Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple a Rock Cur Cave Temple and Sri Anjaneyar Temple at Namakkal, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu. AT NAMAKKAL

26^th November 2015

After the marriage of my co-brother’s daughter, I went to the Namakkal to have the darshan of Sri Anjaneyar, since my original plan of meeting Mr Aragalur Venkatesan was cancelled.  Also I have to board the Train Yercaud Express at Salem around 21.55 Hrs. Utilizing this opportunity went Namakkal. It was raining throughout my bus journey. The miracle was,  the rain stopped when I reached Namakkal. After Anjaneyar’s darshan tried  for Sri Narasimha Swamy’s darshan. Understood that the temple will be opened only after 16.30 Hrs, so skipped the darshan of Sri Narasimha swamy. Managed to take some snaps   and returned back to Salem without using my umbrella.

SRI  NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE, NAMAKKAL

Moolavar : Sri Narasimha Swamy

Thayar    : Sri Namagiri Amman

This is a rock cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The history of the temple is associated with the killing of Hiranyakashipu by Lord Vishnu in the form of Simha head ( Narasimha – human body with Lions head ). Thayar is called as Sri Namagiri Amman ( this place was nemed after Thayar ). This cave temple is facing west  and artha mandapam and sanctum Sanctorum are inside the cave. The temple is with two prakarams with out a Rajagopuram, but with an entrance arch. This temple is being maintained by Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI) and maintained by Tamil Nadu HRCE Department. This is a Thirumoorthy Stalam where we can see various avataras reliefs of Mahavishnu can be seen on the walls of the cave. Further details may be obtained from the temples website - http://www.namakkalanjaneyartemple.tnhrce.in/gallery.html

I went to the temple too early in the evening and could not see the rock cut sanctum sanctorum.

SRI ANJANEYAR TEMPLE, NAMAKKAL.

The Sri Anjaneyar  temple is just 300 meters away from Sri Narasimha swamy Temple.  Anjaneyar is in a standing posture  and facing  Sri Narasimha Swamy.  The sanctum is open to sky and there is a  story behind this.  Vadamala prayer  is a special  in this temple.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temples is kept open between 07.00 Hrs to 13.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :

Temples web site : http://www.namakkalanjaneyartemple.tnhrce.in/gallery.html

AC EO’s mobile number is 97500 42615 and office land line number is 04286 233999.

HOW TO REACH :

TNSTC buses are available from many parts of Tamil Nadu and frequent buses are available from Salem.

Fro Bus stand ( near arch ) share auto is available, which charges Rs 5 and the distance approximately 1.KM from bus stand.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLES : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA :---

Sri Veeramasti Amman Temple, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Sri Ayyanar Temple, Sri Vinayagar Temple, Anjaneyar temple, Sri Chokkanathar Temple at Amarakunthi and Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Tharamangalam,

I had a chance to visit Amarakundhi / Amarakunthi to attend my co-brother  daughter’s marriage.  The Amarakundhi was once a capital for a small kingdom in Kongu Nadu,  ruled by Getti Mudali brothers, under the control of Madurai Nayaks during eighteenth century ( 1700 to 1799).  Some of the Getti Mudali kings  Mummudi Getti Mudali, Siyazhi Getti, Immudi Getti,  Vangamudi Gatti  are responsible for the construction of Tharamangalam Kailasanathar Temple ( for details of my previous visit CLICK HERE …. ), is a architecturally marvel temple. There are many such small temple were also constructed during their period in their dynasty. Their ruling came to an end by Chikka Devarayan of one of the  Mysore kingdom. Tharamangalam Vanangamudi Getti Mudali and  Senthamangalam Ramachandra nayakkar were defeated by Chikka Devarayan, who ruled 31 years.

Other than Tharamangalam Kailasanathar Temple, some of the temples are  scattered in and around Tharamangalam. There are two such temples, a Vinayagar and a Shiva temple  are still exists  in Amarakaundhi. Visited the recent period temples  Like Veeramasti Amman ( Veerammasti Amman – in Knnada ). One thing I noticed was  some or other they are kula Deivam for particular castes.  One of the common features of these temple is garuda thoon.

VEERAMASTI AMMAN TEMPLE.

This called Veeramasti Amman in kannada ( might have the influence of Mysore Kings rule of this part of Kongu Nadu).  This Amman is the Kula Deivam for Chettiyar’s group. These Chettiars are Vaishnavites, who worship Lord Sri Vishnu.  In sanctum Amman is at the base of Lord Vishnu with Bhudevi and SriDevi.

Garudalwar, balipeedam and Garuda thoon are at the front of temple, which is facing east.  This is a recent period temple.

VEERABHADRA SWAMY TEMPLE ( VEERESWARAR ).

This is also belongs to Sri Veerathanthi Maharishi kothrampaleladu vangusa Chettiar caste. The main Deity is Veerapathirar, in standing posture who is the another form of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva took this avathar to kill Dakshan.  The temple is facing east with a Garuda thoon and nandhiare in front.  Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Siva Durgai are in Koshtam. This is first time I happened to see this Siva durgai. The temple has all features of Shiva temples.

SRI AYYANAR TEMPLE

This is Iyannar also belongs to some caste, which is not known. This temple is very much similar to any other Ayyanar temple with lot of sudhai  statues. This temple is also belongs to recent period.

VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple belongs to Getti Mudali period of single mandapa type. The temple is in bad shape and may crumble at any time. The stones used are very much similar to Tharamangalam Sri kailasanathar temple. There are inscriptions on the steps.

ANJANEYAR  TEMPLE

This temple is also a an old temple but completely white washed with several coats.

SRI MEENAKSHI SAMETHA SRI CHOKKANATHAR TEMPLE

This temple is an old Shiva temple with all the features. The temple is facing east with a Garuda thoon at the front. There is no Rajagopuram but with an entrance arch. Palipedam and nandi are immediately after entrance arch. Sannadhi for rajaganapathy, Arumuga with Valli Devasena, Chandikeswarar, Sri Meenakshi amman and Navagrahas. Amman is facing east.  Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are in  koshtam. 

THARAMANGALAM SRI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE TANKS

Since I had visited Sri Kailasanathar temple earlier, skipped the temple  and visited only the temple tanks. The tanks are with water and could not see the steps beauty. But the reliefs on the all four sides of steps are very beautiful. Some of them are..

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---