Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam is one of the foremost shrines of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in Tamilnadu. It is one of the Chatur Narasimha Temples around Villupuram and one of the Ashta Narasimha Temples in Tamilnadu where Lord Narasimha gave darshan after appearing at Ahobilam. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam is located in the Poovarasankuppam village near Villupuram in Tamilnadu. This temple is also called as Dakshina Ahobilam. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and His consort is Amirthavalli Thayar. The temple is around 1200 years old and the inscriptions in the temple date back to 3rd century AD. Along with Pallavas, the temple was patronaged by King Krishnadeva Raya.

The origin of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam

This is a spot where Lord Narasimha is said to have given darshan to the seven rishis along with His consort. After killing Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha moved around the sacred Bharata Bhumi, killing various demons and bless His devotees. On the northern bank of the river Dakshina Pinakini, the sapta rishis, prayed to the Lord to have His darshan. Pleased by their prayers, Lord Narasimha gave His darshan at Poovarasankuppam.

The sapta rishis could not bear the heat emitting from the Lord. They requested Mother Lakshmi to calm Him down. Mother Mahalakshmi then sat on the lap of the Lord and looked at Him with one eye. With another year She put Her merciful glance at the rishis. This is a very rare pose of Mahalakshmi Thayar which is rarely found in the temples. Another unique feature of this temple is that Mahalakshmi is of the same height as Lord Narasimha. Because Mahalakshmi is looking at devotees and the Lord simultaneously, this place is called as Poovarasankuppam.

There is another leela related to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam. Sri Narasimha Pallava of Pallava dynasty was destroying the Vishnu and Shiva temples after embracing Jainism. The Sanatani devotees were annoyed with this behavior of the king and protested against the demolition. Frustrated by the revolution, the king imprisoned the protestors and began torturing them.

A sage named Narahari became angry on hearing the imprisonment of devotees and pushed the revolutionary movement with great force. The King sentenced the sage to death. Horrified with this judgement of the king, the sage Narahari cursed him to be inflicted with brahma-hatya-dosha and disappeared. Instantly the king began to feel the effect of the curse and got into problems and difficulties. The king realized his mistake but could not find the sage.

The King began to search for the sage frantically. Once he was taking a nap under the poovarasan tree. The Lord appeared in his dream and informed that the sage would come there to bless him and rid him of the curse. After the king woke up, he was unable to perceive the Lord near him. Just then a leaf from the tree fell on the king. There was an insignia of Lord Narasimha on that life. At the same time sage Narahari appeared there and blessed him. As per the wish of the sage, the king constructed a marvelous temple for Lord Narasimha at Poovarasankuppam. Sage Narahari continued to live there and preach the glories of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam is a prarthana sthala

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam is considered a very powerful kshetra. Devotees offer a 48 days long worship to get their desires fulfilled especially to get free from debts and enemies. Anyone who visits Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam twice a day for 48 days, lights a ghee lamp and recites the mantra-raja-patha stotra, has one’s wishes fulfilled.

The best time to visit Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam

October to February is the best time to visit Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam. Remaining time remains hot and not advised to visit.

Temple Timing of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam?

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam remains open from 8 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm daily.

During the festival days and the crowded days, the temple timings might extend.

How to reach Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam?

If you wish to relish the temple and its spiritual atmosphere effectively, then travel with Tirtha Yatra for a lifetime memory. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam is located near Villupuram. To reach Villupuram, one can adhere the following ways of travel.

By Airways – The nearest Airports are Puducherry Airport and Chennai International Airport. From the airport, travel to Villupuram either by Train / State Transport Buses / Private Taxi

By Railways – Villupuram is well connected by rail network. From Villupuram, take roadways to reach Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam.

By Roadways – Poovarasankuppam is connected by Roadways. There are frequent buses available from Villupuram. Devotees might also travel to Vilavanur to reach Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poovarasankuppam. Private taxis can be taken from Villupuram.