This is an ancient temple built by Vasantharaja of Vriddachalam and is an 1800-year-old Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Villupuram, Parikkal, Tamil Nadu. Prarthana Sthalam: It is said that debts, enemies and diseases will disappear if prayers are offered in this temple. Located about 25 km southwest of Villupuram and 3 km west of Kedilam Cross Road, along the Chennai-Trichi National Road. It is one of the four temples of Narasimha temples in this area. The others are Anthili, Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri. In addition, there is the Sayana Narasimha at Thiru Vathigai in Panruti.
Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Parikkal Temple Marghazi Month Timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Pooja Timings:
Kaala Shanthi Pooja: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Uchchi Kaala Pooja: 11:00 AM to 12.00 Noon
Raakkaala Pooja: 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple History:
Vasantharaja ruled this place with his capital at Vriddachalam and wanted to build a temple for Lord Narasimha. Constantly troubled by Parakalasura (said to be a relative of Hiranyakashipu), Vasantharaja undertook a penance here as directed by his Guru. Answering his prayers, Lord Narasimha is said to have appeared here and killed the Asura.
Having only seen the destructive mood of an angry Narasimha, Vasantharaja invoked the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi to provide darshan with the Lord displaying his softer form. Having only seen the destructive mood of an angry Narasimha, Vasantharaja invoked the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi to provide darshan with the Lord displaying his softer form.
Kanakavalli Thaayar is said to have sat on his lap, cooled him down and provided darshan to Vasantharaja, the Devas and the Rishis at this place. Delighted at the darshan of Lord Narasimha in this form, Vasantharaja requested that this place be named after the asura who provided the king with the opportunity to have a darshan of the Lord.
Hence, this place was referred to as ‘Parikala’puram, which in course of time became ‘Parikkal’. While the original temple was built by Vasantharaja using red bricks, lime and wood, it is believed to have been destroyed during the Mughal invasion. The temple that one sees today is said to have been built by Veera Narasimha of Karnataka using granite’s. Parikkal Lord Narasimha is said to be the Kula Deivam for the Madhwas of Karnataka.
Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Festivals:
| S.No | Month | Festivals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chithirai | Bramothsavam 10 days |
| 2 | Vaikasi | Narasima Jayanthi, Vaikasi Garuda Seva, Vasantha Uthsavam, Nammalvar Festival |
| 3 | Aani | Summer Festival 3 days. Aani Garuda Seva, Adhikesava perumal, Thiruvona Festival |
| 4 | Aadi | Andal Thiruadipora Festival(10 days), Gajendra Motcham, Garuda Seva,Jeshtapishekam |
| 5 | Avani | Thirupavithrothsavam. Big Temple 7 days, SriJayanthi |
| 6 | Purattasi | Navarathri Uthsavam 10 days. |
| 7 | Iyppasi | Dolothsavam oonjal Festival 3 days. Manavala Mamunigal 10 days. Last Friday Deepavali & Vana Bojanam |
| 8 | Karthigai | Karthigai Festival, Festival of light, AnumathJayanthi (Small Hill) , Thirumangai Alvar Festival 10 days |
| 9 | Marghazi | Vaikunta Ekadasi , Pakal Pathu,Rappathu Uthsavam, New year Jan 1, Padi Uthsavam |
| 10 | Thai | Andal Thirukalyanam, Western Paarivethai, Giri prathkshanam, ThaiPoosam, Float Festival 3 days. |
| 11 | Masi | Sri Dhottachariar Annual Birth celebration,Dhavana Uthsavam, MasiFloat Festival |
| 12 | Panguni | Telugu New Year’s day, PanguniUthram,Thirukalyanam in the BigTemple |
Places Near Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple:
Senji Kottai / Gingee Fort
Melmalaiyanur Ankaala Parameswari temple
Auroville
How to Reach Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple:
By Air:
The Nearest Airport is Puducherry 83.3 km and Chennai International Airport is 172 km from the Temple.
Puducherry Route Details:
1) Fastest route via NH45 and SH 136 – 1 h 41 min, 83.3 km (This route has tolls)
2) via NH38/NH45 and NH332 1 h 47 min – 67.6 km, 2 h 4 min
3) via NH332 – 76.4 km
By Rail:
Passenger train from Villupuram and Vriddachalam stop at Parikkal railway station.
By Road:
Take the Madras- Villupuram-Ulundurpet- Trichy GST National Highway 21 kms after Villupuram, Get down at Kedilam Junction
There are many share autos run in between Parikkal and Kedilam Junction.
If travelling by own Vehicle: From Madras/ Villupuram, take a right (towards West) just before Kedilam Cross Road, cross the railway line to reach the temple (about 2 kms from the railway line).
Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Address:
Arulmigu Lakshmi Narashima Swamy Temple
Parikkal,
Villupuram,
Tamilnadu – 607204.
Phone: 9944238917, 9943073722