Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Narasimha, the fierce Man-lion Avatar of Vishnu, the supreme God of Protection and Sustenance. Narasimha was the 4th of Vishnu’s 10 famous incarnations, where he assumed a unique form with the body of a human being and the head of a lion. Vishnu had to appear as this incredible being only to outwit and slay the terrible demon Hiranyakasipu, who had obtained amazing boons that made him almost immortal; and protect his devotee Prahlada and the worlds from the demon’s cruelties.
Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple History
According to historical and archeological accounts, the Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is many centuries old and existed even before the 13th century CE. Many believe that the Temple was built during the reign of the Chalukyas and expanded subsequently by the Kakatiyas. It is said that a king named Dharma Varma laid the foundation of this Temple, and hence, the location itself came to be called after him as Dharmpuri. As the king was an ardent devotee of Narasimha, he decided to erect a grand Temple for his favorite God, which is presently known as the Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Description
This Narasimha Temple lies on the banks of the holy river Godavari, in Narasimha Palle, about 30 km from Jagityal town in the Jagityal District of the southern state of Telangana. Here, Narasimha had taken abode along with his consort Goddess Lakshmi as Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Devotees can worship Narasimha in his 3 forms here. In one form, he is in his usual seated posture. In the second, he appears as Ugra Narasimha, the ferocious one who tore demon Hiranya’s chest with his claws and slew him. In the third, he is in his serene ‘Soumya’ form, similar to Lord Balaji of the famous hill Temple of Tirupati.
We find an idol of Yama, the God of Death, at the Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple entrance. Yama is also called Dharma Raja, the Upholder of Righteousness. It is a custom for the devotees to pray to Yama Dharma first before entering and worshiping in the Dharmapuri Temple. Then they pray to Hanuman or Anjaneya Swamy, regarded as the Kshetra Swamy, the guardian deity of this Temple and a principal devotee of the great Vishnu incarnation, Rama. The Temple also has a shrine for Sri Venugopala, who is Krishna, along with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. Indra, the chief of the celestial beings, Brahma, the Supreme God of Creation, and Kubera, the Lord of Wealth and Riches, are also present in the Temple in idol forms.
There is a much-revered Shiva Temple near the Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Folklore associates this nearly 1000-year-old Temple with the Ramayana and claims that this Shiva Lingam was installed by none other than Rama himself when he went in search of his consort, Sita, during his exile. That is why Shiva, the principal deity here, is called Ramalingeswara.
Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Significance and Festivals
History records that Dharmapuri, located on the Dakshina Vahini stretch of the Godavari, where the east-flowing river changes its course towards the southern direction, remained a place of immense erudition for a very long time. It was a significant settlement of Brahmins and scholars well-versed in the ancient Vadas. The tradition continues even today in Dharmapuri, where many take a holy dip daily in Godavari, recite Vedas, and perform traditional rituals in the Temple. A Sanskrit college also exists here. A Temple for Dattatreya believed to be the ultimate Guru and the incarnation of the supreme Trinity of Gods, exists in this place, which is a rarity.
Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Festivals
‘A devotee who visits the Sacred Dharmapuri will not be required to see Yamapuri’ goes a legendary saying, highlighting the holiness of Dhramapuri. Thousands of people keep visiting Dharmapuri, taking holy baths in various bathing Ghats in the river like Brahma Kundam, Yama Kundam, Satyavathi Kundam, and Pala Kundam, and offering prayers in the Temple.
Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is also famous for its many festivals, perhaps the most famous among them being the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Jatara. They also celebrate the annual Brahmotsavam after the Holi festival.
Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple also remains a much sought-after location for celebrating marriages. Here, couples enter wedlock and begin their life of togetherness with the blessings of Narasimha Swamy. Many devotees and pilgrims also perform the famous Satya Narayana Pooja. The Temple also celebrates festivals like Dussera, Bonalu, etc.
