21st July 2019.
This Yoga Narasimhar Temple also called as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Sholingur in Vellore District. This temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Yoga Narasimhar, who came from the pillar to save his Devotee Bhaktha Prakalath. This is one of the 108 Diva Desam, mangalasasanam was done by Peyazhvar, Thirumangai Alwar, Ramanujar, Nathamuni and Thirukkachi Nambigal.
This place was called as Chozhasimhapuram which was corrupted to the present name of Sholingur. Peyazhlwar mentions Vishnu as "Vaan Poonkadigai Ilankumaran". In puranas and literatures this place was called as “Thirukkadikai” – which means the Narasimhar who gives dharshan for 24 minutes ( But in actual nowadays? ).
Moolavar : Sri Yoga Narasimhar
Thayar : Sri Amruthavalli
Some of the important features of this temple are…
This temple is located on a 230 meters high hill with 1300 and odd steps from the foot hills. The steps are neatly paved with granite stones and covered with metal sheets to protect the devotees from the scorching Sun. A Stucco image of Anjaneyar is on the side of the main road and a Yoga Anjaneyar is on the small hill facing Sri Yoga Narasimhar.
A 5 tier Rajagopuram is on the north side and sanctum sanctorum was built facing East. Balipedam and Dwajasthambam are in front of the temple. Both are installed parallel to Moolavar due to space Limitation.
Thayar Sri Amruthavalli is in a separate temple like sannadhi on the right side of the Moolavar Sri Yoga Narasimhar. Thayar is in sitting posture with abhaya and vara hastham. Pillars and sanctum are completely covered with brass plates with deity images.
Mollavar is on a elevated level with 9 steps to climb. Sri Yoga narasimhar is in sitting posture with yogapatti. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam. The Arthamandapa walls and pillars are covered with brass plates. The plates has images of Vishnu’s dhasa avatharas and Ashta Lakshmis. The sanctum do not have niches of Koshtas. The vimana over the sanctum is called as Hemakoti Viamanam.
HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE & INSCRIPTIONS:
This temple was believed to be built between 6th to 8th Century, by Chozhas. ( Since the place was called as Chozhasimhapuram ) The sanctum sanctorum was built on a rock, no formal architectural elements like, upana, adhistana etc, are not followed. On all the three sides, the projections of the mother rock can be see. The prakaram is empty. The pillars are cylindrical supported by simple Pallava / Chozha period style capitals. Some capitals has the lotus medallion also.
The earliest inscriptions found in the temple belongs to 10th Century Paranthaka Chozha-I. The Karikal Chozha inscription mentions that this place Thirukkadikai or Sholingur comes under the region of Kadikaikottam.
14th and 17th Century Telegu inscriptions are found in this temple. Vijayanagara period Tamil inscriptions are also found on the east side prakaram wall. The Temple might have reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. An the Temple was renovated in 1588AD by the ardent devotees Thakkan Reddy and Mudaliandan. The Dwajasthambam was installed on 27th March 1985.
About 450 years back Doddacharya of Chozhasimhapuram, who does services to Sri Yoga Narasimhar. Sri Doddacharya was the descendant of Dasarathi ( who is from Chennai – Nazarathpettai which was originally called as Dasarathipettai ), nephew of Sri Ramanujar.
Last Kumbabhishekam / consecration was performed in Sep 2010.
LEGEND:
It is believed that the people suffering from psychological problems will get cured after worship Lord Yoga Narasimha of this temple.
It is also believed that one will be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, if stayed in this place for about 24 minutes. Hence this place is called as Kadikachalam.
It is believed that Sri Lakshmi, Brahma, Viswamitrar, Budhan and Valmiki worshiped Yoga Narasimhar of this temple. Viswamitrar worshiped Sri Narasimhar and obtained the title of Brammarishi.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 08.30 hrs to 18.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS:
The temple may be contacted on the landline 04172 262 225 for further details.
HOW TO REACH:
This hill is about a KM off from the Arakkonam to Vellore Main road.
All the buses used to stop at Sholingur temple stop.
Nearest Railway station is Arakkonam.
The Hill is about 65 KM from Kanchipuram, 52 KM from Vellore and 30 KM from Arakkonam.
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
The 5 tier Rajagopuram
Baktha Prakalath shrine at the base under peepal tree
Hill steps entrance arch
Temple View from distance
Believed to be Vishnu & Doddacharya
A Foot print Mandapa
Thayar Sannadhi reliefs with brass plate cover
Palipeda & Dwajasthamba
Prakara Pillars with capital / pothyal
Ashtadhik balakas Rajagopuran entrance ceiling with solar and Lunar eclipse
Vijayanagar Nayak period inscriptions
The dilapidated temple - Vijayanagara period
The dilapidated temple - Vijayanagara period
The dilapidated temple - Vijayanagara period
The dilapidated temple - Vijayanagara period
Dolly Service - Rs 2000 is charged and food expense extra
Sri Yoga Narasimhar bas-relief
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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