Padalathri Temple (Narasimhar Temple),
Singaperumalkoil, Kanchipuram – Legends
Narasimha slaying Hiranyakasipu:
According
to the Hindu legend, Singaperumalkoil is referred by a Sanskrit Padalathri. The
temple finds mention in Brahmanda Purana, which mentions that Vishnu
appeared as Narasimha to the sages performing penance at this place
after killing the demon king Hiranyakasipu. Hiranyakasipu was troubling
the Devas as he got a boon from Brahma that no human can kill him. His son Prahalada was an ardent devotee of Vishnu, which
Hiranyakasipu discouraged. He also tried to slay Prahalada by various means,
but was saved by the divine grace of Vishnu. Vishnu took the avatar of
Narasimha and appeared from a pillar.
Narasimha
was a human with lion face and slayed Hiranyakasipu on an evening time in a
doorway, which was neither land nor air. His anger was not quenched even after
slaying the demon king, but Prahalada sang and prayed Narasimha to calm down,
which he acceded to. He is also believed to have quenched his anger by
bathing at the temple tank in this place. The water turned is believed to have
turned red after the incident.
Performing Thirumanjanam on Pradosham Days:
Maharshi
Jabali performed intense penance in this place seeking the darshan of Lord Sri
Narasimha. Lord granted the Rishi his darshan at the Pradosha time
(twilight time). Based on the event, Thirumanjanam is performed to
the Lord at this time on Pradosha days.