Tiruvelukkai Azhagiya Singaperumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Introduction

Azhagiya Singaperumal Temple is a shrine dedicated to the Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Also known as Tiruvelukkai among the Vaishnavites, this temple is located in the ancient town of Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Lord Narasimha is housed here as Azhagiya Singar or Azhagiya Singa Perumal, and his consort as Amruthavalli Thayar. This Perumal has been glorified in the hymns of the Azhwar saints, and this temple is regarded as a special abode of Vishnu and hailed as a Divya Desam. Nara Simha is the unique man-lion incarnation that Lord Vishnu took to destroy the ruthless demon Hiranyakasipu and protect his devotee Prahlada and the world from his atrocities. But this fierce Lord can be worshipped here in his wonderfully benevolent form as Azhagiya Singar. In this shrine, he is said to have manifested for sage Brihu.

Temple Legends

The Tamil word ‘Vell’ can mean desire, while ‘Irukkai’ denotes the seat. As per belief, that Lord Vishnu came to stay here on his own interest, and that gave this place the name Thiru Vell Irukkai, which later became Tiruvelukkai. Originally, the principal deity was said to be standing and East-facing, and later, he became West facing and seated, as he appeared before Brihu as Azhagiya Singar.

As per the legend, once there arose an argument between Goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi as to who among them was superior. The king of the heavens Indra, to whom the dispute was referred to, declared Lakshmi superior. Quite naturally, this made Saraswati unhappy, who then went to her consort Brahma with her grouse. But Brahma too agreed with Indra, and this made Saraswati angry and turn against her own husband. When Brahma did penance towards Vishnu, she tried to disrupt it, but her attempt was foiled by Vishnu. Later Brahma started performing the Ashwamedha Yagya, which is normally done only with the spouse. But Brahma ignored Saraswati and did it alone, and this made Saraswati all the more furious, and she sent demons to spoil Brahma’s sacrifice. But they were all wiped out by Vishnu. Then Saraswati is said to have sent a Kapalika, the demon.

And Vishnu took the form of Narahari or Narasimha, destroyed the demon, and protected the sacrifice. The Lord, in this form, is believed to be housed here. It is also said that Saraswati understood her folly, sought Vishnu’s pardon and united again with Brahma.

The History and Architecture of Tiruvelukkai Azhagiya Singaperumal Temple, Kanchipuram

The temple is said to be basically a Pallava creation, of the 8th century CE, which got expanded later, thanks to the medieval Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The Chola inscriptions of the 11th-12th century CE found here, vouch for the significant Chola contributions to the temple. The temple Rajagopuram, the entrance tower is 3-tiered, while the temple complex with its shrines and a few water bodies is surrounded by a granite compound wall. The presiding deity Narasimha is enshrined in the sanctum as Azhagiya Singa Perumal. Also called Mukunda Nayaka, he can be worshipped as seated and facing West. There are also separate shrines for Goddess Amruthavalli Thayar and the bird mount Garuda.

Temple Festivals

Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, of Aavani (August-September), and Vaikunta Ekadasi of Margazhi (December-January) are the biggest festivals celebrated in this temple.

Benefits of worshipping Tiruvelukkai Azhagiya Singaperumal

Narasimha is a mighty and aggressive God, and hence, people seeking justice and protection against enemies, worship in this temple. It is also believed that this Lord can provide relief to the devotees from all the problems they are facing.