Narasimha Swami Temples In India: A Spiritual Journey

Table of Contents

1. Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Nuggehalli
2. Narasimha Swami Temple, Seebi
3. Nrisingha Temple, Nadia
4. Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Pune
5. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam – Andhra Pradesh
6. Nrusinghanath Temple, Odisha
7. Vadapally Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Andhra Pradesh
8. LAKSHMI NARASHIMA SWAMI TEMPLE, Sholinghur Tamil Nadu
9. Devarayan Durga Narasimha Swami Temple, Karnataka
10. Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple, Maddur

Temples of Lord Narasimha

1. Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Nuggehalli

History: The original Hoysala temple appears to have had a Mahadvara or upparige of soapstone supported by plain round pillars. In front of the Mahadvara stood the two fine elephants, which are now in front of the Hajara (inner Courtyard). The elephants are well carved and an equestrian is cantering on either side of the trunk of each. Ahead of the Mahadwara (in the west), a part of the courtyard stands a platform about 4 feet high on which the temple is raised.

Architecture: The temple is an excellent example of the Hoysala architectural style, which features intricate carvings and detailed sculptures. The temple’s outer walls are adorned with stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of that era. The deity here, Lord Narasimha, is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing protection and prosperity.

2. Narasimha Swami Temple, Seebi

History: According to the legends, the temple was built by a merchant who was travelling via Seebi and took a halt for relaxing and consume food on a rock. It is believed that lord Narasimha appeared in the merchant’s dream in an unconscious state stating that the rock is lord’s abode(Home) and a temple should be constructed here. Thus, a small temple was built here by the merchant.

However, in the 18th century, the construction of a larger temple was initiated by three brothers namely Lakshminarasappa, Puttanna, and Nallapa, sons of Kacheri Krishnappa, Dewan in the court of Mysore king Tipu Sultan.

Architecture: It took approximately 10 years to complete the construction of the temple in the Dravidian Style of architecture. The highlight of the temple is the mural paintings on the walls and ceilings depicting stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagwat Gita, and the Narasimha Purana.

According to historians and critics, the murals painted in this temple are ‘folkish’ in character and are among the best from the Mysore period. Spread across a large area, the entrance is a three-tiered tower that leads to a closed mantapa which has many other minor shrines of other Hindu gods like Rama, Krishna, Ganapathi, and Saptamatrika.

3. Nrisingha Temple, Nadia

History: There is a myth that this temple existed right from the time of Satya Yuga. Lord Narasimha came here to wash the blood from his claws after protecting his devotee Prahlada by killing Hiranyakasipu. There is a pond situated beside the temple. According to Hindu mythology, this pond was part of the Mandakini River. Since then, this place has been known as Narasimha Kshetra or Nrisinghapally.

Architecture: It showcases a blend of traditional Bengali and South Indian architectural styles. The temple features a classic Bengali “Chala” style with sloped roofs to withstand heavy monsoons and stands on a raised platform to prevent flooding. The shikhara combines Bengali and Dravidian influences with a Rekha-deula-style tower topped with a kalasha. The entrance is adorned with an elegant arched doorway and floral motifs, leading to a Mandapam supported by ornate pillars.

Inside, the garbhagriha houses a detailed idol of Lord Narasimha, with the sanctum built from stone to emphasize its sacredness. The temple's walls are embellished with intricate terracotta panels depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The complex includes a courtyard with secondary shrines for other deities, allowing space for traditional rituals and community prayers.

4. Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Pune

History: Established in the 18th century, this temple is one of the few dedicated to Narasimha Swamy in Maharashtra. It took approximately 20 years for the completion of the temple. Vaisakha Navaratri is the biggest festival celebrated at the temple.

Architecture: It was built by the Peshwas, particularly under Peshwa Bajirao II, and is an example of Maratha-style architecture. The structure is simple yet elegant, reflecting the essence of Maratha devotion and religious life.

5. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam – Andhra Pradesh

History: The Simhachalam temple is one of the old temples that worships Narasimha as their deity in India, dating back to the 11th century. Built during the rule of the Chola dynasty and later patronized by the Eastern Ganga Kings.

Architecture: The temple blends Chola and Kalinga architectural styles. The temple’s most notable feature is its idol, which remains covered in sandalwood paste throughout the year. The paste is only removed on AkAkshayaritiya to reveal the face of the deity.

6. Nrusinghanath Temple, Odisha

History: The temple was constructed in 1413 AD by Baijaldev, the 8th Chouhan king of Patna. The temple is said to be built on the site of an even older temple. According to legends, the deity was originally known as Marjar Keshari, a cat-lion incarnation of Narayan Vishnu who came to earth to kill the rat demon Musikadatya.

Architecture: The temple is 45 feet tall and is divided into two parts. The first part is the seat of Lord Nrusinghnath, and the second part is the Jagamohan, an antechamber with three gates supported by four pillars.

7. Vadapally Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Andhra Pradesh

History: The temple is placed in Nalgonda district; this temple is believed to be more than 500 years old. As it is built on the banks of the Krishna River, it holds special significance due to its riverside location, which is considered holy.

Architecture: The temple exhibits traditional Telugu architectural styles, with detailed sculptures and artistic pillars.

8. LAKSHMI NARASHIMA SWAMI TEMPLE, Sholinghur Tamil Nadu

History: Constructed over 1,000 years ago, this ancient temple dates back to the Chola period. The main deity Narasimha, is worshipped here with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi.

Architecture: The length of the big hill temple is 200 feet and its breadth is 150 feet which comes to an acre. The temple is 750 feet height from below with 1300 steps. There are seven Mandapams in between the foot of the hill and the entrance of the temple.

9. Devarayan Durga Narasimha Swami Temple, Karnataka

History: This 17th-century temple, built during the rule of the Wodeyar Dynasty, is located on a hill near Tumkur. The temple has a natural spring called Namada Chilume, it is believed to have been created by Lord Rama’s arrow, and also they believe it has a lot of healing properties.

Architecture: The architecture of the temple reflects the traditional Dravidian Style, with beautifully carved stone pillars and intricate sculptures.

10. Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple, Maddur

History: This ancient temple is located in Maddur, Karnataka. It dates back to the 13th century and was built during the Hoysala dynasty’s rule. The temple’s main sanctum houses Lord Narasimha in his pure fierce form, symbolizing his protective nature.

Architecture: The temple exemplifies the Hoysala architectural style; it is known for its intricate craftsmanship and detailed stone carvings. Other architectural features include The main sanctum and Mandapam, Intricately carved pillars, Shikara, Ornate Doorways and Panels, Open Courtyard and Layout, and Decorative Sculptures and Reliefs.

Conclusion

These are the top 10 Narasimha Swamy temples across India where not only are they religious shrines but are also prime examples of the great rich Indian history and art. Both of these temples have their tales of miracles, divine intervention and dedication of the people who worship this deity.

These temples allow one to take a journey through time, taking the devotees back to the glorious spiritual past of India and linking it with the legend of Lord Narasimha as the eternal protector. So, then here we come up with the most visited temples of Narasimha Swamy. Let's explore these top 10 Narasimha Swamy temples and unbox the truth behind our Indian culture and devotion.