Singirikudi

Singirikudi is a sacred place in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, near Puducherry. It is renowned for the Ugra Narasimha Temple, the first of three Narasimha temples worshipped by devotees on the same day. The other two temples, at Puvarasamkuppam and Parikkalpattu, are in a straight line with Singirikudi. The name Singirikudi translates to 'where [nara]simha resides' in Tamil, reflecting the presence of the Narasimha temple in the area.

Singirikudi Narasimha Temple

The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Pallava period, with subsequent renovations and additions under the patronage of the Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties. Notably, a new five-tier raja gopuram was added to the temple. In addition to the main deity, Ugra Narasimha, the temple houses a separate shrine for Sri Mahalakshmi, known as Sri Kanakavalli Thayar. Other deities worshipped in the temple include Andal, Vikhadan (Sri Ganesha), Sri Vishwaksenar, Sri Alwars, Garudalwar, and Rama parivar. Upon closer inspection of the vimanam of Thayar sannidhi, one cannot overlook the influence of the French rulers. Their contribution to the temple's architecture is evident in this particular area.

In the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Ugra Narasimhar is depicted seated with weapons in most of His sixteen hands. The main deity, Ugra Narasimha, is disemboweling and killing the demon Hiranyakashipu on His lap. Below the main idol, to the left is Kayadhu (Leelavati), the wife of Hiranyakashipu, and to the right are three asuras, Prahlada, Sukra, and Vasishtha. Facing north are two more miniature figures, Yoga Narasimha and Bala Narasimha.

One of the unique features of this temple is the presence of three Narasimha deities together. Another interesting aspect is that Narasimha faces the West, which is uncommon. Additionally, the wife of Hiranyakashipu can be found in the sanctum sanctorum, adding to the temple's significance. The temple also boasts five temple tanks, known as Pushkarani, including Jamadakani Theertham, Brihu Theertham, Indira Theertham, Vamana Theertham, and Garuda Theertham. Furthermore, a separate sannidhi is dedicated to Sri Vikhandan (Sri Ganesha), who faces the main deity.

Another sannidhi facing north for Sri Rama parivar includes Sri Sita mata, Sri Lakshmana, and Sri Anjaneya. The deities of this sannidhi are of the embossed type, with a beautifully decorated arch on top housing the Sri Rama parivar, believed to have been added with the support of representatives of Vijayanagar.

Temple for Anjaneya

In line with the tradition of the Vijayanagar representatives, a temple for Anjaneya is built in all Sri Hari temples. This temple for Sri Anjaneya can be found adjacent to the temple car stand, known as ‘Theradi’ in Tamil, facing the main deity of the kshetra. Typically located at the end of Sannidhi Street and adjacent to Theradi, this temple follows the common practice seen in Vaishnava kshetras.

Theradi Anjaneya

The Theradi Anjaneya temple, located at the far end of Sannidhi Street, faces east and the deity of the main temple. The temple features a spacious mandapam adorned with intricately crafted stone pillars, with the Garbhagraham situated far west. This architectural layout bears a striking resemblance to the Anjaneya temple in Kanchipuram's Sannidhi Street.

The main deity, Lord Anjaneya, is depicted as a Bhaktha Anjaneya, standing on a lotus pedestal with joined palms in reverence to Sri Narasimha Swamy. Lord Anjaneya is adorned with Thandai on His lotus feet, a dhoti in kacham format, Kankan and keyur on His arms, a pearl garland around His bosom, a yagyopavit across His chest, and a kundal in His ears. His turban-clad head is crowned with overflowing hair, and His tail gracefully curves near His lotus feet on the right side. The radiant eyes of the deity exude boundless blessings upon His devotees.

 

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Ed [ 2025]

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