Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Introduction to Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is an avatar of Vishnu who has many abodes for his different forms. His Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is the most famous temple on the southern bank of the sacred river, Godavari, in Karimnagar, Dharmapuri. It also has another name, Dakshina Kashi, or the Benaras of the South. This is one of the famous temples among the nine Narasimha Kshetras of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as Teertharajamu.

This temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, the main deity. There are many temples on the banks of the Godavari, and they form an integral part of Telangana Tourism. It is a great place to explore history and religion.

Legend of Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

The legend says that Vishnu took Narasimha's form (lion's face and human's body) and killed the demon king Hiranya Kasipu. Even after destroying the demon, he did not settle in peace. Narasimha started roaring angrily and roaming in the forests and hills. Prahalada, the Devas, and the saints prayed for him to calm down. Accepting their prayers, he meditated in this place in Yoga Mudra posture. In later years, an ardent devotee of Vishnu built the temple Hari Hara Kshetram.

There are many legends behind the Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. One such legend is all about the Bhadra stream. Its previous birth was as a woman who was reborn as a stream to fulfill her wish to be with Vishnu. The Bhadra stream connects the Godavari and fulfills her wishes by flowing beside the temple along with the Godavari.

The Architecture of Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Located on the banks of the holy river, Godavari, this ancient temple is several centuries old. Archeologists estimate that the Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple existed even before the 13th century AD. It was constructed during the reign of the Chalukyas, and later, the Kakatiyas expanded it.

The temple has two versions; the newer one is Kottha Narasimha Swamy temple, and the older one is Pata Narasimha Swamy Temple. Rustumdil Khan, the Subedar of Hyderabad, converted the temple into a mosque with the support of Aurangzeb Sultan of Delhi. However, in 1448, the temple was reconstructed as Pata Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.

In this temple, Narasimha is seated in Padmasana – a yogic posture with bent palms on his knees. He is flanked by his consort Lakshmi. This form of Narasimha is said to be a rare one. Hence, its importance increases manifold in the eyes of his devotees.

The temple has many sculptures of deities. Eight idols of Hanuman and the 6-feet Brahma idol are notable. Idols of Yama and the idols of Krishna and Balarama are also found here.

Festivals of Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple grandly organizes the Brahmotsavam Jathara. During the celebration, the Utsav Murti of the main deity is adorned with jewels and garlands and taken out for a procession. A huge crowd comes here to attend this 13-day celebration. Bonalu, Dussera, Sri Narasimha Navarathri, and Vaikunta Ekadashi are the other festivals celebrated here.

Satya Narayana Pooja is famous here and is performed by pilgrims.

Benefits of Worshipping in Dharmapuri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Performing Gho Pooja (Pooja for cows) is believed to shower prosperity and happiness on devotees. Worshipping the presiding deity can remove enemies, misfortunes, and negative forces from his devotees' lives.