Kadiri Temple

Introduction to Kadiri Temple

Andhra Pradesh is home to many ancient temples in South India, which have both historical and mythological importance. Kadiri Temple (or) Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is in Kadiri, the southeastern part of Anantapur district, Andra Pradesh. The presiding deity, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, is an incarnation of Vishnu, who is swayambhu (self-emanated), as the idol emerged from the roots of the Kadiri tree. Kadiri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rayala Seema, which is no less important than the great Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. Kadiri refers to the Indian mulberry or Canary tree.

Legend of Kadiri Temple

'Ka' means Vishnu Padam (footprint), and 'Aadri' means hill, so the place got the name 'Kadri', the feet of Vishnu on the hill. The town got its name after the idol of Narasimha Swamy was found under the Kadiri tree. There are many legends about Kadiri Temple.

Sage Vedavyasa had once taught his disciples at the temple without the knowledge of the demons (asuras). That's how the place got the name, Kedaranyam. The town was earlier a forest under the Poligar of Patnam; eventually, the Poligar cleared the forest and built a temple there. It was named after the Kadiri tree under which the Narasimha Swamy idol was found. The main image in this temple is of wood which is similar to that in Orissa Puri Jagannadh Temple. The main image is also housed on the branch of the Chandra tree.

According to legends, Narasimha Swamy handed over the idols to Bhrigu Rishi for regular worship. Since the installation of the images took place in spring, the deity is worshipped as Vasantha Madhavulu.

The Architecture of the Kadiri Temple

A high-walled compound protects the temple. At each entrance, there is a Gopuram. In the Yagnamantapam, stone sculptures of lions are visible. The Kadiri Temple faces the east direction and has a Kalyanamandapam, Yagasala, Paakasala, and an Asthana mandapam. The processional deity is in the Asthana mandapam during festivals. In the northeast corner of the temple, there is an 80 ft square Pushkarini. The temple of Chinnamma, with a stone image, is in the south direction. All four Rajagopurams in the east, west, north, and south were constructed by the Vijayanagara Emperors.

The Kadiri Temple was built during the Rayalu period. The idol of the deity keeps sweating after the daily Abishekam. The temple occupies a vast area, and many other deities and their idols are also present. The sanctum sanctorum and Mukha Mandapam reflect the architecture of the Treta yuga. The sanctum sanctorum has four lions in four corners.

Harihararayalu constructed the main entrance, the eastern gate of the temple, whereas there are four entrances to the temple. At the entrance of the east gate, a statue of Anjaneyaswamy is installed. Sri Narasimha Swamy graces his devotees in human form with a lion's head. He is covered with silver armor and has silver shoulder blades. He is in the posture of tearing the demon king, Hiranyakasipu's stomach. A beautiful idol of Narasimha Swamy with four arms and his consort Lakshmi is in the Prahladhanukra Murthy complex.

The Vijayanagara king, Sri Krishna Devaraya, and the renowned Maratha king, Shivaji Maharaj, visited Kadiri Temple and constructed other sanctums and the Mahishasuramardini Temple.

Festivals of Kadiri Temple

In Kadiri Temple, Swati Nakshatra, Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi is celebrated as Narasimha Jayanti. Brahmotsavams are observed grandly every year in this temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at Kadiri Temple

Worshipping Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Kadiri Temple can supposedly cure diseases, remove negative influences of evil forces and planets, and bestow success, wealth, and longevity.