One of the most foremost shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha, Poovarasan Kuppam, near Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, is also called South Ahobilam. The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and his consort is Goddess Amirthavalli of Poovarasankuppam.
This temple is approximately 1200 years old. This is a spot where he is said to have given darshan to the seven rishis along with his consort. Lord Narasimhar took an instant incarnation as human-lion God, answering the prayers of his bhaktha – Prahalada to slay the demon king – Hiranyakasibu. After slaying the king, his anger did not subside and he roamed all over India. On the Northern shore of the river South Pennai in South India known as Dakhshin Pinnakini, the “Saptha Rishi’ or Seven rishis prayed to the Lord to have his darshan. It is at a spot called Poovarasankuppam, where he gave darshan to these rishis.
Poovarasankuppam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Poovarasankuppam Temple Marghazi Month Timings:
Morning: 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Poovarasankuppam 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
Poovarasankuppam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple History:
This temple is approximately 1200 years old. This is a spot where he is said to have given darshan to the seven rishis along with his consort. Lord Narasimhar took an instant incarnation as human-lion God, answering the prayers of his bhaktha – Prahalada to slay the demon king – Hiranyakasibu. After slaying the king, his anger did not subside and he roamed all over India. On the Northern shore of the river South Pennai in SouthIndia known as Dakhshin Pinnakini, the “Saptha Rishi’ or Seven rishis prayed to the Lord to have his darshan. It is at a spot called Poovarasankuppam, where he gave darshan to these rishis. However, the rishis could not bear the intensity of heat emitting from the Lord and requested his consort to calm him down. Goddess Amirthavalli, obliged and sat on the Lord’s lap and looked at him with one eye and the rishis with the other. This act of the Goddess Lakshmi brought a soothing and tranquil effect on the Lord. To this day, it is only at this temple in the whole world does the Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar appear in such a pose. This pose where the Goddess, looks at the bhakthas and her Lord simultaneously is believed to be having a conversation with the Lord presenting the bhaktha’s petitions to him.
This is how this place got its name, “Poovarasankuppam”. One of the kings of the Pallava dynasty embraced Jainism and started destroying Vishnu and Shiva temples. People were enraged at this act and protested against the demolition of temples. The king imprisoned those who protested against him. ‘Narahari’, a sage who was horrified at the act, spearheaded the movement against the king and was sentenced to death. Furious at the punishment imposed on him, the sage cursed the king with ‘Brahma hathi dosham’. At this juncture, the king was besieged with problems and difficulties. Finally, he repented for his sins and wanted to get rid of the curse by seeking the blessings of the sage. He went in search of Narahari. While taking a nap beneath a ‘poovarasan tree’, the Lord appeared in his dream and declared that he would be redeemed of his curse as the sage would come there to bless him. He woke up from sleep but was unable to identify the Lord. Just then a leaf from the poovarasan tree dropped on the king. He could see the image of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha on the leaf. His happiness knew no bounds when the sage appeared in person to bless him. The king was absolved of the curse. As per the wishes of the sage, the king constructed a temple for the Lord at Poovarasan Kuppam. Narahari stayed there and propitiated the Lord.
Poovarasankuppam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Festival:
| 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, WesternPaarivethai, 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 |
How to Reach Poovarasankuppam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple:
By Air:
The Nearest Airport is Puducherry 36.6 km and Chennai International Airport is 157 km from the Temple.
By Rail:
Villupuram Junction is the Nearest railway station.
By Road:
This temple is easily accessed from Villupuram (about 15 kms), Puducherry (about 32 kms) or from Cuddalore (about 15 kms)
Poovarasankuppam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Address:
Arulmigu Lakshmi Narashima Swamy Temple
Poovarasankuppam,
Villupuram,
Tamilnadu – 605105.
Phone: 94865 18444, 83000 39408