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| Laxmi Narasimha temple Nira Narasingpur,MH en.wikipedia.org |
The Shri Laxmi Narsimha Temple, popularly known as Nira Narasimha, is a premier spiritual destination situated at the scenic confluence of the Bhima and Nira rivers in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Located at the southeastern tip of Indapur taluka, this ancient temple serves as a bastion of the Madhwa Brahmin tradition and stands as one of the most significant Narasimha shrines in Western India. It is at this place where sage Vyasa stayed God Rama had started his holy Yatra after killing Ravenna of Lanka.
Historical and Architectural Grandeur
The temple’s current landscape is a blend of natural beauty and Maratha engineering. The riverfront ghat was completed in 1527, providing a majestic approach to the waters. The primary temple structure seen today was commissioned in 1787 by Sardar Vitthal Shivdev Dani, a prominent general of the Peshwas. Built over twenty years at a cost of approximately 4.5 lakh rupees, the temple is a masterpiece of Peshwa architecture, characterized by its use of sturdy black basalt stone.
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| Laxmi Narasimha temple x.com |
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| Laxmi Narasimha temple Nira Narasinghpur heritagetemples.org |
The temple’s layout is unique, featuring three main entrances facing East, North, and West. The western entrance is particularly striking, designed with fortifications reminiscent of the famous Shaniwar Wada in Pune, requiring devotees to climb thirty-three steps to reach the sanctum. A fascinating historical artifact resides near this door: a massive Portuguese church bell. Captured by Chimaji Appa during the Siege of Vasai in 1739, the bell was brought to the temple by Diwan Sadashiv Mankeshwar, symbolizing the Maratha military triumphs of the 18th century.
Religious Significance
The sanctum houses two distinct murtis (icons) of Lord Narasimha. One is crafted from river sand—believed to be the original—while the other is made of black stone. Historical records suggest the second idol was installed as a safeguard during the iconoclastic reign of Aurangzeb.
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| Laxmi Narasimha idol,Nira Narasinghpur istagram.com |
Above Image: The 5th century temple (rebuilt in 18th Century CE set at the confluence of the Nira and Bhima rivers in taluka, Pune district,is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha(an Avatar of Sri Vishnu). It is the family deity (Kuldaivat) in Maharashtra, known for its Peshwa-style architecture and a sanctum idol believed to be created by Bhakta Prahlada............
The temple is a prominent center for the Uttaradi Math. The daily rituals and worship protocols strictly follow the Tantra Sara Sangraha, a liturgical text authored by the philosopher Madhvacharya. The complex also functions as a "Panchayatana" of sorts, housing smaller shrines dedicated to Lakshmi, Prahlad, Ganesh, and several Shiva lingams like Bhimashankar and Kashi Vishweshwar.
Festivals and Modern Context
The cultural life of the temple peaks during Vaisakha Navratri. This nine-day festival culminates on Narasimha Jayanti (the fourteenth day of Vaisakha). The celebrations are intellectual and artistic, featuring Pravachans (discourses), Bhajans, and prestigious Indian classical music concerts. The festivities conclude with a grand procession of the Lord’s padukas and a traditional Dahi Handi event.
Managed by the Deshastha Madhva Brahmin community, the temple remains a vital link to Maharashtra's medieval history and the vibrant theological legacy of the Peshwa era.
At the Shri Laxmi Narsimha Temple in Nira Narsingpur, the rituals are conducted with great precision following the Madhwa tradition and the Tantra Sara Sangraha of Madhvacharya. The temple generally opens its doors at 5:00 AM and remains open until approximately 9:30 PM.
Key Ritual Details
Panchamrit Abhisheka: This is one of the most significant daily rituals where the idols are bathed in five sacred substances (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
Nagarkhana: During the 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM Aartis, traditional instruments such as the Nagaara, Noubat, Zanz, and Ghati are played, creating a powerful spiritual resonance across the village.
Special Occasions: On festivals like Narasimha Jayanti or Gudi Padwa, the timings may shift slightly to accommodate grander decorations, Alankar Puja (adornment with jewelry), and extended darshan hours.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxmi_Narsimha_Temple,_Nira_Narsingpur
https://heritagetemples.org/pune-project/lakshmi-narsimha-temple
https://www.tirthayatra.org/nira-narsingpur
https://kalyangeetha.wordpress.com/tag/lakshmi-narasimha-temple-nira-narsinhpur
K. N. Jayaraman
