Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district in Telangana lies the resplendent Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, a sacred abode dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This majestic temple has recently undergone a monumental transformation, making it a must-visit pilgrimage destination in South India.
Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple or Yadagirigutta is a popular Hindu Temple of Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation Lord Vishnu It is situated on a hillock in the Nalgonda district, Telangana, Yadagirigutta is at a distance of 6 KM from Riagir Railway station and at a distance of 13 KM from Bhongir Town and 60 kilometers from the city of Hyderabad. There will be heavy congregation of devotees / pilgrims during Saturdays, Sundays and other Public Holidays.
Beliefs:
As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a “doctor” and is known as “Vaidya Narasimha” by his devotees at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a ‘do gooder’ to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala (40 day) pradakshina is very popular made by many devotees to get cured of a long standing ailment or chronic disease. Often, the Lord Himself has imparted mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.
Latest News and Updates (2024):
- Temple Inauguration Anniversary: In March 2024, the temple marked the second anniversary of its grand reopening after the extensive renovation project. Special pujas and religious ceremonies were held to commemorate this momentous occasion.
- Ongoing Developments: The temple complex continues to see ongoing beautification projects. The focus for 2024 is on landscaping the gardens and enhancing the pilgrim amenities within the temple premises.
- Increased Devotee Footfall: Since its reopening, the Yadadri temple has witnessed a significant surge in devotees. To cater to the growing number of pilgrims, the temple administration is working on streamlining the darshan process and expanding the queue complex.
Importance and Significance:
The Yadadri temple holds immense significance for Hindus, particularly those following Vaishnavism. Here’s why:
- Legends and History: Legends narrate that Sage Yadarishi performed penance here, seeking blessings from Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Lakshmi Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion form. The temple is believed to be built on the very spot where this divine manifestation occurred.
- Five Narasimha forms: The temple complex is unique as it houses shrines dedicated to five forms of Lord Narasimha: Jwala Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, Gandabherunda Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, and Lakshmi Narasimha.
- Architectural Marvel: The renovated temple boasts stunning architecture that blends traditional South Indian styles with modern elements. The gold-plated Vimana (tower) and intricately carved pillars are a sight to behold.
Temple Timings and Routes:
- Darshan Timings: The temple is open for darshan (viewing the deity) throughout the day. Here’s a general guideline:
- Sarvadarshanam (General Entry): 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Special Sevas (rituals): Performed throughout the day at designated timings
- Distance and Routes: The temple is situated around 65 kilometers from Hyderabad. Here are the popular routes to reach Yadadri:
- By Road: Well-connected by National Highways and state roads. Several buses ply regularly from Hyderabad and other major towns.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is at Raagir, approximately 6 km from the temple. Taxis and autos are readily available for onward travel.
Temple Timings and Events:
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | ||
| 3:30 AM | Temple Opens | The temple gates open to welcome devotees. |
| 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM | Suprabhatam | A devotional song sung to awaken Lord Narasimha. |
| 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM | Thiruvaradhana | A ritual offering of prayers and flowers to Lord Narasimha. |
| 4:30 AM – 5:15 AM | Bala Bogam | A special offering of food to Lord Narasimha. |
| 5:15 AM – 6:15 AM | Nijabhishekam | A sacred bath ceremony for Lord Narasimha. |
| 5:15 AM – 7:00 AM | Shataghatabishekam (Swati Nakshatram only) | The offering of decorated cloth to Lord Narasimha. |
| 6:15 AM – 7:00 AM | Sri Sway Vari Tulasi Sahasra Namarchana, Ammavariki Kumkumarchana, Sri Anjaneya Swamy Variki Sahasra Namarchana | Chanting of 1008 names of Lord Narasimha, offering of saffron paste to Goddess Lakshmi, and chanting of 1008 names of Lord Hanuman. |
| 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Darshanam (All) | A special abhishekam (holy bath) is performed on the auspicious day of Swati Nakshatram. |
| 7:15 AM – 9:30 AM | Sudharshana Narasimha Homam | A fire ritual dedicated to Lord Sudarshana, Vishnu’s discus. |
| 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Nitya Kalyanotsavam | The celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Narasimha. |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | VIP Break Darshanam | Darshan for VIPs. |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Anjaneya Swamy Aaku Pooja (Every Tuesday) | Special puja for Lord Hanuman (performed only on Tuesdays). |
| 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Darshanamas (All) | Darshan for all devotees. |
| 11:45 PM – 12:30 PM | Maharaja Bhogam | Offering of a grand meal to Lord Narasimha. |
| 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Darshanams | Darshan for all devotees. |
| 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Dwarabandanamu | Closing of temple gates. |
| Evening | ||
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | VIP Break Darshanam | Darshan for VIPs. |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Andalamma Unjal Seva (Every Friday) | Swinging of Goddess Andalamma’s idol (performed only on Fridays). |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Darshnamas (All) | Darshan for all devotees. |
| 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Vendi Mokku Jodu Sevalu | Offering of decorated cloth to Lord Narasimha. |
| 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM | Darbar Seva | A special darshan in the evening. |
| 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Thiruvardhana | A ritual offering of prayers and flowers to Lord Narasimha. |
| 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM | Sri Sway Vari Tulasi Sahasra Namarchana, Ammavariki Kumkumarchana, Sri Anjaneya Swamy Variki Sahasra Namarchana | Chanting of 1008 names of Lord Narasimha, offering of saffron paste to Goddess Lakshmi, and chanting of 1008 names of Lord Hanuman. |
| 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM | Darshnamas (All) | Darshan for all devotees. |
| 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM | Aragimpu | A ritual offering of food to Lord Narasimha. |
| Temple Closes | The temple gates close for the day |
Seva Information at Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple (2024):
| Seva Name | Description | Timings (Approx.) | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | Waking up service for the Lord | 6:00 AM | ₹ 100 | |
| Nijabishekam (Single) | Abishekam (holy bath) for the Lord performed by a single devotee | 7:00 AM | ₹ 1001 | Performed in the Moola Virat (main sanctum) |
| Nijabishekam (Couple) | Abishekam for the Lord performed by a couple | 7:00 AM | ₹ 1501 | Performed in the Moola Virat |
| Sahasra Namarchana | Chanting of the Lord’s 1008 names | 8:00 AM | ₹ 1001 | Performed in Kalyana Mandapam |
| Kunkumarchana (Friday) | Offering of saffron paste to the Lord (performed only on Fridays) | 9:00 AM | ₹ 501 | Performed in the Moola Virat |
| Sri Sudershana Homam | Homa (fire ritual) dedicated to Lord Sudarshana, Vishnu’s discus | 10:00 AM | ₹ 1001 | Performed in Yagasala |
| Kalyanothsavam | Celestial wedding ceremony of the Lord | Performed based on reservations | Varies | Special decorations and rituals |
| Jodu Seva | Offering of decorated cloth to the Lord | Performed based on reservations | Varies | Performed in evenings |
| Pavalimpu Seva | Offering of aarti (lamps) with a large number of wicks | Performed based on reservations | Varies | Performed in evenings |
| One Day Bramhostavam | One-day ritual sponsoring the temple priest | Morning to evening | ₹ 5001+ | Includes various pujas and sevas |
| Three Days Bramhostavam | Three-day ritual sponsoring the temple priest | 3 Days | ₹ 15001+ | Includes various pujas and sevas |
| Five Days Bramhostavam | Five-day ritual sponsoring the temple priest | 5 Days | ₹ 25001+ | Includes various pujas and sevas |
| Anjaneya Swamy Akupuja (Tuesday) | Special puja for Lord Hanuman (performed only on Tuesdays) | 12:00 PM | ₹ 101 | |
| Sri Ammavari Laksha Tulasi Archana | Offering of 100,000 tulsi leaves to Goddess Lakshmi | Performed based on reservations | Varies | |
| Shathagatabhishekam | Abishekam with 108 sacred items | Performed based on reservations | Varies | |
| Laksha Bilwarchana in Shivalayam | Offering of 100,000 bel (bilva) leaves to Lord Shiva in the temple complex | Performed based on reservations | Varies | |
| Andal Ammavari Abhishekam (Friday only) | Abishekam for Andalamma, a form of Goddess Lakshmi (performed only on Fridays) | ₹ 501 | Performed in Ammavari Temple | |
| Astotharam | Offering of 108 flowers to the Lord | Evening | ₹ 101 | |
| Shegradarshanam | Special darshan with limited devotees | Evening | ₹ 300 | |
| Athi Shegradarshanam (1 Laddu 100 gms) | Special darshan with limited devotees and offering of one laddu prasadam | Evening | ₹ 500 | |
| Gandadeepam | Offering of ghee lamp to the Lord | Evening | ₹ 101 | |
| Ashwara Sweekaram | Sponsoring a puja on a specific weekday | Performed based on weekday | Varies | |
| Annaprasana (After Nevedana) | Offering of cooked food to the Lord after the main offering (performed occasionally) | After Nevedana | Varies | |
| Swarna Pushparchana | Offering of golden flowers to the Lord | Performed based on reservations | Varies | Includes two laddu prasadam |
Festivals and Events at Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple:
Vaikunta Ekadashi: Celebrates Lord Vishnu’s awakening from his four-month celestial sleep. Special pujas and sevas are held. Marks the beginning of the auspicious period for marriages and other religious ceremonies.
Magha Sudda Purnima (Ratha Sapthami): Commemorates the celestial chariot procession of Lord Surya (Sun god). The temple organizes a grand procession with a decorated chariot. Seeks blessings for good health, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.
Sri Rama Navami | Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Special pujas, bhajanas (devotional songs), and religious discourses are held. | Devotees seek blessings for righteousness, courage, and perseverance.
Swami Vari Brahmotsavam | The most prominent festival at the temple is celebrated over a period of 10 days. It features grand processions, religious rituals, and cultural performances. Celebrates the wedding ceremony of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Vijaya Dashami:
\marks the victory of good over evil. Special pujas and processions are held. Celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. September 30
Kartika Pournami (Deepavali): The festival of lights, celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile. The temple is illuminated with diyas (oil lamps). Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Notes:
- Prices are approximate and subject to change. It’s advisable to confirm the latest prices on the temple’s official website https://yadadritemple.telangana.gov.in/
- Check the official website https://yadadritemple.telangana.gov.in/ for the latest updates on darshan timings and special sevas.
- Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid heavy crowds, especially on weekends and festivals.
- Dress modestly as is customary when visiting Hindu temples.
- Carry essentials like water, sunglasses, and a hat, especially during the summer months.
The Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is more than just a place of worship; it’s a cultural and spiritual landmark. A visit here allows you to experience the rich heritage of Telangana and immerse yourself in the profound devotion of the Hindu faith.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The temple opens at 3:30 AM and closes at 9:45 PM. There are designated darshan (viewing) timings throughout the day, with breaks for special pujas and sevas.
General darshan is available from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:15 PM. There are also separate timings for VIP darshan and special sevas which can be booked in advance.
Yes, the temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Some prominent ones include Swami Vari Brahmotsavam (wedding ceremony of Lord Narasimha), Vaikunta Ekadashi (awakening of Lord Vishnu), and Sri Rama Navami (birth of Lord Rama).
You can visit the official Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple website https://yadadritemple.telangana.gov.in/
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