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| Kattu Narasimha Perumal Temple Srirangam,en.wikipedia |
Above image: Often called "Varaprasadi" (boon giver), this temple in Srirangam, TN goes by another name Azhagiya Singar Temple. It was patronized many Vaishnava Acharyas in the past. The main deity is said to ward off evil if prayed to him intensely. image credit: Ananthru panagudi.............
Located just a kilometer from the Srirangam railway station in Tiruchirappalli, the Kattu Narasimha Perumal Temple—affectionately known as the Azhagiya Singar Temple—stands as a testament to ancient devotion and architectural grace. While the grand Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple often captures the spotlight for various puja rituals, colorful festivals and above all architectural grandeur, this "Ekaanthanthaman Koil" (Temple of Calm Ambience) offers a unique, meditative atmosphere for the faithful.
Historical Evolution
The temple’s history is a blend of documented royalty and timeless folklore. Officially, it was constructed in the 9th century CE by the Pandyan King Vallabadevan, a dedicated follower of Sri Periazhwar. However, local legends suggest it may be one of the oldest structures in the city, with some roots stretching back to the 5th century CE, potentially predating the main Srirangam temple complex.
Throughout the centuries, it became a hub for Vedic scholarship. In the 12th century, the great preceptor Sri Pillai Lokacharya used the temple grounds to conduct kalakshepam (discourses) on the secrets of the Vaishnava tradition. Later, in the 15th century, the administration was revitalized by Sri Manavala Mamunigal under the patronage of the Pandyan ruler Sundarapandian.
Religious Significance
Although the temple is not mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham and is thus not a "Divya Desam," it holds the prestigious status of an Abhimana Sthalam. The presiding deity, Narasimha, is revered as Varaprasad (the boon-giver), drawing thousands of devotees who believe in his swift intervention and grace.
Architecture and Festivals
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| Garbhagriha, Narasimha temple yensures.com |
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| Pillared hall, Narasimha perumal templeSrirangam yensures.com |
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| Kattu Narasimha perumal temple Srirangam,TN yensures.com |
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| Narasimha perumal temple yensures.com |
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| Kattu Narasimha Perumal Temple, Srirangam trek.zone |
The temple’s architecture features traditional Dravidian elements, highlighted by a majestic entrance arch dedicated in the presence of the Sriman Sri Ranga Narayana Jeeyar. The stone sculptures within the sanctum reflect the intricate craftsmanship of the Pandyan era.
The temple comes alive during several key festivals:
Jyeshta Abhishekam: A divine ablution where holy water is brought from the river Kollidam by elephant.
Sahasra Deepam: Celebrated on the first Sunday of the Tamil month of Karthigai, where the temple is illuminated by a thousand glowing lamps.
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| Kattu Narasimha idol with consort facebook.com |
Pradosham: A time for special darshan (viewing) of Azhagiya Singar Perumal, attracting crowds seeking spiritual renewal.
In essence, the Kattu Narasimha Perumal Temple remains a vital spiritual lung for Srirangam, preserving the "calm and quiet" essence of ancient worship amidst a modern world Special image credit: yensures.com
https://www.oneindia.com/temples/kattu-narasimhaperumal-temple-srirangam-i262
https://yensures.com/2023/06/13/kattazhagiya-singa-perumal-protector-from-evil
https://trek.zone/en/india/places/632762/kattu-narasimhaperumal-temple-tiruchirappalli
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kattu_Narasimhaperumal_Temple,_Srirangam
K. N. Jayaraman
