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Feb 27, 2011

Attru Azhagiasingaar, Kattu Azhaghiasingar, Mettu AzagiyaSingar Temples in SriRangam


Kattu Azhaghiasingar SriRangam


SriRangam, Dhasavathara Sanidhi



Nice article about Aattru Azhagiasingar:-


Posted by: “Dr.S.Sundar Rajan MS ortho” kuresadasan@yahoo.co.in kuresadasan
Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:49 pm (PDT)

Attru Azhagiasingaar


Nowadays Kaveri is a pale shadow of what she used to be. The many dams built west of Srirangam have reduced her from a mighty perennial river to a sorry stream. Old paintings dated to about two to two and half centuries ago depict her flowing at the base of the unfinished(the present humongous rajagopuram, built by HH Mukkur Azhagiyasingar) south gopura. Now she flows about 1.2km away and water has to be pumped unto the sands during Gajendra moksha festival!

Srirangam being an island was not very easy to get to in those days. Circular plate like “parisals ” and boats used to ferry people and pilgrims to the island of Sri Ranganatha. The British, like the Romans much before them, realised the need and importance of good roads and bridges to administer their vast empires. So they set about building a bridge to span the mighty Kaveri, so that Trichnopoly could be connected to Srirangam. They began building about 2kms from the base of the Rock fort. Kaveri playfully washed the structure away. They tried again and again. Legends say that thrice the masonry was taken apart by the waters.

Then one of the chief engineers had a dream. Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha appeared and instructed that an old temple of His on the southern bank of Kaveri near one of the piers needed renovation and on this being done, Kaveri would allow a bridge to be built. The small temple was found amongst unapproachable bramble and tangled bushes at the river’s edge. Workers were scared to go near because it appeared to be protected by a mighty serpent. The snake was appeased and a new sanctum was built for the deity. The construction was solid as can be seen even today. The walls are about a foot thick. In front of the sanctum sanctorum there is a low area. The deity inside is on a slightly elevated platform. Kaveri was in spate about five years ago. Water and slush entered the temple. For three days the archaka couldn’t enter. When the silt was washed aside and the sanctum approached it was seen that Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha was above the water level and Kaveri was dutifully lapping well below His foot. That year it was feared that the waters may flow into Srirangam. We were witness to waters overflowing on to the Amma Mandapam road, where the banks had been breached. But our Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha was high and dry, so to say!





MettuAzaghiyaSingar, SriRangam


Mettu Azhaghiasingar, the exquisite eight armed deity with a smiling Hiranyakasipu on His lap and Bhakta Prahlada beneath His folded knee is near the north gopura of the Peria Koil. It was He who approved Kamba Ramayana.

Kattu Azhaghiasingar is the huge seated Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha about 1.5km to the east of the superb white Vellai gopura, the main eastern portal of the SriRanganathaswamy temple. The temple of Kattu Azhaghiasingar was the base of Sri Kura Narayana Jeeyar and later on Sri Pillai Lokacharya. Both these mahacharyas have rendered inestimable service to Lord Ranganatha and His temple.

The afore mentioned Azhaghiasingars are well known. But Attru Azhaghiasingar, that is Nrisimha of the river’s edge is not well known.

The Divine couples are to be found at Oduthurai, on the very edge of the south bank of the river Kaveri between the road and rail bridges that connect the town of Trichy to Srirangam. As one comes from Srirangam on the Trichy Chennai road, after crossing the bridge over Kaveri, one has to take a left turn, actually a left U turn. This road leads to a level crossing, Oyamori the cremation ghat and the bypass road on to the south Kalannai road further eastward. Almost half way between the point where one turned left after the Kaveri bridge and the railway crossing there are steps leading down. The steps are high, about 15 in number and these lead to small approach between two houses. Climbing up the few steps one reaches the entrance into the temple. Inside it is clean. The sanctum is open to the east, it is in the east west direction. The ceiling is low, about nine feet only. Right at the eastern end there is a dwaja stambha and a small sanctum of Garudaazhwar, as always with hands folded. He is forever gazing at the Divine Couple.

The young archaka, Sri Kamalakannan is very articulate and well informed. He patiently answers all our questions. It is he who narrated the afore mentioned legend. With great fervour he tells us about the presiding deity.

The Divine Couple are seated under the shade of a tall five hooded Adiseshan. Thayar is on His lap. She is seated daintily and Her body and face are turned towards Him, partially. She has Her hands together in the “namaste” posture. This not usual. Sri Lakshmi usually has one hand in the “abhaya” and the other in the “varada” mudhra. In some places She has a lotus in one of Her hands. Here She sits with Her head slightly bent, hands folded together in a pose of supplication. That is why this is “venduthal sthalam” a wish granting place. On the wall at the entrance there is a huge banner printed digitally which colorfully explains which day of the week is optimal for which need!

This pose of our Mother graphically illustrates Her role as a mediatrix. Even though our Lord is a repository of mercy, compassion etc. one never knows when He is displeased with us. When He looks at us with His sun like eye all our countless sins, committed down the ages, are well lit up and He pushes us away angrily, into the endless cycle of rebirths. It is only by Her mediation He is made to overlook our transgressions and emancipate us. It has been repeatedly emphasised by the scriptures and by the teachings of our acharyas, that bereft of Her help we can never escape bondage.

A mediatrix can be effective only if she is merciful, seeks refuge in Him only and can influence Him at will. Our Mother Sri Lakshmi is always with Him just for this purpose. Here on the south bank of Kaveri the Divine Couple enact this truth for us.

Sri Nrisimha is seated with the left leg folded and only the right foot is visible. His right lower hand is in “abhaya mudhra” and he has fearsome moustaches! His lower left arm is invisible behind Her and His upper two arms have Chakra and Sankha. He is smiling, showing all His teeth. The five hooded Adisesha covered by silver plates dwarfs the “thiruvasi” the arch over the Divine couple.

Sarvopim Samashrithya Sakalam Bhadram Ashnuthe
Sriyascha Badryajushra Estham Bhadram Namamyaham

To one side of the Divine Couple, stands Anjaneya in a vinitha, humble, posture. The surprising point is that he has three eyes, the third one in the centre of the forehead. We have seen many Sudarshanas and our Lord Nrisimhas with three eyes, this is our first darshan of Anjaneya with an extra eye.

The next surprise is the utsavar. Guess who? He is as handsome as a new bridegroom and is the same both above and below the neck, i.e. He is not a man-lion. To either side of Him are Sridevi and Bhudevi. His name? We gave you a hint didn’t we. Azhagiyamanavalan, the handsome bridegroom, same as the renowned processional deity of SriRanganathaswamy Koil, fondly called Nam Perumal. It is Azhagiyamanavalan here who is taken out on all the processions, in fact He goes upto the base of the Rock fort about two kms away.

There is a small idol of Vainatheyan behind Anjaneya.

To the right side of the sanctum, an idol of SriLakshmiNrisimha on Garuda vahana is shown to us by he archaka who says that it is made of sandal paste.

After repeatedly paying obeisance to the Divine Couple we circumambulate the small well built sanctum. Huge pictures of Padmavathi Thayar and Venkatachalapathi adorn the wall next to the sanctum. Going behind, i.e. westward we see the entrance to a huge hall, extending in the south – north direction. On the posterior wall of the sanctum Sri Sudarshana, as in Srirangam, is painted on the wall. Coming to the left of the sanctum(north) we see the steps that lead down to the Kaveri. Generous flow from Karnataka due to the plentiful south west monsoons is the reason Kaveri is lapping at the lower steps. One can well imagine the flooding of this temple when Kaveri is in spate.

From the steps leading to the Kaveri we go further eastward. This is a big mandapa in front of the sanctum, closed on all sides. Near the northern wall there is a lovely image of Venugopala. On the wall there is an old painting of Srinivasa in the Mysore style. There is an antique handsome Tanjore painting nearby depicting deities of many divya desas. We turn right to reach the stunted dwaja stambha. Again a right turn brings us to the southern wall. There is an alcove in the middle, housing a smiling Anjaneya in a standing pose. He is facing northwards, towards Peria Perumal in Srirangam and Perumal, Rama, in Ayodhya. He appears to be a “vara prasadi” boon granter, as several paper garlands around his neck attest. These papers are full of “SriRamajayams”. To the right of Thiruvadi we have a seated Sri Nammazhwar and to the left Sri Ramanuja and Sri Manavalamamunigal.

The ceiling has frescoes. Some of which are in excellent condition. The ceiling right in front of Anjaneya has the ten azhwars and Andal. They are not in order and identification is not easy, though the paintings are in good condition. In the middle, right above Garudaazhwar is a fresco of Nrisimha with many hands(how many?… we are unable to make out) disemboweling Hiranyakasipu. Near the asura a swan like bird is drawn, kiliasura we are told. The same white bird makes an appearance in the same context on the southern wall in front of Kattuazhagiasingar temple. On the ceiling to the east is the “pranavakara vimana” and SriRanganatha. Here He has His left hand near His crown. Maybe this painting must be seen in a mirror held below, then the image will be correct. Coming to the ceiling near the sanctum, the northern portion has a lovely untouched picture of Sri Ranganayaki, but the southern portion has a distorted drawing of Nam Perumal with ubhaya nacchiyars. Sri Ranganayaki is beguiling and the painting is in good condition.

These frescoes point to the fact that this temple is quite old.

We once again worship Sri LakshmiNrisimha and take leave of the archaka. Being just about 1.2kms from our home, we plan to visit often.

Tvai rakshathi rakshakaihi kimanyai
Tvai cha arakshathi rakshakaihi kimanyai
Ithi nischita dhi shrayami nithyam
Nrihare veghavati(kaveri) thatashrayam tvam

As always we let Sri Vedanta Desika have the last word!

Feb 23, 2011

Kadiri Narasimha Swamy Temple

Kadiri Narasimha Swamy

Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in the southeastern part of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Lord Narasimha at Kadiri is swayambhu emerging from the roots of Khadri tree. He appears here as Ashta Bahu Narasimha (having eight hands) tearing Hiranyakasipu. We can see Prahlada standing beside him with folded hands.

Astonishingly, after the daily abhishekham is performed, the Murthy of the Lord oozes sweat even after being repeatedly wiped off by the Archakas here

Temple Timings
On regular days the worship of the deity starts at 6:30am in the morning until 12:45pm in the noon and then starts at 16:30hours in the evening and continues till 20:30hours in the night. The temple remains closed from 12:45 to 4:30pm in the afternoon. On the day of Brahmotsavam, the temple remains open from early morning 06:30hrs to 07:30 and in the evening 07:30 to 8:30hrs.

Accommodation is available on the temple premises, which is provided by temple administration. There are AC and non-AC rooms with all the amenities required. The room tariff generally begins at Rs.100/-. As there are limited number of rooms, an advance booking is recommended. For room booking and other facilities, you can contact the administration at +91-8494-221066 / +91 94413 66377

Places of interest
25km from here, there is Thimmamma Marrimanu (World's Biggest Banyan Tree is spread in 11 acres (4 ha) of land. It got entry in the Guinness Book of Records, 1989).

Kadiri is also known for jasmine flowers(Malle Pulu), Vermilion(Kumkum),and Silk(Pattu Dharam).

From Chennai to Kadiri by Road


Photos 
Thanks to http://www.facebook.com/LordKadiriNarasimha




Kadiri  Sri  Narasimha Swamy Temple Gopuram

Kadiri  Sri  Narasimha Swamy Temple on Narasimha Jayanthi






Kadari - Lakhs of devotees attending Rathotsavam


Kadiri Sri Narasimha Swamy



Thondanur Narasimha temple



From mukurnarasimha.blogspot.com

Brief History of the place:

As we know Sri Sri Ramanujacharya, who hurriedly came out of Srirangam in Tamilnadu, settled down in Thondanur for an extended period, about 1000 years ago. From here Sri Ramanuja propagated Vishisthadwaitha Siddhantha in Karnataka. Working from Thondanur, he reinstated Sri Sri Thirunarayana temple at Melukote, which is about 10miles/15km away. After a great search for Uthsavamoorthy for Thirunarayanaswamy, Sri Yathiraja found the beautiful moorthy at Delhi with the Badshah’s daughter "BIBI". It is said that Sri Yemberumanar affectionately called the moorthy " SELVAPILLAI VAARAAI" (Selvapillai please come) and the Uthsavamoorthy started coming closer & closer to Him. This is the moorthy which we have in Melukote today.

During Sri Yathiraja’s stay at Thondanur, he answered questions from several other religious heads simultaneously from behind a curtain in the form of ADISHESHA. He is seen in ADISHESHA AVATHAR in Sri Narasimhar temple. While at Thondanur, Sri Yathiraja showed some of his powers in driving away the Evil Spirits from the daughter of King Bitti Devaraya. Impressed by his TEJAS BEARING PERSONALITY, TEACHINGS AND POWERS of Sri Ramanuja, the Hoysala King BITTI DEVARAYA, who was a Jain, got blessed by no other than Sri Yatheendra, became a Vaishnava and was given the name of " VISHNU VARDHANA".



Nambinarayana Temple at Thondanur Nov 2001

Sri Ramanuja installed "THONDAR" as a high priest of SRI NAMBINARAYANA temple at Thondanur to take care of the temple. This temple was constructed by the Hoysala dynasty and was built as a prototype to the Belur Chennakesava temple and is over 1000 years old. Large artistic pillars inside the temple resemble the pillars seen in the Belur temple. Sri Nambinarayana is in Samasrayana position with Shankam in the right hand (instead of left hand as normal) and Chakram in the left hand (instead of right hand as normal).


Yemberumanar is responsible for the beautiful lake at Thondanur. It is said that the water has never dried since it was created. There are small man-made waterfalls and canals, making it a great water sport attraction particularly for the kids. The water is so clear that the king Tippu Sultan called it "MOTI TALAB ", as one could see the PEARL fallen from his broken necklace in the clear waters

Yes Thondanur means immediately you can go to flash back mode to our Udayavar's era and time. A Shivate king Koluthunga Chola was ruling the South at that time. He was a staunch Shivate. He had an evil Minster named Nalluran. He did not like our Vaishnavism growing, so he poisoned the ears of the King and told him that he should take it in writing from all the Religious head that Shiva is greatest of all. Particularly he did not like our Udayavar's and Our Vaishtaadwaithams growth. Then some how news reached Udayavar's camp that kings men are coming take him to Kings court. Sensing trouble Our Koorath Alwan convinces Ramanujacharya to undertake Pilgrimage. Saying this Koorath Alwan and our Ramanujacharya exchanged their clothes. Then Kings man took away Koorath Alwan and rest is history. Meanwhile our Udayavar traveled along the river Cauvery's course and ultimately reached Thondanur in Melnadu ( Present day Karnataka ) One of the Pradhana Shishiya named Thondanur Nambi his disciple was happy to play host to his beloved Acharya . But problem was lot of disciple had also come along with Our beloved Acharya , Nambi was not rich. Then knowing this our Acharya Valal Sent word to Katalaivari and Kongupratti and they donated 1000 Gold coins, with this daily Bhagavath Aradhanam and Thadi Aradhanam was held nicely. At that time Hoysala was ruled by Bitti Deva and he was a follower of Jainism. Once Nambi went to Palace and found it was gloomy. Then he asked Raja what is the problem. For that he told his daughter is processed by Brahmarakshas and even my Jain Guru's could not do anything. For that Nambi told My guru is here and he will cure. For that Bitti Deva told if that miracle happens he will become the followers of Udayavar. Then Udayavar went to palace, he was welcomed by the King and queen Then the princess came and did act of mad woman. Then Ramujar Sprinkled the Holy water from his kamandalam. Then she fainted and when she regained consciousness , she was turned a new leaf. Such is the mahima of our Udayavar. Then seeing this King and queen bowed to our Acharya and asked him to accept as disciples, Our Acharya accepted them and He did a Namakranam to King as Vishnuvardhan.( In memory of this great event, the king built five Vaishnava temples Channiga Narayana temple at Belur, Nambi Narayana temple at Thondanur, Keerthi Narayana temple at Talakad, Veera Narayana temple at Gadag and Chelva Narayana temple at Melkote. These temples are lasting monuments of Karnataka culture and architecture. Ramanuja built many other temples too in Thondanur).


Then seeing this Jain Acharyas told Ramanuja has done some Vasiyam and they wanted to have a debate. Then 12000 Jains debated with our Udayavar, Then Our Ramanuja asked his disciple to put a screen and he took a form a 1000 headed Adhisheshan and defeated this Jains. ( even today you will find the Statue of Udayavar in Nambi Narayana temple and also Narasimha Temple. Here there are three temples, they are Nambi Narayana Temple. ( It is one the Pancha Narayana KSHéTRAM established by Bhagavath Ramanuja. the Moolavar is 18 feet height and he is holding Shanku and Chakra in reverse order ( We could not take picture as it is under Archeological Survey of India , May be in near future you can see the Picture) . it is said he did Pancha Samasakara to Thondanur Nambi, then a Narasimha Temple and Gopala Krishna Temple. Then near by you can see a vast big lake which was built by our Udayavar with his own hand.

Courtesy
http://mukurnarasimha.blogspot.com/2008/05/kere-thondanur-mandya-district.html

Feb 16, 2011

Narsimha Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;
May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !
May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,
Praising them with our body and limbs steady !
May the glorious Indra bless us !
May the all-knowing Sun bless us !
May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !
May Brihaspati grant us well-being !
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

The First Upanishad

Bhagawan Narasimha who is partly human and partly lion shines as Parabrahma with Rutha (discipline of the visible world) and Sathya (basic truth). He appears with two colours viz. black and golden red. His nature is to go up and he has a very terrible and fearsome stare but he is a “Sankara” doing good to people. He is called “Neela Lohitha (He who is red and black)” because his neck is black and the top of it is red. In another of his aspects he is Umapathi (husband of Uma) and Pasupathi (Lord of all beings). He holds the bow called “Pinaka” and has great luster. He is the god of all knowledge. He is god of all beings. He is the Lord of all Vedas. He is the boss of Brahma and He is praised by Yajur Veda. One should know the praise of Sama Veda of him. Those who know that will attain the deathless state.

The Second Upanishad

Devas were afraid of death, sins and family life. They approached Praja Pathi. He told them about the Narasimha Mantra which was “the King of all Mantras” written in Anushtup meter. Because of this, they won victory over death. They won over all sins and also destroyed the problems of family life. So any of those who are afraid of death, sins and family life, should get themselves taught the “Narasimha Mantra” which is called “the King of Mantras” and which is written in anushtup meter. They all would win over death and win over sin as well problems due to family life.

The King of Mantras:
[The following is a simple translation of the King of Mantras of Lord Narasimha and what follows is an explanation and justification of each description.)

My salutations to That Nrusimha,
Who is fierce,
Who is heroic,
Who is Maha Vishnu,
Who is burning,
Who has faces every where,
Who is half Lion and half Man,
Who is fearful,
Who is safe,
Who is death and deathlessness.

He is called “Ugra [fierce]” because by his power He creates, looks after, destroys and elevates without break and also attracts all devas, all beings, all bhoothas Hey Lord Narasimha, you who is being praised by me, please give me perennial happiness even when I am in this body which is not permanent. Let your soldiers kill all my enemies who are different from me. 1

He is called “Veera [heroic]” because by his power He makes all worlds, all devas, all beings and all boothas play, and allow them to take rest and also creates, helps them grow and attracts without any break these worlds, devas, beings and boothas. He is behind every action, very capable, mountain like and one who fulfills the desires of devas. 2

He is “Maha Vishnu”, because he pervades in all the worlds and makes all the world pervade, similar to the fatty gum that spreads in all meat, from this side to that and also from other side to this side. There is nothing in the world that is not him. He is pervading in all things in the world. He is the leader of all souls. Worship of souls is His worship. He exists in all the three shining things viz. Moon, Sun and fire. 3

He is called “Jwalantham [burning]”, because he makes the entire world which includes all devas, all beings and all Bhoothas shine because of his luster and also shines in them and makes them release flames. He is the one who created the world and makes it rapidly multiply. He is the one who shines because of his own luster and also makes others shine. He spreads heat throughout the world and makes the world swelter. He spreads his rays everywhere and makes them release rays. He has a personality which causes only good. He gives only that which is good and he is good. 4

He is called “Sarvatho Mukham [having faces everywhere]” because he sees everywhere without having any organs, he is able to hear every thing, he is able to go every where, he is able to attract everything, and also because he is spread everywhere and exists every where. In the beginning he was alone and he has become all these things now. Those who rule over the world came from him. In the end everything goes back and merges in him. I salute him who has faces every where. 5

Among all animals the most fear some and also most special is the lion. That is why God of the Universe took birth as Narasimha. That deathless form became one which does good to the entire world. That is why he is called “Narasimham [half man and half lion]”. That Maha Vishnu who has this fearsome form does not cause fear among his devotees. He is being worshipped and praised by them. He is the one who travels all over earth and also one who lives on the mountain top. In his form of Trivikrama, he measured all the worlds in three steps. 6

He is called "Bheeshanam [fear full]” because all the crowds of devas, men and Bhoothas and all the worlds run away fearing Him; but he is not afraid of anything. The wind blows because it is afraid of Him. The Sun rises above because he is afraid of Him. It is because of fear for Him, that the God of fire, Indra and the God of death do their work. 7

He is called “Bhadram [safe]’ because he is good things personified, because he forever shines giving good things, because he makes others shine, because he is superior and because he does very good things. Hey Devas, we have to hear with our ears about this “Bhadram”. Hey, those of you who are fit to be worshipped, we have to see with our eyes that “Bhadram”. Let us live as much as the Gods live with healthy organs and healthy bodies praising and singing Him. 8

He is called “Mruthyu-Mruthyum [death and deathlessness]” because just by mere thought of His devotees, he destroys death and untimely death to them. He is one who gives the knowledge of the soul and also one who gives strength. All devas bow before Him and praise Him. Let us satisfy Him by offering Him “Havis-food” through the fire sacrifice because even his shadow is nectar and he is the death which destroys death. 9

He is worshipped by the chanting of “Namami [I salute him]”, because he is being worshipped by all devas, all those who have forsaken his world and all those who swear by Brahmam and also because the lord of the Vedas worship him telling these words. Indra, Mithra (Sun), Aryama and all other devas exist in him. 10

I was born before this world which is pretty and orderly. I existed even before the devas. I am the central power of that which never dies. He who gives me (in my form as food for people) in charity, becomes the one who protects the soul. If given without understanding this, I who am food, eat the one who eats. I am the one who becomes all the world and destroys it. My light is like that of a sun, who standing alone gives light to all the world. This Upanishad says that one who understands this attains salvation. 11

The Third Upanishad

The devas requested Brahma to teach them the power of Anushtup Mantra Raja (The king of Chants set to anushtup meter) and also its root. Brahma told them:

This illusion (Maya) which is the power of Narasimha (which is EEm) is the one which creates everything, protects them and destroys them. Therefore you have to realize that this illusion is the power. The one who understands the power of this illusion, he crosses all sins and also attains deathlessness. He enjoys the wealth with fame. The experts in Brahmam argue among themselves whether this is short, long or extra long (Pronunciation?). One who pronounces this with short ending, will burn away all sins and would attain deathlessness. He who pronounces this in long ending, would get wealth with fame and also attain deathlessness. He who pronounces it with extra long ending would attain ethereal knowledge and also deathlessness. What follows is the explanation given by sages:

“Oh power behind EEm who is the personification of the power of illusion, please protect us. Please bless us so that we are able to cross easily in a straight forward manner this sea of birth and death. People who know you, call you also as Sreedevi, Lakshmi, Parvathy, Bhoodevi (The Goddess of Earth), Sashti Devi, Sree Vidhya and Indra Sena. Requesting you to give me long life, I submit myself to you who is the mother of all Vedas.

All the beings and things in the world were produced from the sky (Ether). All living things were made from the sky. They live in the sky. They go towards the sky and enter and disappear there. So we have to understand that the sky is the root (The root word for the sky is Ham).”

The explanation given by sages are as follows:
“That root “Ham” is the Sun God traveling in the pure sky, in “Air” in the atmosphere, in “Fire” in fire sacrifices, and exists as “Guests” in homes. That is the only one thing which is with devas and also with men. It is the truth. It is that thing which is born out of sky, water, earth, sacrificial fire and mountains. This is the great truth. The Upanishad says that “only the one who knows this knows the secret implication of the mantra”.

Fourth Upanishad

The devas approached Brahma and asked him to teach them about the branch (part) mantras of the Narasimha Mantra Raja. Brahma told them that they should know that the Pranava, Savithri, Yajur Lakshmi and Narasimha Gayathri are the four parts (Branches) of Narasimha Mantra and also that any one who knows this attains deathlessness.

1. Pranavam is nothing but “Om”

2. The Savithri Mantra which protects those who chant it is told in Yajur Veda. It has spread throughout the world. The Savithri Ashtakshara (Eight letters) consists of the two letters “Gruni”, the three letters, “Soorya” and the three letters “Aadhithya”. This is a chant which increases your stature and your wealth. Great wealth will come in search of one who knows this.

3. The Yajur Mahalakshmi Mantra is “Om Bhoor Lakshmi, Bhuvar Lakshmi, Suva Kala Karni, Thanno Lakshmi Prachodayath”. This has 24 letters. All this universe is in the form of this Gayathri. So the one who knows this Yajur Maha Lakshmi Mantra, would enjoy great wealth with lot of fame.

4. The Narasimha Gayathri is, “Om Nrusimhaya Vidhmahe Vajra Nakhaya Deemahi. Thannah Simha Prachodayath”. This is the mantra in which all the Vedas and Devas reside. The one who knows this would be the one with whom the Devas and Vedas will live forever.

The devas approached Brahma and asked him, “By chanting which Mantra, God will take great mercy on us and give us a sight of His form. Please tell us about that.” Then Brahma told them as follows:
“Om, Um, Om. Yo Vai Nirusimho Devo Bhagawan Yascha Brahma Thasmai Vo Namo Namah. Om Kram Om. Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagwan Yascha Vishnu Thasmai Vai Namo Nama. Om Veem Om. Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagwan Yascha Maheswara Thasmai Vai Namo Nama.”

[The 32 gods to whom similar mantra has to be prayed with Um, Kram,Veem, Ram, Mam,Haam, Veem,Shnam ,Jvam ,lam, tham, Sam,Vam ,Thom ,Mum ,Kam ,Nrum ,Sim, Ham ,Bheem ,Sham ,Nam ,Bam ,Drehm ,Mrum ,Dyum ,Mrum ,Dyum ,Nam  ,Maam ,Myam ,Hum are Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara Purusha, Eashwara, Saraswathi, Sree Gowri, Prakuthi, Vidhya, Omkara, Ardha mathra, Vedhaa, Panchakhya, Saptha Vyahrudaya, Loka Pala, Vasava, Rudra, Aadhithya, Ashtou Gruha, Maha Bhootha, Kaala, Manu, Mruthyu, Yama, Kandhaka, Paraana, Soorya, Soma, Virat Purusha, and Jeeva and in the end chant “Om Ham, Om, Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagawan Yascha Sarvam Tasmai Vai Namo Nama.”)

Anushtup Mantram

Om Um Om, Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagavan , Yascha Brahma tasmai vai namo nam;


Om Kram Om, Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagavan , Yascha Vishnu tasmai vai namo nam;
...
Om Hum Om, Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagavan , Yascha Sarvam tasmai vai namo nam
Brahma told, “If One who prays God daily using these 32 mantras, God will become greatly pleased and would appear personally. So to any one who prays Bhagawan Narasimha using these mantras, He would appear to him personally. That devotee would also see everything and attain deathlessness .Thus tells the great Upanishad.”


 
Fifth UpanishadDevas approached Brahma and requested him, “Bhagawan, please tell us about the famous Chakra called Maha Chakra. The sages tell that ”It is supposed to fulfill all the wishes and is the gateway to salvation”.

Lord Brahma told them:
“Sudharshana (the holy wheel of Lord Vishnu) is that great Chakra. On its middle is written, the Taraka mantra (OM) and also the single letter of Narasimha (Kshroum), on its six petals of the Sudarshana six letters (Sahasrara Hum Phat) are written, on its eight petals the eight letters (Om Namo Narayanaya) are written, on its twelve petals is written the twelve holy letters (Om Namo Vasudevaya), on its sixteen petals, the mathruka (model) sixteen letters with their roots (Am Aam, Em, EEm…. Aha) is written and on its 32 petals are written the letters of the “Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja.” This is the Sudarshana Chakra, This fulfills all ones wishes and is the gateway of salvation. It is a form of Yajur Veda, Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Brahmam and Amrutha (nectar).

The one who daily chants this “Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja“ would be able to control fire, control wind, control Sun, control moon, control water, control all devas, control all planets and control poison.

Rig Veda tells us about this, “The devotees who practice this would be able to see Lord Vishnu in the ethereal sky, like an ordinary man is able to see the sun in the sky. The devotees who are Brahmins would be able to praise the lighted Vishnu’s form. The Upanishads tell that, this would be attained only by one who worships without any desire.”

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;
May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !
May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,
Praising them with our body and limbs steady !
May the glorious Indra bless us !
May the all-knowing Sun bless us !
May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !
May Brihaspati grant us well-being !
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

Here ends the Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniyopanishad, as contained in the Atharva-Veda.

Reference

P. R. Ramachander. Celextel. "Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad."

Feb 9, 2011

Narasimha Cave Temple in Bidar


Bidar Narasimha Swamy

Narasimha Zarana Cave Temple - It is also known as Narasimha Zarna Cave temple, and Jharani Narasimha Temple. The famous cave temple enshrines the powerful deity Lord Narasimha on the wall at the end of a cave,and it is an architectural wonder. It is believed that the shrine at Narasimha Jheera Cave Temple is a swayambu (self-manifested) roopam. A perennial stream of water is said to be flowing continuously for hundreds of years in this place. It is a thrilling experience to walk through waist deep water for 300 meters through a cave-like tunnel, to seek a view of Lord Narasimha. It is one of the main attractions of Bidar.

Cave having natural spring water which leads to the deity Narasimha Swamy .

The legend goes that, Lord Narasimha after killing Hiranyakashpu, proceeded to kill a demon named Jalasura. Jalasura was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. After he was killed by Lord Narasimha, Jalasura turns into water starts flowing from Lord's feet. And to this day water keeps flowing from lord’s feet and fills the cave.
So, to reach the lord we will have to wade through a 300 feet long cave, with water about 4 feet deep. Bats hanging from the cave's ceiling add to the thrill. Lighting and ventilation have been recently installed. The water is a little muddy, since it is flowing water it is not uncomfortable to walk thorugh it.

There is a water fountain outside the temple, in which people bath before entering the cave.

At the end of the cave we have Lord Narasimha and also the Shiva linga which Jalasura was worshiping. There is very less place to stand, around 8 people can see the lord at once. If there are more people they have to wait in water.

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is Begumpet international airport (Hyderabad)(just 120km)
By Rail: Bidar is connected by well maintained rail network running to Hyderabad and Bangalore.
One can also travel to Gulbarga city from where take a bus to reach Bidar within one and half hours.
By Road: Regular luxury buses run from Bangalore via Hyderabad on NH 7 and NH9; the journey takes nearly 16 hours.

Bidar Location in Google Map




Bidar Narasimha Temple Video:-




First few minutes of the following video covers Bidar Narasimha Temple.








Ahobilam Nava Narasimhar Temple - Yoganandha Narasimha Swamy



Yoganandha Narasimha Swamy, Ahobilam


Yoganandha Narasimha Swamy temple is 2 km from lower ahobilam.
After killing Hiranyakasipu, Narasimhar taught several Yogic positions to Prahlad.
Hence the lord here is called, Yogananda narasimhar.