Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Thirukkadigai (Sholinghur), Vellore district of Tamilnadu is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Considered as one of the 108 Divya Desam shrines mentioned in Divya Brabandham - 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon by Peyazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar, here the lord is known as ‘Thirukkadigai’. The legend has it that God-incarnate Narashimha, having killed the demon king Hiranyan by coming out of the pillar in a strange form with a human body and lion's head, was in a ferocious mood and his ferocity did not come down until he reached this site. The quiet and serene ambiance had an effect on Narashimer and gradually he became quiet and composed. Facing the Narashimha temple is the small shrine of Lord Hanuman on ‘Chinna malai’ - a hillock. Here, Hanuman is meditating towards Lord Narasimha.
On the hill are three separate temples: Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Sri Yoga Anjaneyar Swamy Thirukovil or Hanuman Temple. Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is atop the hill called ‘Periya Malai’,
occupying an area of 1.25 acres (5,100 m2) and
is roughly 750 feet tall. The top of the hill is approached through a flight of 1,305 steps. The dimension of the temple at the top is 200 ft (61 m) by 150 ft (46 m) with a a five-tiered gateway tower, the Rajagopuram. Narasimha sits in a Yogic posture in a shrine facing East and is called Yoga Narasimha Swamy. The vimana,over the sanctum is called Hemakoti Viamanam. Here the lord assumes the Yogic posture, hence the deity is called as Lord Yoga Narasimha Swamy. There is a separate sannidhi - shrine for lord's consort Goddess Amrithavalli Thayaar (Lakshmi). At Sri Yoga Anjaneyar Swamy Thirukovil on Chinnamalai 350 feet tall, Hanuman is seen in a Sukasana posture - a pleasing one with four hands (chathurpujam) carrying conch, chakra, Jeba mala and jeba shankaram in each hand. The lord is believed to have given a Conch and chakra to annihilate two demons who terrorized the people here. The other shrines of this temple are the shrine of Lord Varadaraja and Lord Rama. The lower shrine has images of Bhakthavatsala Perumal and Sudavalli Thayyar. temple inscriptions pont out generous contributions from Kulothunga Chola III Mayuravarman and Seeyagangan.
It is believed that it was here at this holy place, the great sage Vishwamitra, one of the most well-known sages of ancient times in India had obtained the title Brahmarishi, a venerable sage who understood the meaning of Brahman by attaining the highest divine knowledge Brahmajnan. Viswamitra is believed to have meditated on Lord Narasimha here. It is believed that Lord Budha (planet Mercury), the son of Lord Chandra, worshipped Lord Narasimha at this place and got relieved of from the curse cast by the ill-temperate sage Durvasa.
The Pushkarani - temple tank is called as Brahma Pushkarani. It also goes by the name of Thakkan Kulam. Bramothsavam – April or May. Narasima Jayanthi, Vasantha Uthsavam – May or June, Andal Thiruadipora Festival, Gajendra Motcham – July or August, Vaikunta Ekadasi – December or January, PanguniUthram – March or April, etc are some of the major festivals observed here with intense faith. The temple follows Thenkalai tradition of worship. It is one of the 74 seats established by Sri Ramanuja to spread Vishitadvaita. Sri Vishnu Puranam and Sri Padma Puranam speak about the greatness of the place.
The temple is open from morning 08.00 am to 05.30 p.m.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirukkadigai
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