Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy Temple, Nalgonda: Where The Lord's Breath Is Felt!

Add as a preferred source on Google

Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy temple, near Miryalaguda in the district of Nalgonda in Telangana is a unique temple where the presence of the Lord is palpable. It is situated at the confluence of the River Krishna and River Musi. Let's explore the history and the uniqueness of the shrine.

Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy Temple History

As per the history of Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy temple, in the years of the yore, owing to the sanctity of the place, Sage Vyasa meditated on Lord Narasimha. The Lord blessed Sage Vyasa in his ferocious (Ugra) form, breathing heavily with rage.

Sage Vyasa felt the Lord's breath and concluded that he had appeared before him soon after killing the demon, Hiranyakashipu. He beseeched Lord Narasimha to stay in Vadapalli to destroy the agony of the people who flock to him. The Lord agreed, and henceforth manifested in Vadapalli in his ferocious form to remove the sufferings of the people.

As per another account, Sage Agasthya was going about with some idols to be installed in Bhoolokha. As he proceeded to Kasi to fulfil his mission, a voice instructed him to install Lord Narasimha's statue at the place of the confluence of River Krishna and River Musi.

Sage Agastya thereby built a temple and installed the statue of Lord Narasimha as per the instruction. As years went by the temple was run down and the Reddy kings in the 12th century while developing their cities, came upon the statue of Lord Narasimha and reconstructed the temple and installed the idol.

The Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy Temple

The Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy temple is rather small, but is surrounded by trees and plants. There is a dwajasthambam or the flagpole in the entrance of the temple with the Lord's vehicle, Garuda near it. The statues of Jaya and Vijaya, the dwarapalakas or gatekeepers of the Lord are found on either side of the access point.

When one passes through the Arthamandapa, one gets to see Lord Narasimha with Goddess Lakshmi Devi in the sanctum sanctorum. There is no separate shrine for the goddess. As one goes round the temple, there is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Significance of the Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy Temple

The temple of Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy temple may be small but it holds great significance. Since it is the place where Lord Narasimha has manifested in his ferocious (ugra) form, breathing heavily with anger soon after the killing of the demon, Hiranyakashipu, his breath is tangible to the devotees, who flock to his feet.

In order to prove the palpable presence of the Lord, the priests have tied two lamps to a pole, one at the height of the deity and another further down the form of Lord Narasimha. As per the belief, the flame of the lamp that is close to the Lord's face flickers as it burns owing to his heavy breath while the second one that is further down stands still.

Narasimha Mantra and meaning

Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham
Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityur Mrityum Namamy aham

"I bow down in front of the ferocious and brave form of Lord Narashimha, who is effulgent like fire, has his face everywhere, the most auspicious one and the death of death itself."

Let us thus seek the blessings of Vadapalli Narasimha Swamy to destroy our sufferings and abide in his grace.