an anthill behind a bush. She then returned home dry. This happened day after day. One day, Keshavadas followed her and saw what had been happening. Not understanding what was taking place, he was simply worried over the loss of milk. But Lord Narasimhadeva appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a temple for him at the spot where the milk was being offered. A brahmin scholar in the village who had sound knowledge of the sastras told Kesavadas that the Lord appearing in his dream meant that Lord Narasimha was to be worshipped and a temple erected there.

The cowherd, with the assistance of the villagers, constructed a temple at the anthill. They made a survey of the anthill area where the cow daily used to shed her milk, and dug the area after offering coconuts to the Lord. They found a stony sculptured form of Lord Narasimha and they built a temple right there, in that place. Daily rituals and festival events have been conducted there since that time. The village where Keshavadas lived is named after him, as Kesavadasupalem.

After some time, the temple fell into ruin, but it was re-built under the patronage of Sri Narendra Lakshmi Narasimha Rao, as an offering of thanks to the Lord for protecting his ships from going down at sea. He donated money and his men, who went to Bhadrachalam to purchase timber for the re-construction of the temple. The men selected

logs and marked them with the Lord's name, paying money for them.

After buying the logs, the men learned that there was no conveyance to transport the timber to Antarvedi. The water level of the Godavari River had become too low because of failure of the monsoons. They appealed to Narasimha Rao about the situation, and the gentleman did tapas in devotion of the Lord at the seashore, without food continuously for three days. However, the Lord didn't shower Narasimha Rao with his grace.

Narasimha Rao then got angry and standing in seawater, he said that the Lord was a destitute lion who could not even come and see logs of wood arranged for the construction of His temple. That same night there was heavy rain which brought all the logs of wood that were marked with the Lord's Name right to the gantaghat of Antarvedi. Thus the temple was erected. A foundation stone was laid for the reconstruction of the temple in 1923.

Temple Events and Festivals

The Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Kalyanam fair is celebrated each year on the Bhishma Ekadasi day during January-February. Lakhs of people attend the celebrations and the devotees come to take bath at the confluence of the sea and Vasishta Godavari. At the time of the nine-day mela, Antarvedi appears to be like a Kaliyuga Vaikuntha.

During the month of November, throngs of devotees come to the temple premises to witness the Deity of Narasimha Swamy without any of the ornaments, garb, or chandanam (sandal paste) that normally adorn the Lord's Form.

In the month of Phalguna (January), the Lord's chariot procession is held. Dolepournami celebrations are also held, when the Lord is worshipped with panchamrita abhishekam.

Nrsimhadev Shrines in Andhra Pradesh: Korukonda

In the East Godavari region, Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, is the village of Korukonda, an ancient and historical temple and Vaisnava divya kshetra that is home to Sri Laksmi Harasimha Swami. Korukonda is approximately 20 km. from Rajhmundry and 60 km. from Kakinada.

There are two temples here in Korukonda, one at the top of a large hill adjacent to the village, and the other at the foot of the hill, in the village proper. Pilgrims ascend a flight of 650 stone steps in order to have darshan of Sri Sri Laksmi-Narasimha Swami, the presiding Deity of Korukonda.

Temples are found all along the East Godavari River in this area, and there are several Narasimha Swamy temples, including the one at Dharmapuri and another at Antarvedi (tomorrow's segment), where Lord Nrsimhadev is said to have thrown the body of Hiranyakasipu after slaying him. At Korukonda, the Lord is known as "Satvika Narasimha'', because He is accompanied here by His consort, Laksmi devi.

Of the two temples in Korukonda, one is swayambuvu (self-manifested) while the other houses the prathista (installed) Deity. The swayambhuvu is situated at the top of the long flight of steps.

The swayambuvu Deity Lord Narasimhadev which appears in a holy place near the top of this hill measures about 9 inches in height. The prathistaDeity is nearer the bottom and has much silpa soundaram around it. There are number of sila-sasanams which have appeared at the temple as well, on the top of the hill.

The temple was constructed about 700-800 years ago by the family of Parasara Bhattar, whose descendants continue to oversee the temple as trustees to this day.

In his poetry, the great sage Sri Srinatha prayed to Lord Narasimhadev, stating that this Korukonda is "Vedadri". This belief is said to be supported by the sila-sasanam found at Lakshmaneswaram Village, Narsapur Taluk, W.G. District, which related to 1443 A.D.

An interesting inscription is found on one of the pillars in the temple compound. It states that the Vaisnava guru of King Mummadi-Nayaka of Korukonda left his mortal body and reappeared in the form of Narasimhadev on the top of the Parasara hill. A woman named Lakshmidasi of that town saw this in a dream and revealed it to Mummadi-Nayaka. With the permission of the Nayaka, she went about begging for money which she used to formally consecrate the image of Narasimha on the hill. King Mummadi-Nayaka made a gift of two villages and some lands and gardens to the temple. The inscription gives a genealogy of Mummadi-Nayaka and says that he ruled over the country on both sides of the Godavari in an area consisting of Panara, Kona, Kuravataka, and Chengara Districts, etc.

The Government have proposed new developments and improvements in the area around this temple, which is an increasingly popular destination for pilgrims. Nearby at the Jonnavalasa Railway gate there is also a Hare Krishna asrama.

Temple Worship and Festivals

Daily rituals at the Sri Laksmi Narasimha Swamy temple are performed according to Vaisnava Vyghanasa Agama Sastra. Regular festivals held at the temple include the following:

Sri Swamy Vari Kalyana Mahostavam (Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi) (March)Telugu New Years Day (Chaitra Suddha Padyami) (March/April)Sri Ramunjula vari Thiru Nakshtram (May)Godavari Pushkara Mahostavam (Sravana Masam - Entrance of Guru in Simha Rasi) (July/August once in 12 Years)Sri Vaisnava KrishnastamiSarannavarathri Utsavam (Sri Lakshmi Poojalu) (Asveeja Suddha Padyami) (October)Dhanurmasa Rituals (Margasira Masam) (December)Mukkoti Mahostavam (Sudda Ekadasi) (January)

Lord Nrsimha holding the Disc, Lotus, Club and Conch

Lord Vishnu descends in the forms of a variety of avatars, all of whom are non-different from Him. All the avatars are of the nature of sat-cid-ananda: eternity, bliss and knowledge. They reside in the spiritual world, Vaikuntha. When They descend into the material world, They are called "avatara" (literally, "descent"). Any attempt to minimize the transcendental status of any avatar constitutes an offense and is a stumbling block on the path of self-realization. And to understand Lord Nrsimha, one must first appreciate the transcendence of Vishnu.

The scriptures describe Lord Nrsimha as prominently manifesting all six attributes of God - strength, wealth, renunciation, splendor, energy, wisdom. "In Nrsimha, Rama, and Krishna, all the six opulences are fully manifest." (nrsimha-rama-krsnesu sad-gunyam paripuritam--Padma-purana).

Lord Krishna or Lord Narayana is considered to be the origin of the other transcendental forms of God. From Narayana, Vasudeva is manifest, and from Vasudeva, Sankarsana is manifest (Agni-purana 48.13). And according to the scriptures, Lord Nrsimha is an expansion (amsha) of Sankarsana. [Padma-tantra 1.2.31 and Vishnu-dharmottara-purana 3.78(2).5-7 (haris Sankarsanamsena Nrsimha-vapur dharah)] Just as Sankarsana destroys the universe, Lord Nrsimha destroys all ignorance and all sins arising from body, mind and speech.

Lord Narsimha Himself is recognized in the scriptures by a variety of forms. The Vihagendra-samhita (4.17) of the Pancaratra-Agama enumerate more than seventy forms of Nrsimha. Most of these forms are distinguished by the arrangements of weapons in the hands, His different postures, or other subtle distinctions.

Of these seventy-four, nine are very prominent (Nava-vyuha-nrsimha):

Ugra-nrsimha Kruddha-nrsimha Vira-nrsimhaVilamba-nrsimha Kopa-nrsimha Yoga-nrsimha

Aghora-nrsimha Sudarsana-nrsimha Laksmi-nrsimha

Other forms are as follows:

Amrta-nrsimha (representing the five elements)Astamo-diina-vallabhah (Beloved to the wretched) Attahasa-nrsimha (roars horribly and majestically strides out

to destroy evil) Avesha-nrsimha (a frenzied form) Brahma-nrsimha, Vishnu-nrsimha, and Rudra-nrsimhaChanda-nrsimha (ferocious) Chhatra-nrsimha (seated under a parasol of the five-hoodedserpent) Chakra-nrsimha (with only a discus in hand) Caturthaastu-vidhaaranah (One who rips apart) Dashamo-'nanta hastakah (One who has unlimited hands) Dvaadashah-karuna nidhih (Ocean of Mercy) Dvitiiyas-tugrakesharih (Angry Lion) Ekaadasho-mahaa-raudro (Terrible One) Ghora-nrsimha (ferocious) Grahana-nrsimha (catching hold of the demon) Jvala-nrsimha (with a flame-like mane) Laksmi-nrsimha (where Laksmi pacifies Him) Navamo-prahlaada-varado (Benefactor of Prahlada) Pan-casya-pan-camashcaiva (One who has five mouths) Prasada-nrsimha or Prahlada-varada-nrsimha (BenignProtector of Prahlada) Pratamaastu-mahaajvaalo (Greatly fiery one) Prthvi-nrsimha, Vayu-nrsimha, Akasa-nrsimha, Jvalana-nrsimha and Pusthi nrsimha (worshipped for overcoming

evil influences) Samhara-nrsimha (killing the demon) Saptamo-daitya hantaa ca (The Killer of the demons) Shasta-kashipu mardhanah (Killer of Hiranyakashipu) Stambha-nrsimha (coming out of the pillar) Svayam-nrsimha (manifesting on His own) Tritiiyah-krsna pingaaksah (One with Blackish Brown Eyes) Vidarana-nrsimha (ripping open of the belly of the demon) Yoga-nrsimha or Yogesvara-nrsimha (in meditation)

There are still other varieties that are standing, riding on Garuda, alone, in company, benign, ferocious, and multi-armed (two to sixteen). All of these forms point to the diversity in transcendence of the Nrsimha-Avatar.

In Ahobila, Andhra Pradesh, the ten forms are as follows:

1. Kshatra-vata-nrsimha (seated under a banyan tree) 2. Yogananda-nrsimha (who blessed Lord Brahma) 3. Karanja-nrsimha 4. Bhargava-nrsimha 5. Ugra-nrsimha (ferocious) 6. Kroda-nrsimha 7. Malola-nrsimha (with Laksmi on His lap) 8. Jvala-nrsimha (8-armed form rushing out of the pillar) 9. Pavana-nrsimha (who blessed the sage Bharadvaja) 10. Prahlada-padi nrsimha

Source: http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/features939.htm

nrsimhadev shrines in andhra pradesh

Documents