Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Narasingapuram

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple is situated in Narasingapuram, Thiruvallur, about 55 km from Chennai and 21 km from Arakkonam. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Narasimha, who is the incarnation of Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. The temple of Lakhsmi Narasimha at Narasingapuram still boasts the era of Cholas and Vijayanagara Rayas from the days of glory and grandeur that flourished in South India. The temple of Lakshmi Narasimha is located in the village of Narasingapuram believed to be named after the temple.

History of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple

Saivism gained prominence in the early period of Cholas, and it opposed Vaishnavism. Even in the midst of the crisis, Lakshmi Narasimha’s temple enjoyed prestige and was well ruled in South India. Later in the glorious age of Vijayanagara Nayaks where Vaishnavism flourished and gave great importance both in politics and as a religion, the temple of Lakhsmi Narasimha became important along with Sriperumbudur(Ramanujar Temple) although both are not in Divyadesam 108. And sriperumbudur is also near to the temple. It was patronized by Vijayanagara Nayak Emperors, who gave several villages as a charter to the creation of the temple and to religion.

The temple, a fine example of architecture in the Vijayanagar style with delicately carved and carved pillars. Architecture in the temple made one think it belonged to the Vijayanagar era, inscriptions date back to the reign of the kings of Chola. Such inscriptions in the Andal shrine basement are considered by archeologists to be more ancient and belong to the time of Kulothunga Chozha I and Vikrama Chozha I. They talk about their building of the Madurantaka Vinnagar temple in Madurantaka Nalloor (the present Madurantakam) and their installation of the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and the grants they render for the regular conduct of poojas.

Inscriptions of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple

In and around the temple, there are as many as 14 inscriptions, two of which belong to the Chola period. And this shows that the temple also survived the early Saivism movement that came into effect under the Cholas, like many other prominent Vaishnavite temples that survived it in early South India.

The twelve stone inscriptions found in the temple date back to the Vijayanagar era depict the glorious past of the temple and the emperors. Most of the inscriptions relate to Emperor Atchudha Deva Maharaja’s reign detailing the gifts and the reconstruction of the temple-led building. The years of A.D. belong in those five important inscriptions. These are some of the important years of his reign in 1533, 1534 and 1536. Emperor Atchudha Deva Maharaja is Krishna Devaraya’s younger brother whose reign was known as the golden period of the history of South India. One inscription belongs to Venkatapathy Deva Maharaja’s reign, which explains his revered temple work. This dates back to 1608 and is also considered the new inscription to be located on the premises of the temple. All these inscriptions are in Sanscritised Telugu, which is still a prevalent local language in Narasingapuram’s surrounding areas.

How to Reach Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple

Shri Sarvamangala Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple,

24, Thillai Kangar Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai – 600 061.

By Bus

This temple is on the train route from Chennai Egmore – Tambaram and is 1.4 KM from the Pazhavanthagal train station. Devotees who use the bus can get off at the 2nd Main Road bus stand in Nanganallur and the temple is within walking distance. Bus numbers from Nanganallur: 52L, 52 K, 52B, M18C, M18N

By Train

The Chennai city is well connected through its two major stations, Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore, from different parts of the country. The station codes are Chennai Egmore’s “MS” and central Chennai “MAS.”

Temple Speciality

Lord Narasimha appears in the sanctum sanctorum under Chandravimanam with His conch and discus. The belief is that Sri Mahalakshmi’s brother Chandra takes care of the Lord. All Lord and Mother are seated in the sanctum sanctorum. There’s Sri Chakra in Lord Narasimha’s seat (peetam).

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple Timings