Tirukadigai - Yoga Narasimha Temple

Icons made of either stone or wood, metal or crystal do shut the mouths of voluble atheists, and effect better cure than any system of medicine practised then or now. In the east or west too. This immutably, imperishable universal truth is exemplified at the divya sannidhis of Yoga Anjaneya and Yoga Narasimha Temples at a place once called Ghatikachalam, and Sholingar now. Famous as one of the 108 Divya Desas, this holy kshetra has been warding off the evil spirits, harassing the ill-starred individuals since Tretayuga. Victims of witch-craft and unfortunate preys of devils or dreadful diseases are thronging at this little temple village called Kondapalem.

It has an awe-some long history that carved a special niche in the temple that Bharat is. These two temples - Yoga Anjaneyaswamy lying on the small hill and Yoga Narasimha on the big hill have been rendering incalculable service to the possessed by mere worship and Seva lasting for 12 - 48 days. The peculiarity deserving mention is the Lord, if satisfied with the seva, appears to them in dream and talks in cryptic language, , besides giving specific instructions for total relief from the evil spirits or incurable diseases. The unfortunate possessed, failing to get relief from any source and discarded by physicians and bhutavaidyas go over here and start sevas as enjoined by the local pundits.

The Sevarthis have to observe certain austerities, like waking up early and taking cold water bath: ascending the hill and circumambulating the garbhagriha of Anjaneya or Narasimhaswamy for about 108 times, chanting the name of GOD throughout, which may take 2 to 3 hours. After that they offer prayers to the Lords and descend. Taking simple vegetarian food they rest for sometime. Again they start at 3.30 pm. seva in the similar manner. Those who offer prayers and seva to Lord Narasimha in the morning go to Anjaneyaswamy in the evening and vice versa. They also visit local temples, like Durga, Krishna and Anjaneya situated in a radius of half a kilometer. And then they go to bed with light tiffin after some congregational bhajans. 'This is all they have to and are expected to do. Done this to the satisfaction of the Lords, they will be relieved of the evil effects of spirits and dreadful diseases. Some do this likewise only for a few days and get liberated and in some cases it takes months. Sure one is cured, if he does this seva spending nothing and striving nothing, but obtaining full cure of the ailment affecting mind, body or soul with the boundless mercy of the Lords. There are many mini-shrines adorned with parivaradevathas in both the temples.

The Goddess is called Amruthavalli Thayar, the thirtha called Amrutha and the Vimana, Simhakoshta kruthi. In addition, there is another Narasimhaswamy temple in Sholingar. Its architectural beauty and sanctity pleases the soul and feast the eyes. A miss-not treasure. A visit- worthy kshetra.

The archamurti reveals his infinite compassion by calling the devotees to come to his sannidhi with a characteristic gesture. This chaturbhuja Narasimha image flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi looks extremely enticing. A rarity no where found in India. The priest grows eloquent saying that this august deity is called "Koopittu moksham Koddakara Kadavu"

It lies 3 km off Sholingar, the taluq headquarters town in North Arcot district of Tamil Nadu, accessible by bus.

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