Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam – Mettu
Azhagiasingar Shrine
Mettu Azhagiasingar, the
exquisite eight armed deity with a smiling Hiranyakasipu on his lap and Bhakta Prahalada
beneath his folded knee is near the north gopuram of the Ranganathaswamy Temple. It
was he who approved Kamba Ramayana. Mettu Azhagiya Singar shrine where the Utsava
idol of Ugra Narasimha is found is very popular. The shrine has few wall
paintings depicting Narasimha in various postures. One particular painting is
interesting which shows Narasimha killing Sarabeswarar (Shiva).
The mandapam
where Ramayana Arangettram took place is opposite the Mother’s shrine.
Lord Narasimha is holding only the conch. No discus.
While
staging the Kamba Ramayana in the temple, some objected to the mention of Lord
Sri Narasimha in the Ramavatara story. Kambar said that he would withdraw
this part of the epic, if Lord himself so demanded. Lord Sri Narasimha
emerged from a pillar and approved Kambar’s writing as true. Lord
Narasimha in the temple graces from a separate shrine in the name of
Mettazhagia Singar near the Mother’s shrine.
