Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (Navaneetha Krishnan Temple), Nanganallur – History

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (Navaneetha Krishnan Temple), Nanganallur – History
The temple is built in 1974 – 75 AD, on remnants of a 1500 years Pallava period ruined temple site. As per the ASI, researches have revealed, the small place of Nanganallur had existed even during the 8th century A.D., It was also chosen by the Pallava monarchs of Kanchipuram as a site for a number of sprawling Vishnu temples. Several artifacts had been excavated that include a beautiful stone image of Lord Narayana, about five and a half feet in height portrayed in a typical Pallava style. An image of Goddess Bhudevi, with a bell, a plate and a lamp are extremely captivating.
The metal bell found here with the imposing image of Goddess Bhudevi is a unique one, since the top of the handle contains the images of Sudarsana (the discus of Lord Vishnu) and Panchajanya (His conch) one inlaid within the other. Normally they are found on either side of the top portion of a bell. An inscription in Tamil datable to the 10th century A.D. discovered at this ancient place has the detailed description of the registration of the gifted land for meeting the expenses of lighting two lamps every day.
The members of the Krishna Bhakta Jana Sabha took the photos of the recovered articles and idols to Kanchipuram and met the Paramacharya on May 2, 1974 and explained the same to him. The sage of Kanchi blessed them. Sudarsana Homam, Sri Suktha Homam and Bhoomi Sankarshana Puja were conducted at the site on May 24 and Thirukkallam Sri Narasimha Raghavachariar, a renowned scholar, conducted the "Sthala Puja." Efforts of the Sabha bore fruit when the Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple was constructed and the Ashtabandana Mahasamprokshanam was performed on December 14, 1975.
The "Sudarsana Yantram," which was kept in the Chakrattazhvar shrine at Kancheepuram, was brought to Nanganallur and installed under the Peetam of the idol by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi. Yagasala puja and other rituals preceded the Samprokshanam and the temple was then consecrated. The Sabha also introduced the "Pidi Arisi Thittam" by collecting one handful of rice and one rupee from the public for conducting the daily puja and other rituals.
The temple complex slowly took shape with the construction of the Veera Anjaneya shrine through public donations and the Samprokshanam was performed in December 1976. "Koti Archanai" was conducted for Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar from June 19, 1978 and special "Thirumanjanam" with 473 Kalasams was performed to the Lord and his Consort. In course of time, the shrines of Sri Rukmani-Sathyabhama Sametha Sri Navaneetha Krishnan, Sri Kothandarama, Sri Srinivasa, Sri Andal, Azhwars and Acharyas, including Sri Ramanuja and Sri Vedanta Desika, were established.