Angala Parameswari Temple Melmalayanur : Online Pooja Booking

Angala Parameswari Temple Melmalayanur : Online Pooja Booking

Angala Parameswari Temple is located at Melmalayanur, 32 km from Gingee in Viluppuram District. The deity of the temple is the Sembadavars. There is an ancient snake pit in the inner sanctum.

Angala Parameswari Temple is located at Melmalayanur, 32 km from Gingee in Viluppuram District. The deity of the temple is the Sembadavars. There is an ancient snake pit in the inner sanctum.

A festival celebrated here during February-March is famous for Simimasana kollai. During the festival many pilgrims cook large quantities of various kinds of grain and set it out in the burning ground. This offering to the goddess is believed to grant wishes. Lots of devotees throng to the temple during Ammavasai (New Moon day).

History of Sri Angala Amman Temple, Melmaliyanoor.

Goddess Mother Parvathi the wife of Lord Shiva took birt on her as hive. The pupose of the birth is to clear Lord Shiva from cetain sin and give blessings to all people in kaliyug. The birth took place her before the start of kaliyug. The birth place melmaliyanoor,where the temple is situated. The specialty in this temple is Mother in Angala amman faces north while blessing devotees.

The great dazzling brightest light is mother Sri Angalaparameshwari was ruling the world even before inhabition started.

Mother parvathy only created Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheswaran and Sadhasivan for creation, Maintenance, distination, hiding and blessing.

Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma are supported to be three hands of Gods. All of sorts of energies were differentiated mainly as three types, Wish, action and Wisdom. Right Side is taken as male and left as female. When both sides confine together resulted in creation of Sky, Water, Fire Wind and Earth. Siva, Vishnu and Brahma were teamed with Eswari, Lakshmi and Sarswathi.

Brahma, the God for creation had 10 assistants to help in his activities. Thakkan the important assitant crore of living including saint. He also created 60 extremly beautful girls and married them to Godmen. In this process Eswari's creator, He created Dhakshayani and married here to Lord Shiva.

When Takkan went to kailash, He was stopped bygod one of Shiva's deputies. Angered by this takkan performs difficult yagams with selfish maotives. He did not invite Lord shirine. Dhakshyani went to yaga in sprite of Lors Shiva's unwillingness. She accused thakkan for inviting Lord Shiva. But she was only insulted completely dissatisfied, Dhakshayani saw yaga was destroyed.

Dhakshayani destroyed her own body. Lord Shiva took her body and devised with uncontrollable anger (Rudhrathandavam). During this, the right hand of Dhakshayani fell in Dhandakarunyam. Malayanoor is a part of Dhandakarunyam.

Aroop(shapless) Angalaamman to join with Lord Shiva took Birth as Parvathi, the Daughter of parvatharajan. She married Lord Shiva.

With power of manthras and boons from Lord Shiva, Brahama performed a yaga to save god men from two demons known as SANDOBI and SUNDARAR. Thro this yaga thilothama as apsaras came to life.

Attracted by the beauthy of thilothama not only demons but brahma also follwed her. For her protection She went to kailash where Brahma also follwed. As Brahma also was with five heads, Parvathi mistook him for Shiva and felt at his feet. When Parvathi realized the truth, she was very angry and prayed Shiva that fifth head of Brahma should be destroyed.

As Suggested by Lord Vishnu, Shiva fought with Brahma and cut his fifth head. But Brahma was compensated with new head. Shiva cut Brahma's head nine hundreds and ninty nine times and got tired.

He made all the nine huindreds and ninty nine heads into garland and wore it. Then again he cut Brahma's head and confirmed with four heads only.

Shiva was affected by sin due to this. Devi Saraswathi, wife of Brahma cursed Shiva to have no food, no sleep, and his hunger to be quenched with as and thirst to be quenched with bone only. After this Shiva was roaming all over the world.

Saraswathi cures parvathi to become ugly, parts of crane and peacock are to become her dress, her assiatants to become demons.

On knowing this status, Lord Vishnu apprises Parvathi that her ordeal will come to an end when she becomes snake in melmalaiyanoor.

Deve parvathi roams all over the world. She meets sage Kapil in Thiruvannamalai and takes bath in Brahmatheertham. She gets relieved from Sarswathi's curse.

From Thiruvanamali, Devi Parvathi comes to Thazhanur where she stays over night.

Way to malaiyanoor. She creates big lake (ponneri). Her ring is lost in the nearby fields. She curse the lake will not have any fields thereafter. These in true till date.

On the way she felt thirsty. But people there did not oblige her with water. So she curse that are will never have palm trees.

Dasan with 3 sons (Veeran, sooran, Ukiran) went for fishing in Malaiyanoor Lake. Parvathi suggested to them that catch should be devoted to her only Veeran wanted to oblige. But he was sorry for having damaged net.

Angala Amman gave three stones to veeran. The first when thrown in to lake it will make the net all right; second stone will result in catching fishes which is to be devoted to mother. Third stone will result in large catch which can be used for sale. Veeran obeyed the commands.

Then Angalamman created a snake hive in palace garden and set there as five headed snake. Fisherman Dasan unsuccessfully tried to doze the hive. Third day Angalamman gave Darshan to all four fishermen.She commanded the fishermen, Due to Saraswathi's curse i am here. Daily you do Pooja to me. I will save you and your future generations. Accordingly fishermen perform pooja even now.

King of the place Malai Arasan came to gardens and saw the snake hive temples. He got angry with Dasan's family. he sent a great force to destroy the snake hive. Mother made everything invisible and geve dharshan to the king, Who donated twelve kanni lands for building the temple.

People took sand from snake hive as prasad and got relief from diseases. Lord Shiva crosses river sangraparani and reaches Melmalaiyanoor. In cremation ground consumes three handful of ash and gets some relief from hunger. Then he asks for food in front of the temple. On hearing Shivas voice Parvathi feels happy and thinks of her brother Vishnu who appraises the procedure for relief from curse.

That Moment she had consultation with Lord Vishnu. He advised her that Tasty food is to be prepared in three parts. the fist two parts are to be given to Kabalam, Third part is dropped in the floor as if by mistake, then when Kabalam comes down to taste the food parvathi should take giant shape and squeeze it. Then the curse will be released. To cook the food she should take the help of lakshmi and Amudha Surabi

Parvathi prepared food accordingly. She orders Lord Ganesh to take care of his father till the lunch is over. Ganesh obeyed his mother's word. Parvathi performed pooja to the feet of Lord Shiva and served lunch as suggested by Vishnu. When Kabalam come down to eat the third part of food, Parvathi took giant shape of Angala Prameshwari and crushed it with right foot and made it as her servant.

As Shiva was released from curse he felt happy and went to Chidambaram for Dancing happily. He got the name of Dhandeswarar and Parvathi as Dhandeswari.

The Angalaparameshwari was taken in procession in car to sub-side her anger. Angels, sages and saints became wheels, Wheellatch and throne of the car. Angalamman came to normal and under took procession in normal shape. So Angala amman bless her devotees by staying in melmalaiyanoor.

Sri Kaliuga Varatharaja Perumaal Temple
Sri Kaliyaperumal temple is a major attraction of Ariyalur. It is situated at 5 km away from Ariyalur. This temple is famous for its "Car festival" (March/April) which is conducted yearly. The people of Ariyalur celebrate the festival grandly.

The car festival is a 10-day celebration for the small town of Ariyalur. The festival starts with the day of "Srinavame" in the month of Chithirai or Panguni (March-April). The grand event of Eganthem Sevai for Varatharajapermual is on 10th day of festival. The festival attracts people from all over the state of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is also famous for the Puraittasi Saturdays. Every year in the month of 'Puraittasi' (September), special Pujas, 'Arathanai', 'Abishekams', etc are done on the four Saturdays. This also is a major attraction of the Kaliyaperumal temple.

Thiruvahindrapuram Divya Desam
Vedantha Desigar scripted the Sampradhayam for Vadakalai Sect of Vaishnavites
Only Divya Desam where both vehicles of Vishnu brought water for the thirsty Lord

Located about 5kms West of Cuddalore Town on the way to Panruti is the Deiva Naayagan Divya Desam in Thiru Vahindrapuram. The Utsavar Murthy at this temple is called Moovaraagiya Oruvan, said to be a manifestation of Vishnu, Brahmma and Shiva.

In centuries gone by, the location of this divya desam was identified as being 6 yojanas North of Kumbakonam, South of Kanchipuram and West of the Ocean.

Arjuna is said to have undertaken penance at this temple and hence this divya desam is said to date back to a time before the Mahabaratha. A few pieces from the Sanjeevani hill, carried by Anjaneya to Lanka, is said to have fallen on Oushada Giri ( the mountain here).

Bhattars at Ahinthai
The priests at this temple do a very sincere job, including the 76 year old Neela Megha Bhattar. One is truly moved by the courtesy extended by the Bhattar to all the devotees.

Defeated by the Asuras, the Devas looked up to Lord Narayana for help. Shiva who came to the rescue of the Asuras hurled his thunderbolt at Vishnu who intercepted it with ease. Vishnu then displayed his ‘Trimurthi’ form to Shiva and later returned Shiva’s weapon. On Shiva’s request, Vishnu stayed put at this place.

Thirsty Lord looks for water
Having undertaken the battle and helped the Devas win, Lord Narayana felt thirsty. While Garuda went around to bring water for the Lord, Adhiseshan swung his tail to blow open the earth, thus bringing water instantly and helping quench his Lord’s thirst. As a mark of this event, the sacred water here is called ‘ Sesha Theertham’.

Garuda is said to have gone all the way to Vaikuntam to bring water for the Lord from River Viraja.

Interesting Story
Another story on this has it that Garuda who went around to bring water for the Lord came across a Rishi in mid air and finding water inside the Rishi’s sacred kettle, knocked it down, thus letting the water into this place. Angered at this act of Garuda, the rishi cursed turning the water into a dirty colour. Realising his folly, Garuda explained the reason for his hasty action and apologised. To this day, one finds the water in the river dirty but once in the hand, it seems pure and clear.

Garuda who came back late (after Adhiseshan had already helped quench the Lord’s thirst) requested the Lord to accept his water too as sacred. The Lord accepted the water on the Chariot Procession day. On this day, water from this river (Kedila) is brought and offered to the Lord.

This is the only Divya Desam where both vehicles of Vishnu brought water for the Lord.

Indira’s hiding at ThiruVahindapuram
Having gained dominating powers thanks to his sincere penance, a demon attacked Indira logam and drove out Indira, who is said to have gone into hiding here. The hassled Devas went up to Vishnu who asked them to perform a Yagam at Vahindapuram. On the completion of the Yaagam, Indira is believed to have come out of his hiding. Vishnu appeared before him and presented the Vajra Yudham with the help of which Indira defeated the demon and re conquered the Indira logam.

Old Inscriptions referring to the Lord
11th century inscription at this temple shows that the ThiruVahindrapuram Lord was referred to as the Standing Vishnu. Legend has it that the Lord here is considered as the brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa.

Sri Desikar and the Ahindai connection
Nigamaantha Desigan is said to have lived here for 40 years and scripted the sampradayam for Vadakalai sect of Vaishnavites. Hence this temple is said to be the ‘Home to Vadakalai Sect’. Special significance is attached to the Desigan Sannidhi at this temple. Desigan who was devoted to this Lord, wrote great pieces of literature on DeivaNaayagan and Hayagriva.

Desigar got a sculpture(Thirumeni) of his done at this temple. A sculptor questioned the Desigar if he could give life to this art form. When the sculptor touched the Thirumeni to get a feel of it, there was a scratch seen on it and to his shock, he found blood flowing down. Realising his mistake, the sculptor is said to have apologized to Sri Desikan.

Lakshmi HayaGriva temple
There is a Hayagriva temple atop the hill opposite the Deiva Naayagan temple. The story goes that two demons had taken away the Vedic scriptures from Brahmma. Vishnu is said to have taken the Hayagriva form and brought back the Vedic scriptures from the demons. Being the place where Lord Vishnu, in Hayagriva form, brought back the educative scriptures, he is referred to as the God of Learning. He is said to fulfill one’s prayers relating to education and studies at this temple.


Snake Pit
In this Divya Desam, milk is not poured into the snake pit. Instead it is poured into the ‘Sesha Theertham’.

Contributions to this temple
Pandya, Chozha, Chera, Sinhala and Raya rulers are said to have contributed to this temple.

Prarthana Sthalam

This is said to be a prarthana sthalam for ‘Good Education’ and to cure ‘speechless children’. This place is also believed to liberate one from doshams.

Quick Facts

Deity : Deva Naayagan, East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Vaikunta Naayaki- Hemambhujavalli Thaayar
Utsavar : Moovaraagivya Oruvan(DevaNaathan)

Azhvaar : ThiruMangai Azhvaar- 10 Paasuram (1148-57)

Temple Timing: 630am-12noon and 4pm-930pm
Priest : Neela Megha Bhattar (76 years old) , Narasimhan Bhattar
Contact : 04142- 288999 or 287 277/ 94434 44778

How to reach the temple
Cuddalore is well connected by bus from all major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu.
One can reach ThiruVahindrapuram in about 4 hours by bus from Madras.

Currently, train connection is under suspension as the main line from Madras to Trichy via Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayavaram is under broad gauge conversion.

From Cuddalore, one can take a town bus ( route 16) to Ahinthai. From the bus stop(1/2 a km from the temple entrance), one may take an auto (Rs. 15) to reach the temple.

An auto from Cuddalore bus stand would cost about Rs. 30-40(one way).

Ardhanareeswarar Temple

Hill Temple Temple is on the hill which is red in color. One can take on 1206 steps to reach the top of the hill to worship the Lord Shiva-Ardhanareeswarar. Cars and taxis are available to reach the temple. The Rajagopuram is five tiered; 260’ in length and 160’ east-west breath. The period of the temple dates back to sangam period and renovated during the periods of cholas, pandyas and nayak kings. A British officer, Davis, repaired some parts of temple. We can see his image in Mukkoottu Vinayagar temple.Tirugnanasambandar wrote ‘Tiruneelakanta Pathigam’ and Arunagirinathar is believed to have written ‘Tiruppugalh’ in this temple. Ghat road and steps If we do not prefer to take up the motorway-road up to the top, we have another choice to walk up the distance. One cannot miss the long 60’ red colored snake carved along the steps. People worship Adi Seshan-the snake. The path has 11 mandapams-providing shelters to people going up the hill.

We come across Pasuvan Swami Mandapam on way to top. The people from villages offer milk, ghee or cheese to Pasuvan Swami so that their homes could become abundant with these produce.

Ardhanareeswarar Temple

One has to enter the temple from the main entrance-Rajagopuram-from the south; sanctum sanctorum faces west. In this temple Lord Shiva appears in man-woman combination in one idol; the right part of the idol is half of Parvathi Devi and the left half is Lord Shiva’s half. There is a saying that wife is the better half; True to the saying, here Lord Shiva has given his left part of body to goddess Parvathi, his wife . It means that there is no Shiva without the Sakthi; and no sakthi without Shiva. All men and women are equal. No man without woman; no woman without man. An undeniable law of nature! So the main deity is called Umai Oru Bagan, Ammaiappan, Mangaipangan and Madhorubagan.
There is a natural fountain in sanctum sanctorum.

Tichengottuvelavar

This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. It attracts more devotees. People name their babies after lord Murugan’s name- Sengottuvelan. A common name we can come across in and around Erode and Namakkal!

Pujas

Pujas are performed as per agamas. The midday puja-Utchi kala puja-is famous. The villagers around the town could reach the temple only during the day time with fresh flowers, milk, butter and other fruits. This happened when there was no motorway or road. Still this puja is very important in this temple.

Festivals

New Moon days and Full Moon days attract more devotees to the temple. Vaikasi is important month. Ardhanareeswarar comes down to the town down below. The town wears festive look and people throng from all over Kongu region during these days for the darshan of the Lord.However all months have festivals because of the presence of other deities like Adi Kesava Perumal, Sengottuvelan, Sakthi and Pandeeswaran. Girivalam is also becoming famous.

Legends

Once Lord Adi Kesava perumal instructed Goddess Sakthi to go on penance to attain oneness with Lord Shiva. On Kedara Gowri day the wish came true. Lord Shiva appeared as Umai Oru Bagan allowing Goddess Sakthi to be the left part of him.Another story involves Vayu and Adi Seshan. Adi seshan was In the Meru Mountain ranges. A fight started between Vayu-the lord of Air and Adi Seshan-the lord’s snake. Vayu tried to blow away the mountain. In the fierce war, Vayu successfully blew a part of

Meru

This part fell in the Kongu region with Adiseshan clinging to it hurt and bleeding. That is the reason the color of 60’ feet snake is red. The hill is also red and yellow colored.

Beliefs

There is small shrine for Pandeeswarar on the hill. People offer cradles and they believe that they can have children.On the way to temple, the sixtieth step is considered as step of Honesty and truth-that is sathiyappadi. When people had problems and litigations among them, one who was ready to tell the truth from this place was believed to be the true and honest person; his evidence played vital role in delivering justice in those days.Pasuvan Swami attracts many farmers and villagers. They offer milk, butter and curd to Lord in a deep belief that this would be returned abundantly and richly.Many people who have Nagadosham offer abishegams to Adiseshan with turmeric and kumkum. It is generally believed that they are blessed with marriage

Ardhanareeswarar Temple - Tiruchengode

Tiruchengode (also known as "Thirukodi mada chengundroor " in vedic times) has many references in puranas, like Thevaram and Silapathikaram. In Silapathikaram, Ilango adigal referred Tiruchengode as "Chengodu " and that "it has numerous holy ponds and enjoys popularity and prosperity".

This temple has been praised by the Nayanmar Thirugnanasambandhar in his devotional hyman Devaram. Great poets and saints like Arunagirinathar, Ilango adigal, Kaviraja pandithar amongst others have enlogised this holy place in their divine poems. The idols of Birungi Munivar and Arunagirinathar are found inside the temple.

This ancient hill temple according to the inscriptions on the walls must have been built about 2000 years ago. Many renovation works and additions were done by the kings and chieftains ruled over Tamilnadu in the past.

The town has a hill, which is about 650 ft. height . The hill is referred in many names like Chemmalai, Nagamalai, Nandhimalai and many more.

Lord Arthanareeswarar is giving salvation to all souls, from the hill top temple. Lord Sengottuvelavar and Lord Adhikesava Perumal in separate shrines as presiding deities.

Lord Arthanareeswarar has a unique form here, which combines half male and half female form. The lord is also known as Madhorubagan and Ammayappan. It is claimed that this rare posture of the Lord as prime deity can be found only in this temple in the whole of Asia. The hill top temple can be reached by climbing up 1206 steps, made of stone.

Tiruchengode taluk is located in Namakkal district, south of Salem district and east of Erode district.

Legends

Adi Kesava Perumal, enshrined here, instructed Gowri on the Kedara Gowri Vratam which she performed to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. One of the 64 manifestations of Shiva - the man-woman form with Parvati constituting the left half of Shiva.

A battle of strength between Adi Seshan and Vayu, saw the former clinging tightly to Mount Meru and Vayu using his might to blow it away. The latter succeeded in blowing it away to Tiruchengode and the blood spilled by Adiseshan colored it red. Kamadhenu is said to have obtained 5 hills from Shiva, of which this was one; hence this hill with 2 stories of its origin,with rocks colored both red and yellow represents the masculine and feminine aspects of the Ardhanareeswara manifestation of Shiva.

The Temple
Ancient walls, mandapams and sculptured pillars (now in a state of disrepair) add to the awe that this temple perpetuates, on top of the hill. The motorway and the renovated Rajagopuram are of recent origin. True to the name Nagagiri, there is a 60 ft long snake carved on the hill.

Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South. A majestic image of Ardanareeswarar adorns the sanctum.There is a water spring at the foot of the image which is said to have been divinely manifested (Uli Padaa Uruvam). There are inscriptions here from the times of Parantaka Chola, Gangaikonda Chola, the Vijayanagar & Mysore Kings and the Nayaks.

The Tiruchengottuvelavar shrine (to Subramanyar) attracts a number of pilgrims.
Sambandar composed the Tiruneela kandapatikam here, to help rid fellow travellers of an affliction. Muthuswamy Deekshitar has sung of this shrine in Ardhanareeswaram in Kumudakriya.

Location:
Tiruchengode is located in Namakkal district (35 kms from Namakkal city-eastern side) and in the vicinity of Salem (around 40 kms-northern side) and Erode (20 kms-western side) and Karur (35 kms-southern side). 

Singarkudi / Singirikudi / Abishegapakkam Narasimhar

Singarkudi / Singirikudi / Abishegapakkam Narasimhar

SingarKudi Narasimhar

This is a Nrusimha Khsetra, situated about 3kms west of Abhishekapakkam road junction of Pondicherry--Cuddalore Road.


This holy place is at a distance of about 15 kms from POndicherry.

This temple dedicated to Sri Nrusimha belong to Chola period,identified as AYIRRUR of ALWAR of Singavezhkundram(1051 A.D.)

There were stone inscriptions in the temple which describe the donations offered by Chola Kings , Sri Krishnadevaraya etc to Sri Nrusimha.

Sri Nrusimha is giving dharsan with 16 hands( thirukkarams )in a gigantic posture.
There were Neelavathi, wife of HIranyakasibu, threeASuras, Prahladha , Sukracharya, Vasishta in the lower east of the pedastal.
Sri Devanathan , the presiding deity of THiruvaheendrapuram is giving dharsan here as Sri Nrusimha.

Sri Thirumangai Azhvar says that SRi Nrusimha is there at Thiruvaheendrapuram as Sri Devanatha.
Markandeya purana describes this holy Khsetra in Nrusimha vana purana.
There is Brindavan for 4th Peedathipathi of Sri Ahobila Mutt here

Thoroughout the cosmic world , you cannot worship such a gigantic Nrusimha except here .

This temple was constructed with reference to BHeejatshara of Sri Nrusimha Anushtup Manthra .
Vaikanasa agama koil. Ten days Brahmotsava during Sri Nrusimha Jayanthi. Uthsavar goes to Pondicherry sea-shore during Masi Makam ( Theerthavari at the ocean)

Oppiliappan Koil V.Sadagopan

This is one of the 8 temples in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Narasimha provided darshan after the killing of Hiranya. 
1) Singarakudi near Pondicherry/Cuddalore, 
2) Anthili near Thiru Kovilur, 
3) Parikkal near Kedilam, 
4) Sholingur
5) Nammakkal
6) Singaraperumal Koil near Chengalpet 
7) Sinthalavadi.
8) Poovarasan kuppam

Lord Narasimhar temple. Parikkal

The Utsavar idol of Lord Narasimha with His Consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. SAINT NAMMAZHWAR assumes the form of "Parankusa Nayaki" or ladylove in his Thiruvaimozhi and one of the incarnations of Lord Narayana, which appealed to him most was that of the half-lion-half-human Narasimha. In one of his poems he explains how the ladylove "dances on hearing the glory of Lord Narasimha, sings again and again about His greatness, sheds copious tears and runs around in ecstasy seeking union with Him." One may wonder how this fearful form of the Lord can be appealing to His ladylove but the numerous temples for Lord Narasimha in Tamil Nadu, especially in the northern districts of Chengalpattu, Vellore, Chidambaram and Kancheepuram, only show that He is a much worshipped deity. There are also temples where the Moolavar and Utsavar idols are those of Narasimha and one among them is Parikkal, 23 km from Villupuram. There is a rail route to Parikkal. If one travels by road on the Villupuram-Vriddachalam road, after covering a distance of 20 km, one will find a huge Anjaneya idol standing on the left side of the road facing west without a roof to protect him from rains and scorching sun, a la his counterpart in Namakkal. By travelling in the western direction a further three km one can reach Parikkal, after crossing the the Thenpennai. The Garuda Nadhi flows two km north of Parikkal. As it is situated between two rivers, it is considered as holy as Srirangam. The temple, which has no Rajagopuram, is at the centre of the village. A pilgrim can offer obeisance to Anjaneya at the entrance while the idols of Vinayaka and the Nagars are found in the main Prakaram. Afterpraying at the shrine of Garuda, he can worship the presiding deity, Lakshmi Narasimha with His Consort, seated on His left lap. Said to be a Swayambu Murthi, the idol, according to some scholars, was installed by Vyasaraja. The Anjaneya idol, found inside the sanctum sanctorum, was also installed by him and it is one of the 732 idols installed by the saint all over the south. The other, of course, is the idol in the Nallattoor Temple, near Tiruttani. The place gained the name of Parikkal as Goddess Mahalakshmi embraced Lord Narasimha to pacify Him and Her idol is found with Her right hand wrapped around the Lord. The Lord is also found with His left hand around the Goddess.

The Parikkal Narasimha Temple with Dwajasthambam and Balipeetam. According to another legend the Lord destroyed a demon known as Parakalasuran here to save His devotees and hence the place came to be known as Parikkal. The Lord here was said to have appeared before Vasantharajan, a local ruler. Unlike in most of the Narasimha temples, the Utsavar idol here is also that of Narasimha in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side. There is also a small idol of Lakshminarasimha in the sanctum sanctorum besides that of Sudarsana. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess, Kanagavalli Thayar, on the right side of the temple, and Her Utsava idol is inside the main sanctum sanctorum. To the northwest is the shrine of Anjaneya, where two idols of Bhakta Anjaneya and Veera Anjaneya are worshipped. The shrine is thronged by those who are afflicted by Navagraha Dosha and they light ghee and oil lamps. They spread before the idols the nine kinds of grains (Navadanyam) and write their pleas on them seeking relief and His blessings. In the northern Prakaram there is a shrine for Lord Varadaraja of Kancheepuram. A big portrait of Lakshmi Narasimha in the main Mandapam attracts devotees. There is a well inside the temple known as "Naga Koopam" and bathing in its water cures one of many ills. Garuda and Gomukhi Theerthams are the other water sources. The holy tree is "Magizham." There is an ancient "Deepasthampam" in front of the temple, which faces east. Festivals are held almost every month with the Brahmotsavam taking place in Chithirai, when the float festival is also celebrated. The Lord visits Thenpennai and Garuda rivers for "Theerthavari" in the months of Thai, Masi and Panguni. The temple was renovated and the Samprokshanam was performed on May 30, 1994. It is under the control of the HR and CE Department. Buses from Panruti, Ulundurpet and Villupuram pass through Parikkal

This temple is referred to as the ‘Dakshina Ahobilam’

Debts and Enemies go away if one visits this temple and offers a 48 day prayer

Located about 18kms North of Panruti and 18kms East of Villupuram is the East Facing Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Poovarasan Kuppam. This is one of the four Narasimha temples around Villupuram (others being Anthili, Parikkal and Singiri – There is also the Sayana Narasimha at Thiru Vithigai).

Both Singiri Narasimha and Parikkal Narasimha which are in a straight line are facing the Poovarasan Kuppam Narasimha.

First appearance after Hiranya Samhaaram- Dakshina Ahobilam

For the first time, after the Hiranya Samharam at Ahobilam, Lord appeared here in the same form and provided darshan to the Saptha Rishis as Lakshmi Narasimha. Hence, this temple is referred to as Dakshina Ahobilam.

Thaayar’s Posture

A unique feature at this temple is the posture of Lakshmi. One eye of the Goddess is turned towards the Lord and the other eye is welcoming the devotees. Also, interestingly Lakshmi and Narasimha are seen at the same height at this temple!!!

One of Eight Narasimha Temples

This is one of the 8 temples in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Narasimha provided darshan after the killing of Hiranya. The other 7 are Singarakudi near Pondicherry/Cuddalore, Anthili near Thiru Kovilur, Parikkal near Kedilam, Sholingur, Nammakkal, Singaraperumal Koil near Chengalpet and Sinthalavadi.

3rd Century Ad Temple

There are culverts inside this temple dating back to the 3rd Century AD. Also, there are references to construction during Narasimha Pallava’s reign (7th Century AD). There are also inscriptions indicating Krishna Deva Raya’s visit to this temple (about 500 years ago).

Prarthana Sthalam-Wishes Fulfilled

All wishes of the devotees are said to be fulfilled if one visits this temple, lights a ghee lamp and recites the Mantra Raja Patha Stotram twice a day for 48 days. One should tie a 5 rupee coin to a Manjal cloth and drop it at the temple, once the 48 day period is over.

One should also prepare Panagam (prepared out of jaggery) every day for the Lord. No non Vegetarian food should be consumed during this 48 day period.

Bad Debts and enemies are said to go away and the belief is that one will live in prosperity after a visit to the three Narasimha temples seen in one line near Villupuram – Parikkal- Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri.

Festivals

Swathi Nakshatram

It is auspicious to visit the temple every month on Swathi Nakshatram, when Sudarshana and Dhanvantri homams are performed.

Navarathri

Sri Suthra Homam is performed on all the 9 days of Navarathri Utsavam

Procession in Thai

Lord Narasimha takes a 1 km to South Pennai river for Theerthavari on the 5th day of the Tamil Calendar month of Thai

Narasimha Jayanthi Utsavam and 3rd Saturday of Puratasai are also special occasions at this temple.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture

Thaayar : Amritha Valli Thaayar

Temple Time : 8am-12.30pm and 4pm-8pm

Contact nos. : Parthasarathy Bhattar @ 94439 59995 or 0413 2698191

How to reach the temple:

From Villupuram

1. Take Pondy Highway, drive straight towards East from Koliyanur Cross Road, take a right at Valavanur, drive 6kms to Siruvanthadu and go further South 3kms to reach the temple- Share Auto/Auto available from Siruvanthadu

Or

2. Take a right at Koliyanur Cross Road on to the Panruti-Kumbakonam highway, cross the Villupuram-Pondy railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)

From Panruti

Take Kumbakonam-Vikravandi highway, drive 10kms and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the highway towards East)

From Madras

Take a left at Vikravandi(145kms from Madras) into the Kumbakonam Highway, go further South after the Villupuram-Pondy cross road, cross the railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)

There are direct buses to Poovarasan Kuppam from Villupuram, but it is better to take a bus from Villupuram to Vilavanur.