Located about 18kms North of Panruti and 18kms East of Villupuram is the East Facing Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Poovarasan Kuppam. This is one of the four Narasimha temples around Villupuram (others being Anthili, Parikkal and Singiri – There is also the Sayana Narasimha at Thiru Vathigai).
Both Singiri Narasimha and Parikkal Narasimha which are in a straight line are facing the Poovarasan Kuppam Narasimha.
First appearance after Hiranya Samhaaram- Dakshina Ahobilam
For the first time, after the Hiranya Samharam at Ahobilam, Lord appeared here in the same form and provided darshan to the Saptha Rishis as Lakshmi Narasimha. Hence, this temple is referred to as Dakshina Ahobilam.
Thaayar’s Posture
A unique feature at this temple is the posture of Lakshmi. One eye of the Goddess is turned towards the Lord and the other eye is welcoming the devotees. Also, interestingly Lakshmi and Narasimha are seen at the same height at this temple!!!
One of Eight Narasimha Temples
This is one of the 8 temples in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Narasimha provided darshan after the killing of Hiranya. The other 7 are Singarakudi near Pondicherry/Cuddalore, Anthili near Thiru Kovilur, Parikkal near Kedilam, Sholingur, Nammakkal, Singaraperumal Koil near Chengalpet and Sinthalavadi.
3rd Century AD Temple
There are culverts inside this temple dating back to the 3rd Century AD. Also, there are references to construction during Narasimha Pallava’s reign (7th Century AD). There are also inscriptions indicating Krishna Deva Raya’s visit to this temple (about 500 years ago).
Prarthana Sthalam-Wishes Fulfilled
All wishes of the devotees are said to be fulfilled if one visits this temple, lights a ghee lamp and recites the Mantra Raja Patha Stotram twice a day for 48 days. One should tie a 5 rupee coin to a Manjal cloth and drop it at the temple, once the 48 day period is over.
One should also prepare Panagam (prepared out of jaggery) every day for the Lord. No non Vegetarian food should be consumed during this 48 day period.
Bad Debts and enemies are said to go away and the belief is that one will live in prosperity after a visit to the three Narasimha temples seen in one line near Villupuram – Parikkal- Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri.
Festivals
Swathi Nakshatram
It is auspicious to visit the temple every month on Swathi Nakshatram, when Sudarshana and Dhanvantri homams are performed.
Navarathri
Sri Suthra Homam is performed on all the 9 days of Navarathri Utsavam
Procession in Thai
Lord Narasimha takes a 1 km to South Pennai river for Theerthavari on the 5th day of the Tamil Calendar month of Thai
Narasimha Jayanthi Utsavam and 3rd Saturday of Puratasai are also special occasions at this temple.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Thaayar : Amritha Valli Thaayar
Temple Time : 8am-12.30pm and 4pm-8pm
Contact nos. : Parthasarathy Bhattar @ 94439 59995 or 0413 2698191
How to reach the there?
From Villupuram
1. Take Pondy Highway, drive straight towards East from Koliyanur Cross Road, take a right at Valavanur, drive 6kms to Siruvanthadu and go further South 3kms to reach the temple- Share Auto/Auto available from Siruvanthadu
Or
2. Take a right at Koliyanur Cross Road on to the Panruti-Kumbakonam highway, cross the Villupuram-Pondy railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)
From Panruti
Take Kumbakonam-Vikravandi highway, drive 10kms and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the highway towards East)
From Madras
Take a left at Vikravandi(145kms from Madras) into the Kumbakonam Highway, go further South after the Villupuram-Pondy cross road, cross the railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)
There are direct buses to Poovarasan Kuppam from Villupuram, but it is better to take a bus from Villupuram to Vilavanur.
Auto at Siruvanthadu: Murugan (driver) @ 99656 35641
Courtesy: Sri S.Prabhu
