Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Kadiri.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is situated in Kadiri mandal, Ananthapur District. This temple is one of the prominent Narasimha Swamy temples of South India. The idol Laksmi Narasimha swamy is Swayabhu ( came itself out of earth) with Ashta Bahu (eight hands). The temple is constructed during the period of Vijayanagara empire.
The name of the town Kadiri has got importance with the temple. First, in the name of Khadiri, "kha" means the foot of Vishnu and "Adri" means a Hill. Second, Kadiri is a type of wood and the dieties of the temple were made of this kadiri wood. Third, the deity was originally found under a Kadiri tree in the midst of jungle of Kadiri trees.
The Kadiri Stalapurana contains 767 Slokas in 13 chapters and it was published by temple authorities. According to the stalapurana Lord Narasimha Swamy tore the belly of Hiranyakasipu with his sharp claws at Narasimha Konda and manifested himself in the present town. Lord Narasimha here also known as "Vasantha Vallabhulu " or " Vasantha Madhavulu".
The main shrine Lord Lakshmi Narasimha also called as Sthauna Narasimha or Ugra Narasimha is in a sitting posture. He sits on a pedastal rising his knees and his toes touch the pedastal. The demon Hiranyakasipu is lifted up and placed horizontally across the lap of the Lord with his head on his right thigh and legs on his left lap. The idol depicts the posture of Lord Narasimha tearing out the entrails of the demon with his finger nails. Prahlada, the devotee of Narasimha and the son of The demon Hiranyakasipu is on the left side of the shrine with the posture of Anjali Hasta.
The Temple of Goddess Lakshmi, the chief consort of Lord Narasimha is the main Devi shrine. She is in sitting posture, padmasana with four hands. Goddess Lakshmi here called as "Amritavalli".
Lord Narasimha Swamy came out of a pillar to kill Hiranyakasipu when Prahlada prayed the lord. The sculpture of Stambodbhava (came out from a pillar) Narasimha is found on the central pillar of the temple.
There are some other shrines of Godadevi (Andal), Vishvaksena, Garuda, Ranganatha, The Kodandarama shrine (Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Anjaneya).
The Utsava Murthis were delivered by Lord Narasimha himself to Brigu Maharshi in a box for daily worship. There is a hill called "Stotradri" in this place and it is believed that all Devathas worshipped Lord Narasimha Swamy after he killed Hiranyakasipu.
There are 9 ponds in the town which are called Sacred Thirthas.
Brigu Thirtham: The idols given by God to Brigu were kept by him in this pond and every month he used to come and perform puja in this well side.
Arjuna Thirtham: Arjuna while visiting all places came to kadiri and at this place God appeared before him and granted boon.
Bhavanasi Thirtham: Once a Brahman suffering with leprosy got cured after he took bath in this Thirtha.
Garuda Thirtham: Garuda, the vahana ( Vehicle of Vishnu) took bath in this pond.
Gajendra Thirtham: A demon called Gajendra Danava used to take bath in this pond and was killed by Lord SriHari.
Ksheera Thirtham: A king named Ksheera Veetu worshipped Lord Narasimha Swamy and he asked the king to take bath in this pond so that all his aspirations will be fulfilled. The water is milky white in colour so the name called Ksheera (milk) Theertham.
Matsya Theertham: Lord Vishnu in the well at Kadiri killed the demon Somaka who had stolen vedas.
Kumara Theertham: The water well is in round shape.
Achyuta Theertham: The foot of Lord Achyuta are available in the well .
Festivals: Apart from regular festivals Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavams are celebrated for 15 days. According to Telugu calender it falls in the months of February and March. It is from Phalguna Suddha Dasami ( the 10th day of the last telugu month) to Bahula Dasami (25th day of the same month). So many devotees visit the temple during this time.
Happy Piligrimage.
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