1200+ years old Narasimha Temple

Facing the east direction, the Supreme God Narasimha bestows his grace upon us, while his consort Lakshmi rests on his left lap, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on her beloved Lord. This exquisite portrayal of Lakshmi Narasimha, the presiding deity, can be discovered within a diminutive yet highly esteemed temple in Tirunelveli. This sacred place is nestled along Mela Mada Veedi, a narrow thoroughfare, with the impressive entrance and towering edifice of Nellaiyappar temple standing in contrast on the opposite end.

Among the temple's occupants are Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, Santana Krishna, Ramanuja, Vishwaksena, and Garuda, each lending their divine presence.

Despite its modest size, this temple perpetually draws a throng of devotees.

The sanctum's exterior walls bear inscriptions, although these are relatively recent, not exceeding a century in age. Whether they be devoted followers, regular visitors, or local inhabitants, few are aware that the temple once bore an inscription from the 8th century CE, dating back to the era of Varaguna Pandya I. This historical record once adorned the northern wall, recounting the offering of cows by a Devadasi from Kilvembanadu for the illumination of lamps at the Brahmapurittavar temple in Tirunelveli. (I could not find out the specific A.R.E. number of this inscription though.)

In its current iteration, the temple has undergone multiple renovations over the past century, effectively obfuscating any trace of its original antiquity, which spans more than 1200 years. Interestingly, this makes it a contemporary of the Nellaiyappar temple, a fact that adds to its allure.

Happy travelling.