Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Yadagirigutta Temple: a popular Hindu Temple of Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation Lord Vishnu




Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple or Yadagirigutta is a popular Hindu Temple of Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation Lord Vishnu It is situated on a hillock in the Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India, 60 kilometers from the city of Hyderabad. It has huge devotees visiting on Sundays and public holidays.

The temple is quite popular and is busy throughout the year with different events of the God. The annual brahmotsavam is held in the month of March, it includes Yedurkolu, The Celestial Wedding and Divya Vimana Rathotsavam. The birthday of Lord Narasimha is celebrated on 28 April every year.

Lord Narasimha is also known as Yadagiri, hence the name.

The sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha is located in a cave, under a huge slating rock, which covers half the abode.

In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya (Hanuman) on this hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri (Now in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India). Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before him in five different forms as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshiped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.

There are Purana and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among the devotees. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas.

Glowing bright atop the sikharam of garbha griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of this cave temple is the golden Sudarshana Chakra (about 3 ft x 3 ft) of Lord Vishnu (whose reincarnation is Lord Narasimha), the adornment as well as the weapon is a symbol this temple is identified by from as far away as 6 km. It is said that many years ago the chakra moved in the direction from which the devotees came as if like a compass guiding them towards the temple.

Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshiped by sages (rishis). The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a "Rishi Aradhana Kshetram" or the place of worship for sages.

As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a "doctor" and is known as "Vaidya Narasimha" by his devotees at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a 'do gooder' to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala (40 day) pradakshina is very popular made by many devotees to get cured of a long standing ailment or chronic disease. Often, the Lord Himself has imparted mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.

Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with Yada's penance, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha. This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri hillock, and is located about 5 km from the present temple. There the sage worshiped the Lord for many years.

After Yadarishi attained moksha, a number of tribals, hearing of the Lord's presence, came to worship Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their Lord, to no avail.

After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars.

The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Puja procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple.

Yadagirigutta is about 60 km (approx. 38 miles) from Hyderabad and is well connected by Rail and Road.

The nearest airport is Hyderabad. There are number of buses from Hyderabad, Secunderabad and other parts of the state to Yadagirigutta.

The nearest railway station is Raigiri (about 3 km) where we can catch passenger trains. After alighting at Raigiri, one can take an auto rickshaw or Tanga.

The nearest railway stations for Express trains are Bhongir (14 KM) & Aler (14 KM) where you can get the express trains towards Vijaywada, Nagpur & Hyderabad.
src:wikipedia


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