A mesmerising cave temple
Located deep within a breathtaking cave, this enchanting temple invites you to explore its captivating beauty - standing 12 feet high and stretching 30 feet long. As you descend the stairway into the chamber, a sense of wonder fills the air. Here, you’ll encounter the majestic Jvala Narasimha, with his serpentine form, and the Yogananda Narasimha, gracefully seated in a yoga pose, embodying peace and mysticism. In the main shrine, the silver icon of Lakshmi-Narasimha shines brightly, beckoning you closer.
As you wander through this spiritual haven, don't miss the Hanuman temple positioned just beside the main entrance. Close by, a long horizontal gap in the rock hints at legendary tales - it's said to be the manifestation site of the powerful Gandaberunda Narasimha. Devotees believe that sincere wishes made here have the power to come true. The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, is a marvel, cleverly hidden beneath a massive slating rock that provides a grand canopy over half the temple.
The inviting complexity of the temple continues with its rich history of reconstruction. Having transformed from its original humble size of 0.81 hectares (2 acres) to an impressive 6.5 hectares (16 acres), this larger-than-life temple invites you to traverse its expansive grounds and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
Where the divine manifested
The Skanda Purana tells a captivating tale of Yada, a devoted son of a sage, who undertook a rigorous penance at the sacred site dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Pleased by Yada’s unwavering dedication, Narasimha revealed himself in five forms: Jvala Narasimha, Gandabherunda Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, and Lakshmi Narasimha.
In a heartfelt plea, Yada requested the mighty deity to permanently reside on the hill in these divine manifestations. As a testament to this remarkable event, the temple houses stunning stone deities of Narasimha in all five forms, elegantly enshrined within the main cave. Rich in history, this temple has also long adhered to the revered Tenkalai tradition of the Vaishnava Agama Shastras that resonate through the spiritual landscape of South India.
