Padalathri Temple (Narasimhar Temple),
Singaperumalkoil, Kanchipuram – The Temple
Patalam
means red. Athri means hill. As Lord Narasimha, appeared
here furiously with Red Eyes and huge as a mount, the place came to be known as
Padalathri. This temple was built by Pallava kings. Mother Ahobilavalli
and Andal shrines are facing east, while those of Vishvaksena and Lakshmi
Narasimha face south. There are shrines for Garuda and
Anjaneya. The Dasavathara scenes are depicted in the entrance of the
temple. All the 12 Alwars are both in deity and procession deity
forms in the temple.
The
temple is built in Rock-cut architecture, occupies around 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) and has two
precincts. It is located in Singaperumalkoil, a suburb located 45 km (28 mi) from Chennai, the capital of the South
Indian state of Tamilnadu. The presiding deity housed in the sanctum in a cave is
a rock-cut image, in seated posture with his right leg bent and left leg left
hanging. Narasimha has four hands with two of the top hands holding his conch
and Chakra, while the other two hands showing Abaya Mudra and Uru hasta
(resting on his lap).
Ugra
Narasimha is sported with a third eye on his forehead, which is usually a
feature of Shiva temples. The sanctum is guarded by two Dvarapalas image on either side. The shrine of his consort,
Ahobilavalli is located in the second precinct, which is believed to be a later
addition. There is a shrine of Andal located to the right of the sanctum. While the two
shrines of Ahobilavalli and Andal have precincts, unlike the shrine of
Narasimhar.
The
shrine of Garuda facing Narasimhar, the eagle mount of Vishnu, is
located axial to the central shrine. The central shrine is approached through
Mahamandapa, the worship hall and a narrow Ardha mandapam. The flag post is
located behind the shrine of Garuda, axial to the central shrine and the
gateway tower. There are images of Azhwars in the worship hall on both sides.
The vimana, the roof over the sanctum, has stucco images of
various avatars of Vishnu. The Vimana below the sanctum sanctorum is known as
Pranava Koti Vimana. There are separate shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha, Ramanuja, Manavala Mamunigal and Vishwaksenar.
Procession
deity Prahalada Varadha graces with consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing
form under the Pranavakoti Vimana. The main sanctum itself is a rock
cut shrine on which the deity too is carved out of the hill itself. So, whoever
wants to circumambulate around the temple has to actually go around the small
hillock as Giri Pradhakshinam. Hence, Giri Pradhakshinam is very popular here.
While
walking around the temple, there is an Azhinjal tree in this temple, which is
considered most sacred. It is said that this tree has mentions in the
‘Naachiyaar Thirumozhi’ composed by Sri Aandaal. People praying for marriage or
children tie a small piece of thread from their clothes on the branches of this
tree. By doing this with a wish, it is believed that their wishes are granted.
There
are Bali Peetams seen at certain directions, while going around the temple. Anjaneyar
(Hanuman) is seen on the pillar adjacent to Dhwajasthambha, where many people
light Ghee lamps for the God. While entering into the street of this temple,
there are 4 ancient pillars having beautiful sculptures. The Theertham for this
temple is called Suddha Pushkarani and it is found east of the temple, is said
to be full through the year. Sthala
Viruksham is Paarijaatham.
Every
Pradosham, special poojas are conducted for the Pradhosha deity. While Azhvaars
have not praised this temple, the Goddess here is the same as the one in
Ahobilam (Ahobila Valli).
