Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Legends

Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Narasimha Swamy to kill the Hiranya Kasyapa. Even after killing the demon, he started roaming around forests and hills with anger. At Sthothadhri hill which is near to Kadiri Town, Devas along with Prahaladha prayed to calm down Narasimha Swamy. Narasimha Swamy pleased with the prayers and withdraw the anger at this place. Hence Narasimha Swamy Temple here is called as Prahalada Sametha Narasimha Swamy Temple.

‘Ka’ means Vishnu Padam (Footprint), ‘Aadri’ means  Hill so the place got the name as ‘Kadri’ later turned into ‘Kadiri’. Belief is that Narasimha Swamy stayed at the roots of Chanda Vruksha (Kadiri Vruksham or Canary Tree or Indian Mulberry – Tree) for a very long time.

Interesting fact associated with this temple is, Sweat comes out of the Idol after Abhishekam.

Vasantha Vallabha Utasva murthi (processional deities) which are there in the temple, were recovered from Brughu Theertham ( water tank), as instructed by the Lord in the dream. These Idols were installed during Vasantha Ruthuvu so this utsava murthi (processional deities) were called by Vasantha Vallabhulu. It is believed that these idols were presented by Lord Narasimha Swamy to Bhrugu Maharshi (Sage) to perform Archana.

The legend of Kadiri is mentioned in BRAHMANDA PURANA. It is also said that Veda Vyasa established gurukul in this region to stay away from the demons attack.

Arjuna did penance here on the banks of Maddileru ( Arjuna river), and this river connects holy tanks, Swetha Pushkarini, Brughu Theertham, Sesha Theertham, Kunthi Theertham, Lakshmi Theertham, Ganga Theertham, Garuda Theertham, Bhavanasini Theertham along its path.

Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple History

It is known from the inscriptions on the Temple walls, that Swamy appeared in the dream of Veera Bukka Rayalu of Vijayanagar dynasty and revealed his whereabouts. King along with his staff then recovered the Idol (Saligramam) from the roots of the tree and built the temple.

As time passes, the Idol disappeared from the temple, Lord Narasimha Swamy appeared in the dreams of Achyutha Devarayulu and revealed his whereabouts. King brought the idol from Sthothadhri hill caves and installed in the temple.

Cholas, during 985 – 1076 A.D built the temple for Durga Devi Temple and sculptured idols on the rocks. In the year 1953, Lakshmi idol was installed in the place of Durga Devi, still, we can see Dura Devi main idol inside Durga Devi temple.

Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Construction

In the year 391, Narasimha Dasari and Lakshmana Dasari set the long pillars within the temple compound for lighting Lamps. In the year 1509, Sri Krishna Devaraya built the corridor (Ranga Mantap) with Lion faces and Alwar Shrine. In 1545, Achyutha Devaraya built the East Raja Gopuram (Temple Tower), Temple for Lord Vinayaka, Temple for Lord Krishna and Raghavendra Brundhavan ( park). In the year 1569, Sri Thirumala Raya built the corridors and Pushkarini ( Temple Tank). During the period 1642 – 1644, Chathrapathi Sivaji built the Temple for Mahisasura Mardini.

East, West and South Raja  Gopuram (Temple towers) were built during the period of Vijayanagar dynasty.  As said in the inscriptions, that Kopanna who worked for Kempanna Odayar while building Sri Rangam Temple donated gold ornaments.

In the years 1451 and 1529,  Chief for Tadipatri Region built the Veyyi Kalla Mantap ( 1000 pillar mandapam) and Kotai Mantap.

Irrespective of the religion, people celebrate the temple festivals. Devotees from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka used to this temple regularly.

Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings

Morning Hours: 6:30 am – 12:45 pm

Evening Hours: 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Temple remains closed from 12:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Rathotsavam

Annual Chariot festival will be celebrated in a grand. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will be taken out in a chariot where lakhs of devotees takes part in this event, in pulling the chariot along the streets.

How to reach Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple?

1. Temple is 180 km from Tirupati. The direct bus is available from Tirupati to Kadiri
2. Direct Train from Tirupati to Kadiri is available from Tirupati Central Railway station. Journey time is 3 hours 38 mins.
3. Temple is 90 km from Anantapur Town. The direct bus is available from Anantapur at high frequency.

Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

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