This ancient temple existing from the Chola dynasty is a house to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. This is one of the few temples where Garuda – the carrier of Lord Vishnu is also worshipped every day. The beautiful Deity of Lord Narasimha here is in a standing posture facing west. Largely, the trend in Lakshmi Narasimha temples is the Deity will be in a seated posture and facing east. However, this Deity has set a different trend altogether.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Sugnahalli
History
It is said that Shuka Muni practiced rigorous tapas here under a Badri tree where the present temple is situated. Being pleased with the penance performed by Shuka Muni, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha appeared in front of him and gave darshan in a standing posture. Hence the Deity is installed in the standing posture inside the sanctum sanctorum where Shuka Muni had darshan. The Lord here is giving darshan with Shankha, Chakra, Abhaya Hasta and one hand signaling towards His lotus feet asking devotees to surrender unto Him.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha
Significance of Garuda’s reverence at Sugnahalli
Garuda is also worshipped daily here as Shuka Muni also had darshan of the divine bird here. It is said that devotees seek relief from skin ailments and other diseases on offering prayers to Garuda in this temple. Special offerings are made to a huge cardamom tree in the temple backyard where one could have darshan of Lord Narasimha’s divine footprints.
Sri Garuda
Festivals Celebrated
The temple celebrates various festivals among which Brahmotsava is celebrated with great grandeur and zeal on Purva Phalguni Nakshatra in Phalgun month. Brahmotsava is celebrated over a period of eleven days which involves flag hoisting, carrying the processional Deities of the temple on special vahanas (chariots) like – Hanuman Vahana, Gajavahana, Shesha Vahanotsava, Surya Vahanotsava, Garuda Vahana and Hamsavahana Utsava. The temple also performs Kalyanotsava – the celestial marriage ceremony of Sri Narasimha with His consort Lakshmi Devi during this festival and on the concluding day Avabrutha Snana is held where all the present devotees will get an opportunity to take a holy dip in the temple pond and the festival is wound up by lowering the festival flag. Apart from this, the temple also celebrates Garuda Jayanti in the month of February, Krishna Janmashtami and Varamahalakshmi Puja.
How to Reach
The closest airport to Tumkur by distance is the Kempegowda International Airport in the city of Bengaluru, which is about 90 kms away. The closest railway station is Tumkur Railway Station. From Tumkur, the temple is approximately 25 km away accessible by road.
Temple Address:
Shree Lakshminarasimhaswamy Temple, Sugnahalli, Kudur Hobli, Magadi Taluk, Ramanagar District, Pin – 561101
Devotees willing to perform seva to the Deity, can contact Sri Sampath on +919901480822
Content Source: Hindu Blog
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2 Comments On Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Sugnahalli
Vanavamalai Kasturi
From Chennai how to reach by train. Which train where to get down.
Thank you for your enquiry. From Chennai you can board a train to Bangalore and another train to Tumkur. From Tumkur, the temple is about 26 kms.