Sri LAkshmi Narasimha Temple - Nanganallur

gokulkr · July 17, 2009

Sri Navaneetha Krishnan Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple (Old)

This is located in the Sarva mangala nagar.

As the historical researches have revealed, the small place of Nanganallur had existed even during the 8th century A.D., It was also chosen by the Pallava monarchs of Kanchipuram as a site for a number of sprawling Vishnu temples. Several artifacts had been excavated that include a beautiful stone image of Lord Narayana, about five and a half feet in height portrayed in a typical Pallava style. An image of Goddess Bhudevi, with a bell, a plate and a lamp is extremely captivating. The metal bell found here with the imposing image of Goddess Bhudevi is a unique one, since the top of the handle contains the images of Sudarsana (the discus of Lord Vishnu) and Panchajanya (His conch) one inlaid within the other. Normally they are found on either side of the top portion of a bell. An inscription in Tamil datable to the 10th century A.D. discovered at this ancient place has the detailed description of the registration of the gifted land for meeting the expenses of lighting two lamps everyday.

The main sanctum, facing east enshrines the imposing image of the principal Deity, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. The other murtis, which adorned the beautiful main sanctum are those of Lord Pradosha Narasimha, for whom special worship is performed during every pradosha and Sri Chakrattazhvar (Sudarsana). Also seen here are images of Sri Vishvaksena, Svami Nammazhvar, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Vedanta Desika. An interesting and rare architectural feature of this sanctum is a circular shaped pillar which resembles a stambha from which Lord Narisimha emerged to protect His child-devotee Prahlada.

The shrine housing the image of Lord Sri Sudarshana with Lord Narasimhar at the back is designed like a chariot, circular in shape. The vimana is one of the chief interests about the temple and is known as Veda chakra Vimana. Interestingly, the “prayoga chakra` (the discus held by Lord Narayana just prior to release) of an old Pallava Vishnu image which was earlier excavated here, has been installed in front of the Chakrattazhvar shrine, which has enhanced the traditional grandeur of the temple. This exceptional Vishnu image is properly mounted on a small structure, enabling devotees to actually touch it and pray for their wishes.

Apart from the above mentioned sub shrines, there is another significant sanctum stationed in this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Navaneeta Krishna. Here, the main image holds a ball of butter in His right hand while His left hand holds the conch (சங்கு). Lord Navaneedha krishnar magnetises the devotees with his teasing smile. It is interesting to note that the shrine for Lord Krishna is octagonal (eight-sided) in shape. The myths and legends associated with the temple reveal that the octagonal design of the temple has a special significance. According to these stories since He was the eighth child of Vasudev and Devaki, the shrine dedicated to the Lord is octagonal in design.

Also erected in this temple is a separate sanctum for Lord Srinivasa, whose image is guarded with the tall dvajastambha. It is venerated as the gift from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

There is a sanctum dedicated to Lord Kothandarama with Sita Devi, Lakshmana and Hanuman. Directly in front of Lord Rama`s shrine and inside the prayer-hall is erected a small image of Hanuman called Bhaktakoti Anjaneya. The devotees are permitted to offer and apply dabs of butter on the image, while praying for the fulfillment of their wishes. So, the Anjaneyar here is seen always with butter alankaram. Just outside the prayer-hall and facing the shrine of Lord Rama is the sacred sanctum dedicated to Sanjeevi Anjaneya with His right hand held aloft.

A significant feature of the temple is that there is also a separate sanctum for Azhwars with exclusive cubicle for each Azhwar in a neat row.

Lakshmi Narasimha Navaneetha Krishna Temple has many antique sculptural pieces which enhanced the scenic beauty of the temple precincts. There is a beautiful circular chamber of mirrors (கண்ணாடி அறை) with a beautiful and unusual gopuram that adds a charming view to the temple. The decorated images of the Lord are taken on special occasions near these mirrors. Inside the chamber there are erected four pillars carrying the image of Lord Narasimha. Throughout the entire length of the wall there are a series of mirrors reflecting the images. Apart from these, pictures of the deities of 108 Divya Desams adorn the walls. The paintings of the walls are outstanding and depicting the thirty pasurams of the Tiruppavai. Pictures of some Divya Desams are found on the external wall, thus making the chamber really a `House of Art`. The inner chamber is fitted with strategically placed, large-sized mirrors, which give the viewer a multi-reflection of the images of the deities placed within.

Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha Navaneeta temple apart from being a sacrosanct is also the specimen of the architectural skill of the contemporary artists. As a whole the temple is a symbol of antiquity.

The day we went was the day of once-a-year Annakkoodai annual festival (Masi Chithirai) at the Lakshmi Narasimhar shrine. When we went, here again, the Thirumanjanam was taking place and we had a wonderful dharshan.