Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Navaneetha Krishnan Temple, located at MMTC Colony, Nanganallur, has a history that dates back to Treta Yuga.
“Nanganallur bore the name Dakshina Deepalayam and it was here that Lord Jamadagni did severe penance wanting to worship Lord Narasimha. When the Almighty appeared before him he wished for a Narasimha temple and wanted him to be in shanta swaroopam. The Lord granted him his wish. Then, the Narasimha temple was established here,” says secretary of the temple, S Raghavan.
It is said with the passage of time, the temple got buried. “Later, a part of the temple resurfaced and with the help of the Archaeological Department it was dug up. We got conclusive evidence that it belonged to the period before 8th century and it also confirmed the existence of a temple here. Soon, construction on the temple began,” he said.
Many idols, including Chakrathalwar, were unearthed. While all the idols were sent to the museum in Mahabalipuram, the Prayoga Chakra, which is 2,100 years old, is kept in the temple for worship, says the secretary.
On 3 September 1998, the bhoomi pooja for the temple was performed in the presence of Ahobila Mutt Jeeyar Azhagiya Singar Swamigal. In 1999, work began on the construction of the temple gopuram and on 6 September 2001, the samprokshanam was performed.
Inside the main sanctum, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is present, with Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. The sanctum is designed in the shape of a pillar.
Opposite the main sanctum is Lord Garudazhvar. On the left of the main sanctum, there is a separate shrine for Lord Navaneetha Krishnan and on the right, Lord Kothandarama is placed. Opposite this sanctum is Lord Sanjeevi Anjaneya in a separate shrine.
Between Sanjeevi Anjaneya and Lord Kothandaramar is a small idol of Anjaneyar, famously called as ‘America’ Anjaneyar. “Devotees believe that if they worship this Anjaneya with vennai kappu and betel leaves, then they will get the visa. Hence, he got the name ‘America’ Anjaneyar,” says Rangesh, the temple priest.
To the left of the Krishna shrine is Lord Srinivasa Perumal, and all the Azhwars are kept in separate shrine adjacent to each other.
Andal is present behind the main sanctum. There is also a separate mandapa, in the shape of a chariot, opposite the main mandapa where Lord Sudharsana is placed. Behind Lord Sudharsana is Lord Yoga Narasimhar.
On the walls of the Narasimha sanctum are the Ashta Lakshmis. The Prayoga Chakra is also kept inside this mandapam.
The temple also boasts of shrines for Sri Vedanta Desikar and Sri Ramanujar. The temple’s flag mast and Lord Srinivasa Perumal idol were donated by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
Speaking about the temple festivals and special poojas, the secretary says, “Almost every month there is a special occasion. During the month of Thai, on the third Friday, Thirumangalya Saradu Thirukalyana Utsavam happens during which thousands of women participate. The God and Goddess are decked up with special alankaram.”
Apart from that special poojas during Pradosham, Rama Navami, Narasimha Jayanthi, Sudharshana Jayanthi, Pavithrothsavam, Krishna Jayanthi, Navarathri Utsavam, Sri Vedantha Desikar Thirunakshathram, Ramanuja Thirunakshathram, Bhogi Pandigai and Brahmothsavam during Maasi and Vaikunda Ekadasi are also celebrated on a grand scale.
“During Margazhi, Dhanur Maadha Thiruvaaradhanam will take place. Thiruppavai will be chanted early morning and annadhanam will be served throughout the month,” says Raghavan.
The temple is managed by Sri Krishna Bhaktha Jana Sabha. “There are 3,500 registered members in the sabha and we pay Rs 200 per month to 110 physically-challenged children, who are registered here, and during festivals, we pay an additional Rs 500.” “Donations towards the temple are accepted only by the members,” he adds.
The temple is open every day from 6.30 am to 10.30 am and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
For details, contact S Raghavan at 96772 62183.