Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri is in the Jagatyal District of Telangana State, on the southern bank of River Godavari. This sacred town is revered as Dakshina Kashi, or Varanasi of South. It is one of the Nava Narasimha Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh. The name of the town comes from the name of its ruler – Dharma Verma. The place is also known as Hari Hara Kshetra.
The origin of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri
The temple finds its mentions in the Skanda Purana and Brahmanda Purana. After killing the demon Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha’s anger did not subside. If not pacified, His anger would have consumed the complete creation. Devatas became concerned and requested the Lord to pacify His anger. Lord Narasimha, then came to this place and meditated in the yoga-mudra to calm Himself.
A serene river Bhadra flows next to the temple. River Bhadra was a devoted woman in her previous birth. She had longed to be with Lord Vishnu always. Lord Narayana who is also known as Bhakta Vatsala fulfilled her desire. In her next birth, she was born as a stream of crystal-clear water that mingled with River Godavari. The desire of River Bhadra was thus fulfilled and even to date she flows right next to the temple along with River Godavari.
During the vanavasa when Prabhu Ramachandra had visited this place, He did the prana pratishtha of the shiva-linga in this temple and thus the linga is known as Rameshwara Linga.
Architecture of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri
The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri has been invaded quite a few times by the Muslims and the mosque constructed over it by Rustumdil Khan with the support of Aurangzeb. Later the mosque was demolished, and the temple was reconstructed in 1448.
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri dates to 850-928 BC. It was constructed during the reign of Chalukya Kings. The temple was expanded under the rule of Kakatiya Dynasty.
There are two temples in this temple complex – Pata Narasimha Swamy and Kotta Narasimha Swamy. The original being Pata Narasimha Swamy, who is seated in the Padmasana yogic pose. When Muslims had attacked the temple, a mosque was constructed over it. Later, the devotees did pratishtha of the New Deity. In Telugu, kotta means new.
Temple timings of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri
The temple is open to devotees for darshan from 5 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm, all throughout the year.
The Brahmotsava Jathra is an annual festival organized by the temple. It is celebrated by the devotees with great devotion. The utsava vigraha of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is taken out on a grand procession. The celebration attracts a huge crowd thronging the temple from all over the country.
How to reach Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri
If you wish to relish the temple and its surroundings in an authentic manner, you may always choose travel with Tirtha Yatra. All your arrangements are automatically taken care.
If you wish to explore the temple on your own, you may do as follows:
By Air – Hyderabad International Airport is the nearest airport to Dharmapuri. From here, one can take local taxis or choose to travel via railways or road transport system.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Mancherial. From here one can take up taxi to reach the Dharmapuri. Direct buses are also available from the Mancherial Railway Station. You could also take a train from Hyderabad to Mancherial.
By Roadways – Direct buses are available from the nearest Districts – Karimnagar, Mancherial, Ramagundam and Hyderabad. From Karimnagar Railway Station too the direct buses are available to Dharmapuri.
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