Three Ranga darshan in one day

ராதே கிருஷ்ணா 22-12-2014


Three Ranga darshan in one day

About Doddamallur Aprameya Swami Temple Information-Channapatna

India has innumerable temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and His various forms. Doddamallur Aprameya Swami Temple or Mallur Krishna Temple, at Doddamallur near Channapatna, is one such temple of Lord Krishna where He is called as Lord Aprameya. Mallur as per the sacred ancient records, is also referred to with many names some of them being - Dakshina Ayodhya , Chatur Veda Mangala Pura , Gnyana Mantapa Kshetram , Rajendra Simha Nagari .
The main attraction of this temple is the "Crawling Krishna" who is also called as "Ambegal Krishna". This is one of the rare forms of idol which you get to see in this temple and is surely a sight to behold. The highway road sign points to this place as "Mallur Agrahara". Mallur makes a sure stop for the one who travels on Mysore-Bangalore Highway. This Divya Kshetram that houses the temple of Lord Aprameya, His Consort Aravindavalli and the renowned Ambegal Krishna, situated about one mile from Channapatna with the tall gopuram (tower), attracts all the passers-by.
The temple of Lord Aprameya is an ancient one and dates back to 3,000 years but some local records say that the temple is not less than 1500 years. The temple is built in the Dravidian style as one find the beautiful Rajagopuram standing tall and strong. The sculptures from the Dasa Avataram adorn the side walls (Madal) of the Raja Gopuram. The Maha Dwaram is about 30 feet high. Opposite the Maha Dwaram is the tall Deepa Sthambam made from a single stone.
The idol of Sri Aprameya is carved out of Saligrama stone. The idol is in the posture of Abhayahastha where the Lord s two upper hands are holding Shanka (Conch shell) and Chakra (disc) and the lower arms are holding Gadha (mace) and Hastha (Assuring hand). There is a small replica of the main idol, which is taken on a procession in the chariot during festivals, placed on a sandalwood pedestal. The idols of Sridevi and Bhoodevi accompany the Lord along with the idol of saint Ramanujacharya.
One of the unique features of the temple building is that it stands on sand and not on any solid foundation.
Ambegalu Krishna: Facing the Rajagopuram is the Purandaradasa Mantapam, a tribute to the composer of the famous krithi Jagadoddharana Adisidalu Yashoda . It is said that Purandaradasa composed his popular song - "Jagadoddharana Aadisidalu Yashode..." after seeing the beauty of Lord Navaneeta in the temple. No doubt the beauty of the lord can enchant anyone and instigate the love for the Lord in everyone s heart.
This is one of the salient features seen in this temple complex - Lord Navaneeta Shrine. The idol of the Thavazrar/ambegal (crawling) Krishna made of black stone, is one of the master pieces seen else where. It is believed that sage Vyasa installed the statue of Lord Navaneeta in the temple, which is adorned with several ornaments (all carved in the stone) - like the anklets, the waist band, amulets and chains. The idol in the form of crawling Krishna, holding butter in His right hand, sits on a Garuda Peetham. There is a pendant of tiger claws that is prominent among all the jewellery. Priests say that the Lord wears it to avoid bad eyes from his many devotees ogling at his boundless beauty.
Legends say that about 130 years ago, the then Maharaja of Mysore came to have the darshan of Lord Aprameya, Aravindavalli and Krishna at Malur. He was so attracted to the lovely idol of Lord Krishna that he took it to his palace. The same night he had a dream in which Lord Krishna ordered him to return the idol to the temple at Doddamallur, failing which great harm would befall on him. The Raja did not obey the words of the Lord and as a result, a part of his palace was consumed by fire. Then the Raja was forced to restore the idol back at the temple.
Legends also say that Lord Rama stayed here, in Dakshina Ayodhya, for several years and worshipped Lord Aprameya. So Lord Aprameya is also called as Sriramaprameya. Lord Rama performed several homas and rituals in the temple, and even this day there are remnants of the structures where he conducted yajnas and homas.
Lord Navaneeta temple has several silver and wooden cradles offered to the Lord by devotees desirous of getting a child.

• Country: India
• Region: Karnataka
• City: Maddur
• City area: Maddur
• Address: Sri Hole Anjaneya Swamy Temple MADDUR Dist MANDYA

Hole Anjaneya temple is situated on the banks of river Shimsha in Maddur of Mandya district. Distance from Bangalore to Maddur is approximately 81 kms and from Mysore it is around 63 kms. It is said that Hanumantharaya as called by people there was installed by sri vyasarajaru and sripadarajaru.
this temple is said to be around 550 years old of vijaynagara empire. Two fingers of this idol is very long and he is holding sougandhika flower,his tail has bells and he has sun and moon on his head.
It is sais that this idol has been growing 1/2 inch from past 6 to 7 years.
As per purohit of this temple different sounds of conch and bells are heard during lunar eclipse in closed doors of the temple.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is situated in the historical island town of Srirangapatna, Mandya district.  Srirangapatna is 15 Km away from Mysore.

Picture1 – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple comprises of the Navaranga mantapa surrounding the sanctum sanctorum.  The presiding deity Sri Ranganatha is in a sleeping posture on Adi Shesha, the seven-headed serpent.  An idol of Goddess Lakshmi is installed at the foot of Lord Ranganatha.  The presiding goddess of the temple is Goddess Ranganayaki.  A diamond nose ring gifted by Alumelamma wife of Srirangaraya the viceroy of Vijayanagara empire is still worn by the goddess.

Picture2 – Sri Ranganathaswamy

The temple was built during the 9th century by kings of Vijayanagara Empire and then maintained and expanded by Hyder Ali, Ganga dynasty and Hoysala dynasty.  Hyder Ali was a great devout of Lord Ranganatha and made a lot of contributions and donations to the temple.  There are many shrines inside the temple dedicated to other gods and gurus like Panchamukha Hanuman, Sri Krishna, Lord Srinivasa, Alwars and Vaishnava Acharya/Gurus of Vaishanava faith.

Picture3 – Cauvery River

River Cauvery has formed three big islands on her journey from Talacauvery to join the Bay of Bengal Sea.  The islands are Srirangapatna, Shivanasamudra in Karnataka and Srirangam in Tamil Nadu.  All the three islands are pilgrimage centers with temples dedicated to Lord Ranganatha.  These three temples are known as Adi Ranga/first Ranganatha at Srirangapatna, Madhya Ranga/Middle Ranganatha at Shivanasamudra and Anthya Ranga/Last Ranganatha at Srirangam.  It is believed that people who visit the three temples in one day gain moksha/Salvation.

Every year in the Hindu month of Dhanur i.e., January a grand utsava/festival to the Lord, is held known as Kotarothsava.

The other temples of Srirangapatna are Sri Lakshminarasimha, Sri Gangadhreshwara, Sri Jyothirmaheswara and other small temples.

Srirangapattana has other attractions like Tipu fort, Gumbaz, Jumma Masjid, Dungeons, Daria Daulat/Tipu’s Palace, Nimishambha temple, Gosai Ghat, Sangama, Pashchima Vahini etc.,  You can visit all these places in a single day.

Place Statistics:
Type of Place – Ancient temple, Pilgrimage center
Situated – Srirangapatna, Mandya District
Distance – 125 Km from Bangalore, 15 Km from Mysore
Transport – Well connected by road and rail
Facilities – Rest room, Restaurants, Snack shops, Souvenir Shops

Read more: http://www.itslife.in/travel/sri-ranganathaswamy-temple#ixzz3MagDiPvq

History of Shivana Samudra

"Shivana Samudra" is a small village in Kollegala Taluk, Chamarajanagara District. One may find may temples here in this small but historical town of Shivana Samudra. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Someshwara Swamy temple and Adi Shakthi Maramma Temple are just some of the famous temples here.

Shivana Samudra is 85 Km from Mysore and 115 Km from Bangalore. The river Kaveri makes her way through the hills and finally plunges down here, forming two spectacular waterfalls - Gagana Chukki and Bharachukki. The Kaveri river gives Shivanasamudra an island form and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is located here. It is built in the Dravidan style of architecture. There are three more temples in three other sides of the island. Sri Ranganathaswamy here is also referred to as "Madya Ranga", who is hihgly revered by Sri Vyshanava devotees among others. "Adi Ranga" at Srirangapattana and "Anthya Ranga" at Srirangam, Tamilnadu are two other prominent forms of Sri Ranganatha Swamy. Kaveri touches Srirangapattana first, next Shivanasamudra in the middle and finally reaches the sea at Srirangam. This is the main reason behind such belief. Among all the three, the deity here is believed to represent the youth form of the God and hence is also fondly referred to as 'Mohana Ranga' and 'Jaganmohana Ranga'.

The story behind how Shivanasamudra got its name has many versions. According to one, it is said that one day, Shiva and Parvathi were on a stroll in the sky and were observing the river Kaveri from above. Shiva observed that a huge rock obstructed the increasing ongoing flow of the river. But the river spread out like an ocean and surrounding that rock, flowed forward. Amazed by the sheer size of the river, which appeared to him as an ocean, Shiva proclaimed "Dhanya Kaveri" (Blessed river). Observing the ocean like river which impressed Shiva, Parvathi gave it the name "Shivanasamudra". All the temples have been built on the same rock which is famous today as Shivana Samudra.

Another version says Devendra who was affected from "Vruthra Hathya", was doing penance in several holy places. As per the instructions of Sri Brahma, he formed a beautiful Ranganatha Swany idol, a form of Vishnu, and started worshipping him here. One day, the water flow increased rapidly and started flooding the place. Concerned that his penance might be disturbed, Devendra, smashed a portion of the huge rock that this place was and made way for the river to flow ahead from either side of the rock. The river plummetted down with a lot of force from the right of the rock. This came to be known as the "Bharachukki" waterfall. From the left, it took a more steady approach to the cliff before diving down. This came to be known as the "Gaganachukki" waterfall. Devendra is said to have successfully completed his pooja and achieved expiation against his sin. Since the rock was smashed by Devendra, this place also got the name "Shila Bhedhana Kshetra".

The ancient Sri Someshwara Temple is another famous temple here at Shivanasamudra. Adi guru Sri Shankaracharya is said to visited this place and has established a "Sri Chakra" in this place. Surprisingly, it is believed that the Someshwara Linga here is said to have been existing much before the Ranganantha Idol and that the Saptarshis were performing pooja and worshipping this Linga.

The Shakthi Devathe temple of Vanadurga Devi is 1 Km away from the Someshwara temple. The goddess is also fondly worshipped by the name "Varaprasadi". Large number of devotees throng this place every Tuesday and nowadays Fridays and Sundays also attract more number of devotees. Just before Ugadi every year, annual festival is celebrated here.

திருக்கோயில் வரலாறு

இச்சுற்று வட்டார கிராம மக்கள் தங்கள் ஆடு, மாடுகளை மேய்ப்பதற்கு இவ்வனப்பகுதிகளுக்குச் செல்வது வழக்கம். இம்மக்கள் மாடுகளுக்குப் பட்டிகள் அமைத்து வனப்பகுதிலேயே தங்கிக்கொள்வார்கள். தினசரி காலையில் மாடுகளை மேய்ப்பதற்கு ஓட்டிச்செல்வார்கள். பின்னர் மாலையில் ஓட்டிவந்து பட்டியில் அடைப்பார்கள். காலையிலும், மாலையிலும் பாலைக் கறந்து மாட்டின் உரிமையாளருக்கு கொடுப்பார்கள்.

சுமார் 300 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு தற்போது திருக்கோயில் உள்ள இடம் அடர்ந்த வனப்பகுதியாக இருந்தது. இவ்விடத்தில் வற்றாத காட்டாறு ஓடிக்கொண்டே இருக்கும். காட்டாற்றின் பெயரோ தோரணப்பள்ளம் என்பதாகும். இக்காட்டாறு இத்தலத்தின் மேற்குப்புறத்தில் உள்ளது. திம்பம் மலையின் அடிவாரத்தில் தென்மாரி தெய்வத்தின் அவதாரம் நிகழப்போகிறது என்பதை உலகினுக்கு அறிவிக்கவோ என்னவோ இக்காட்டாற்றின் துறையில் பசுவும், புலியும் ஓரே இடத்தில் நீர் குடிக்கும் நிகழ்வுகள் நிகழ்ந்துள்ளன.

பசு மற்றும் சுயம்புலிங்கம்

ஓரு பட்டியிலிருந்த காராம் பசு ஓன்று கறக்கச் சென்றால் கறப்பதற்கு நில்லாமல் தன் கன்றுக்கு கொடுக்காமல் இருப்பதை மாடுகளை மேய்ப்போன் அறிந்தான். மறுநாள் மாட்டினைப் பின்தொடர்ந்து சென்று கவனித்தான். அப்பசு தன் பாலை தினந்தோறும் ஓரு வேங்கை மரத்தின் அடியில் கணாங்குப் புற்கள் சூழ்ந்த ஓரு குறிப்பிட்ட இடத்தில் தன்னிச்சையாகப் பொழிவதை மறைவிலிருந்து பார்த்தான். இந்நிகழ்ச்சியைக் கண்ணுற்ற அவன் மறுநாள் சுற்றுவட்டார கிராம மக்கள் ஊர் பெரியோர்களிடம் விபரத்தை சொல்லி அனைவரையும் அழைத்துக்கொண்டு மாட்டினைப் பின்தொடர்ந்து சென்று ஓரு குறிப்பிட்ட இடத்தில் காராம்பசு பால் சொரிவதைக் காண்பித்தான். அனைவரும் இவ்வரிய நிகழ்ச்சியினை கண்ணுற்று மெய்சிலிர்ந்து நின்றார்கள். இது தெய்வத்தின் திருவிளையாடல் என்றெண்ணிக் கை௬ப்பித் தொழுதார்கள்.

மக்கள் அனைவரும் அவ்விடத்தைச் சுத்தம் செய்யுங்கால் கணங்குப்புற்கள் சூழ்ந்த புற்றும் அதனருகில் சுயம்புலிங்கத் திருவுருவம் வேங்கை மரத்தின் அடியில் இருப்பதைக் கண்டார்கள். அப்போது அக்௬ட்டத்தில் இருந்த ஓருவருக்கு அருள் உண்டாகி தான் கேரளா மாநிலம் வண்ணார்க்காடு (மண்ணார்க்காடு) என்ற ஊரிலிருந்து பொதிமாடுகளை ஓட்டிக்கொண்டு மைசூர் செல்லும் மக்களுக்கு வழித்துணையாக வந்தேன் என்றும் எழில் மிகுந்த இவ்வியற்கைச் சூழலில் தான் தங்கிவிட்டதாகவும், தன்னை இனிமேல் பண்ணாரி எனப் போற்றி வழிபட்டு வாருங்கள் எனவும் அருள் வாக்கில் கூறினார்.

அன்னையின் அருள் வாக்கு

அன்னையின் அருள் வாக்கின்படி அவ்விடத்தில் கணாங்குப் புற்கள் கொண்டு ஓரு குடில் அமைத்து கிராமிய முறைப்படி நாள்தோறும் பண்ணாரி அன்னையை வழிபட்டு வந்தனர். பின்பு ஊர் மக்களும், பெரியதனக்காரர்களும் அன்னையின் சிறப்புக்கருதி அன்னைக்கு விமானத்துடன் கூடிய சிறு கோயில் அமைத்து பத்மபீடத்துடன் திருவுருவம் அமைத்து வழிபட்டு வருகின்றனர். அம்பிகையை பயபக்தியுடன் சதா துதிக்கும் அன்பர்களுக்கு வேண்டியதை வேண்டிய வண்ணம் அருள் பாலிக்கிறாள். இதனால் பக்தர்கள் வந்து அபிஷேக ஆராதனைகள் செய்தும், பொங்கலிட்டும், முடிகளைந்தும் உருள்தண்டம் முதலியன செய்தும் வழிபடுகின்றனர். அமாவாசை, ஞாயிறு, திங்கள், செவ்வாய் மற்றும் வெள்ளி ஆகிய நாட்களில் பக்தர்கள் ஆயிரக்கணக்கில் திரண்டு வந்து அன்னையை வழிபட்டு மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் செல்கின்றனர்.

Srirangam Saptha Prakara Parikrama

Srirangam Saptha Prakara Parikrama

We came to know that every year Saptha prakara parikrama is organized by Mrs. Saraswathy and Mr. Sripathy in coordination with “Pejawar matt.”

This year it was on 22, 23 and 24th of October 2009. We availed this opportunity and joined them on 24th October for parikrama. They have arranged stay and food for everyone at “kodiyalayam chattram” at “Srirangam”. Anyone can join for parikrama, and food was arranged separately for Brahmin and others. 

This is the contact number for details about saptha prakara parikrama 0431-2436502.

They arranged for sankalpam for cauvery snanam by a prohit, at 3Am and, thereafter every one of us went to River cauveryby van. 20Rs per head was charged for van. After the bath we came back to chattram, for changing our clothing. Then they guided us to starting place of Prakara parikrama.

Srirangam Ranganadhar temple has seven prakaram relating to saptha lokas.

1) Bhoolokam Full of houses and shops.

2) Bhuvarlokam Thiruvikraman Thiru veedhi.(street)

3) Suvarlokam Kili chozan or Agalangan Thirvedhi. (Street)

4) Maharlokam Thirumangaimannan street or Alinadan Thiruveedhi..

5) Janolokam Kulasekaran Thiru veedhi.

6) Thapolokam Rajamahendr chozan Thiru veedhi.

7) Sathyalokam (Garbha graham) Dharmavarma chozan Thiru veedhi.

Main deity Sriranganadhar facing south side, so the parikrama also starts from south entrance of 7th prakaram. Pandit was there along with us till the end of parikrama. He recited mantras which we were asked to repeat and do namaskaram before starting at that place. 

We were asked to stop at all corners of four roads, and to the middle of all four roads in front of the gopurams in all seven prakarams which represent Ashtadikbalakars. He recited some namavali and we bowed at all the places.

There is lot of small sanctums, all along the parikrama rounds. We visited only few, but I am trying to give you some more which are important. This we can make it only if we go on our own and not with the group.

7th prakaram of Srirangam temple.

Our parikrama stared mid way of South Chittirai veedhi”,” Kattai gopuram” entrance. This is to mid way of the road. The road is full of shops. There is a mandapam in which there is a small sanctum in basement with deity known as padhala Kannan”. 

We took a turn towards west and the street is known as chittrai thiru veedhi or Raja veedhi. We find houses to both sides of the roads. We enter to north Side Street known as Mela chittrai veedhi. Here we see aHanuman temple in this street. 

We enter east side road known as North chittrai veedhi. In the starting of the road we see “Hayagrivar and Desikar” sanctums, and the building looks like a matt. 

Next we took a turn towards south and it is known as South chittirai veedhi. We find a ratham which looks like a pushpaka vimana known asGoratham“.

Now we enter into 6th prakaram, from south entrance of kattai gopuram. Sankam and Chakkram are kaval deivam of this gopuram. The street is named after choza raja, as Thiru Vikraman veedhi There are shops in these roads and it is a commercial business centre. 

We took a turn towards west. The road is also known as “utthira veedhi”. We find a ratham here and archakar’s houses. Here the houses are to one side and to the other side of the road we find a big wall. 

We took a turn to north side which is named as “Mela uttira veedhi”. Next we turned towards east side and the road is known as“North uttrai veedhi”. We find Sriranga Narayanar Jeeayar matt in this road. 

We turned towards south side, road is known as Keezai uttirai veedhi”. We have darshan of Hanuman temple. At the end of the road we turn south and this is South uttira veedhi. There is a matt with Manavala Mamunigal sanctum. Half way of the road we reach Nanmugan kottai vassal .

We started our 5th Prakaram

Two Devas Dharmathyakshar and Niyantha are kaval deviam, {security}. The street is also known as Agalanganin thiru chuttru”. Here we start from north side and we see a mandapam with four pillars. To one pillar we see Kavi arasar Kambar in standing posture. To left of this mandapam there is a sanctum for Nadha muni, his deciple Thiruvaranga perumalariarum, and Alavandhan grand son of Nadha muni. 

We see Andal sanctum and we next come to Venuganan sanctum, which is very old one. We find Ranga vilas of Nayakar’s contribution which is full of beautiful sculptures. We take a turn to west and as we pass, we find Chakkratazwar sanndhi. At the back of the sanctum we see small ventilator through which we can have darshan of “Narashimar”.

We proceed towards north and we come across Vasantha mandapamHere we cross a grill gate and enter inside and we see Ranganayaki Thayar sanndhito left. We find Hanuman to a pillar near the entrance of the sanctum and we take a round and enter the temple. 

The main deity is also known as padidanda pathini”, hence all the festivals concern to her are celebrated within the temple only. We see urchava vigram in the front and 2 main deity at the back.

Old moolavar was hidden under the Vilava tree during Muslim invasion. After the war, they were unable to locate and find out and new Thayar idol was installed. After sometime they found the old one and they installed it in the main sanctum. We take a round inside Thayar sannidhi and once again start with prakara parikrama. 

We see a four pillared mandapam known as Kambar mandapam. In the year 885AD, Ramayana was inaugurated. There is a sanctum forNigamantha Desikan” near the compound. “Narashigaperumal”sanctum is seen nearby. 

From here we walk towards east side and we come across a grill gate, we enter and step inside thousand pillar mandapam. In the centre of thousand pillar mandapam we see “Thiru mamani mandapam”.

As we come out of this mandapam, we walk a while to reach a small mandapam known as Kanumandapam. As we proceed towards west side we see Sesharayar mandapam with beautiful sculptures related toVijayanagara history.

Next to this we see pillai Lokacharayarsanctum, adjacent to it is kannantemple where main deity is in “Geethopadesa” posture. As we go around we come across Udayavar sannidhiWe find other sanctums likeThirupanazwar, Vittala Krishnan, Thondaradipodi azwar, and Kooratth Azwar sanctum is seen.

Here we enter to our 4th prakara parikrama

This Prakara parikrama is known as Thirumangai mannan chuttru” or “Aali nadan chuttru”. Two Devi’s Ganga and Yamuna are protecting this Gopuram. Here we enter into a big mandapam, in which we see hugeGaruda with snakes as garland on him. As we walk out we see“Nammazwar” sanctum with Thirumangai mannan and “Madhura kavi azwar”.

As we go around to west side we come across “Mela Pattabhiraman”sanctum. Other deities in different sanctums are “Mudhalazwar, Teertha perumal” known as “Vasudevan”, and after climbing few steps “Danvanthry” Bagwan. We come across Chandra pushkarani and sthala vruksham “Punnai” tree. 

When we go around the pushkarani we see “Santhana gopala Krishnan, Varaha perumal, varadharaja perumal, Sri Kodanda Ramar and Paramapadha nadhan Sriman Narayanar with Bhoodevi and Neeladevi”. We proceed the same way and reach Garuda mandapam. Here we see a sanctum for Thirukachhi Nambi and little further we come to an end of this prakaram and here we enter third prakaram.

The 3rd prakaram round is known as “Kulasekaran chuttru”. 

The enterance is known as Aryabhatar vasal. Here “Garuda and Chakkra perumal” are Kaval deivam (security). As we enter we see Dwajasthambam covered with gold plated sheet. 

As we go clockwise, we see Pavithrotsava mandapam to left. The mandapam was constructed by King Kulasekaran. “Saraswathy and Hayagrivar” are seen in this mandapam. We come across another mandapam constructed by Vijayaranga Chokkanadhar. They say Viraja River flows under this mandapam. To left side we see “Paramapadha vassal”. We continue with our parikrama and we come across “Dolotsava mandapam or Uonjal Mandapam” and “Hanuman”. With this we come to an end of this prakaram.

The 2nd prakaram round is known as “Chozha mannan Rajamahendran chuttru”.

Front side of the main entrance, is taken care by “Badhran and Subadhran”, back side of the main entrance is taken care by “Sanganidhi and Padumanidhi”. 

In this round we come across Sanctum for “Vishvaksenar, Hanuman and Vebeshanar” is seen. Near this place “Arjuna mandapam” is seen. To NW side of our round Nachiayar” sanctum is seen. We come across“Revathy mandapam”, “Kili Mandapam” {parrot}, “Chandana mandapam” {sandal}.

We take step to east side known “Yalzhisteps, and enter into the main sanctum round. There are 8 steps here known as “Ashtakshara” steps.

Entrance of 1st prakaram is known as “Thiru Anukan thiru vassal”. 

This round is known as “Dharma varma chozan chuttru”. “Jaya Vijayan” is dwarabalakar here. The mandapam with 24 pillars known as“Gayatri mandapam or Ranga mandapam”, they say 24 pillars represent 24 letters of Gayatri mantra. There is lot of painted pictures depicting stories of Ramayana. 

The main entrance leading inside is known as “Kulasekaran” steps. Here we have the darshan of Lord Sri Ranganadhar.

We thank Mrs.saraswathy and Mr. Sripathy for their wonderful arrangement and we feel happy for the great opportunity, to join them and enjoy. With all these strain and effort we put and enter into the temple, and buy a ticket of Rs 50, we are thrown out in no seconds from the sanctum. It is real painful thing by the time our vision gets adjusted we are forced to come out. This is only the grief of the public who come, there to have the darshan of Sri Ranganadhar. Many of us, came once again in the evening to have a darshan...

History

SRI NAMAIGRI STHALA MAHIMA

In Krutha Yuga the two gate keepers of Sri Vaikuntam on curse of Rishies were born as cruel Hiranya Brothers, Younger Hiranyaksha was killed by Mahavishnu in the Avatharam of Varaha, for his harmful deeds Sri Boomidevi.
The elder Hiranyakasipu concentrated his mind and did serious Thapas for so many years. As a result of his Thapas, he got boons from Brahma Deva, that he will never meet the death by human beings, animals, earth and sky, by any instruments in and out of the houses etc.
Then Hiranya, on the Power of the boons, gave much troubles to Rishies and Devas and compelled them to pray them as "HIRANYAYA NAMA" only; and ordered that there is no other god to pray except him. As all were afraid of Hiranya, no Yagas and Deva Poojas were done. Then, worried Devas and Rishies with Brahma, prayed Lord Sri Narayana to get relief from Hiranya.
Therefore Sri Mahavishnu, determined to kill Hiranya and blessed them. Hiranya had a son named Prahaladha. He was naturally very pious to Lord Mahavishnu. So he refused to say "Hiranyaya Nama" but he only prayed "OM NAMO NARAYANA" Hiranya tried to change Prahaladha to pray his name insted of Lord Vishnu, in so many ways personally and through Gurns, but it proved in vain Prahaladha never said "Hiranyaya Nama" but he prayed bravely "OM NAMO NARAYANA" with the company of other boys.
This created great anger to Hiranya on Prahaladha and determined to kill him. He ordered his soldiers to kill Prahaladha by elephants, cobra, and by giving poison, but all were waste. His Vishnu Bhakthi saved him from these dangers.
Hiranya asked Prahaladha with great anger "Who is your God? Where is He and show Him?", On the belief of God, Prahaladha replied proudly and bravely "Father listen! MAHA VISHNU IS THE ONLY GOD and He is the Omnipresence and eternito-you can't destroy him", He is everywhere in you and me also.
Hiranya with great anger, showed a pillar and cried "Is your God in this pillar?" "CERTAINLY" here also replied Prahaladha with belief. As soon as Hiranya heard the words from Prahaladha he kicked the pillar with full of anger.
Immediately he heard a great roar and the pillar was flapped into two halves. Lord Sri Narasimha came out from the pillar with roaring, Hiranyakasipu surprised on seeing LORD NARASIMHA and astonished himself as to what from of this creature, no man, no animal, with lion head and human body with a cruel appearance.
Then, the fight began between Hiranya and SRI NARASIMHA. At last Sri Narasimha dragged Hiranya towards the entrance of the palace and placed him on his thighs and torn Hiranya's chest by his nails, at the time of sunset in this way, Hiranya was killed by Sri Narasimha.
All Devas were afraid to approach Sri Narasimhaswamy, in that morose mood and so also Sri Mahalakshmi. Baktha Prahaladha prayed Sri Narasimha who blessed him with mercy and disappeared in the from of a Saligramam near Prahaladha's Kingdom ( Ruling Place ) Prahaladha worshipped the Saligramam ever. ( where Sri Narasimha disappeared )
In Threthayuga at the period of Ramayana Sri Hanuman saved Sri Rama and others with Sanjeevi herbs which was brought from Himalayas by him. Then Hanuman replaced it in the Himalayas. On his return through the Sky Sri Hanuman brought the Saligramam in which Sri Narasimhaswamy disappeared.
In the meantime the Sun had, risen. Sri Hanuman got down to the earth to perform Santhayavanthanam because he was a great sage and bachelor. That is tha place of Sri Mahalakshmi's Tapavanam with a big holy tank named Kamalalayam where Sri Mahalakshmi was born Sri Hanuman determined to do his morning duties.Therefore he placed the Saligramam near the tank of Kamalalayam and performed Santha-Vanthanam.
After he had made his duties Hanuman tried to lift the Saligramam. But he could not move it easily; which was brought by him. This confused Sri Hanuman and he worshipped the God. Then the Saligramam grew as a rock a voice rose Oh Hanuman I determined to stay here, I was brought by you. First you go to Lanka and save Sri Ramachandramurthi.
If you want to worship me, you will come here after Ramavatharam and pray ever in front of me in Kaliyuga. Thus Sri Hanuman is even now at Namakkal Sthalam in the western side of the rock standing in the open air, worshipping in front of Sri NARASIMHA SWAMY .
Here Sri Mahalakshmi's prayer made Sri NARASIMHA calm. Then he blessed Sri Mahalakshmi and gave her so many VARAMS. From that time, the name to Mahalakshmi was spread as SRI NAMAGIRI LAKSHMI to God Sri LAKSHMI NARASIMHA. Sri Narasimhaswamy is in the cave temple with so many beautiful sculptures.
Tha SANCTUM SANCTORUM ( Gurbhagrham )and Ardhamandapam are in the cave. Sri Narasimhaswamy is sitting in chief place with the sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Soorya, Candra holding and Chamaram and in tha last Siva and Brahma are praying.
So Namakkal is called as one of the THIRUMOORTH STHALAMS. We can see in Ardhamandapam walls, very beautiful sculptures, the Mahavishnu's Avatharams! " Sri VAIKUNTA NARAYANA" with Sun, Moon, Siva Brahma, Markandeya and Boomadevi. Abhaya Narsimha is also here. In the next wall, we can see Sri Ugra Narasimha tearing the Hiranya's chest by nails. On the other side wall Sri Vaamanamoorthy is getting danam by Mahabalya Chakravarty. Sukrachari is punished by Garuda for disturbing the Danam. Jambavan is drumming in the sky.
In the same wall Sri Mahavishnu as THREVIKRAMA is measuring the earth and sky. In the next wall, Sri VARAHA MOORTHY is bearing the four VEDAS all power heads on the nose, and holding Sri Bhoomadevi by two hands. On the eastern side of the rock there is also a cave temple. Here also we can see Sri RANGANATHA lying on KARKOTAKA NAGA who performed Thapas.
In the same cave temple we can see SANKARA NARAYANA and on the other side VAMANAVATHARAM as is in Sri Narasimha's temple. These are protected by the Archaeological Department as the monuments maintained by the H.R. & C.E. Dept of the State Government and Poojas are performed as per VAIKANASA AGAMA.
The glories of Goddess Sri Namagiri Thayar is spread in all over India up to Himalayas and Cape Comarin. The devotees who visit Namakkal first; they heartly worship Namagiri Thayar and apply their application about diseases want of child, and other wantings. In time their wants are fulfilled by Sri Namagiri Ammal's mercy.
They are offering Kanikies, Sarees and Jewels etc. The Dasara festival is performed for ten days to SRI NAMAGIRI AMMAN with happiness. The Car festival is celebrated for 15 days to Sri Narasimha, Sri Ranganatha, and Sri Hanuman in the star of Panguni Hastham in every year. The Hanumanth Jayanthi is celebrated by devotees of all over grand manne during the New Moon day of Margazhi month.
SRI NAMAGIRI AMMAN'S Lotus eyes are merciful. She is seeing by lotus eyes with mercy. She is sitting on the lotus Sri Namagiri Lakshmi's eyes are lotus, face is lotus mouth is lotus, hands are lotus, feet are lotus, seat is lotus and her birth place is lotus and her sight is merciful. She is also holding the lotus.
Tha myths says the ( Sculptures ) cave temples were constructed by Viswakarma ( Divine Mason ) but the Archaeological Department says that caves are constructed by Pallavas. There is no statue without canopy but the great Hanuman of Namakkal is as high as 18 feet but fully exposed.
Namakkal is a famous Sthalam because of Sri Namagiri Thayar's merciness, the greatness to Lakshmi Narasimha's cave temple and the greatness of the Hanumam.
The Devotees perform the VADAMALA ABISHEGAM to Sri Hanuman for relief from the Sani and Ragu Grahams.