Sholingapuram Temple

Introduction

Sholingapuram Temple is a well-known hill shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also known as Thirukkadigai, it remains a Divyadesam, a sacred Vishnu shrine that has come under praise in the hymns of the Azhwar saints. There are actually 3 temples here, one for Lord Narasimha on hill-top, the other for Bhaktavatsala Perumal at the foot of the hill, and the third for Hanuman, on a smaller hillock. Lord Narasimha can be worshipped in his temple on top of the larger hill. Sholingapuram is in the Sholigar village, in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Sholingapuram remains one of the very holy temples of Narasimha, the mighty avatar of Lord Vishnu, and also a famous one for Hanuman, the great devotee of Rama. This temple consecration was performed in 2010.

Temple Legends

Many ancient scriptures, including Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana, refer to this place as Kadigai, Thirukadigai, or Kadigachalam. It is believed that the Lord here will shower his blessings even on the devotees who worship him only for a ‘kadigai,’ that is, duration of just 24 minutes. Thus the name itself reflects the greatness of the temple. Also, sage Vishwamitra is said to have risen to the exalted state of a ‘Brahmarishi’ here, after doing severe penance and observing many austerities. Consequently, the place came to be called Simhapuram. This was also known as Chozha Simhapuram, and over time, it became Sholingapuram and Sholingar.

The History and Architecture of Sholingapuram Temple

Sholingar finds its place in the pages of history, too; for, it was here that the battle between the Mysore ruler Hyder Ali and the British was fought in the year 1781. This was won by the British. There are inscriptions in the temple to show that it received generous patronage and grants from the Chola kings like Kulothunga III and others. The bigger hill known as ‘Periya Malai’ is about 750 feet tall and can be reached by a flight of about 1300 steps. On top of the hill, Yoga Narasimha Swamy, Lord Narasimha, in his yogic posture, is housed in the sanctum, which is under the Hemakoti Vimanam. Amritavalli Thayar, his consort, is in a separate shrine in the same temple complex, enclosed with a granite wall with a five-tiered Rajagopuram. Yoga Anjaneya Swamy, Lord Hanuman, who is also in Yogic form, is housed on top of the smaller hill, about 350 feet tall. He, too, has 4 hands, and as a unique feature, holds the conch and discus in 2 of his hands, which are generally held only by Vishnu. The temple tank is called Brahma Theertham, after Lord Brahma. It is said that he performed penance here to relieve himself of the affliction that arose when Lord Shiva plucked out one of his heads. This waterbody is located at the ground level, where people perform religious rites in memory of their ancestors.

Bhaktavatsala Perumal, his consort Sundaravalli Nachiyar, and the festival deity Varadaraja can be worshipped in the temple, downhill.

Temple Festivals

Karthikai festival celebrated during November-December, Narasimha Jayanti of Vaikasi (May-June), and the Brahmotsavam are the important festivals celebrated here. Saint Doddacharya belonged to this place, and Doddacharya Utsavam, a celebration in his honor, is also observed in the Tamil month Masi (February-March).

Benefits of worshipping the Lord in Sholingapuram Temple

It is a strong belief that worshipping the Lord here can cure chronic illnesses, mental disabilities, and problems due to evil energies and witchcraft, solve marital discord and infertility issues, and help overcome poverty, business losses, and other distress. This temple is also frequented by people who want clarity in life and wish to acquire the confidence to face life’s challenges.