- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 09 May 2025 01:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Narasimha Jayanti 2025: Narasimha Chaturdashi or the appearance day of Lord Narasimha will be celebrated on 11th May 2025. As the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu in the Satya Yuga, Lord Narasimha appeared as a half-man, half-lion form to destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu. His advent put an end to religious tyranny and reinstated dharma on the planet. Lord Narasimha is depicted with three eyes and worshipped in Vaishnavism as the God of Destruction. He is also referred to as Kala, Mahakala and Parakala and symbolises time and its transcending quality.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Narasimha Dev, check out the top 5 temples dedicated to the fierce lord in South India below:
Narasimha Jayanti 2025: Top 5 Lord Narasimha Temples To Visit In South India
1. Narasimha Swami Temple, Karnataka
According to a legend, a merchant, sleeping on a rock at Seebi, saw Lord Narasimha in his dream, indicating that the rock was His dwelling place and requesting that a temple be constructed there. The merchant constructed a small shrine but was later replaced by three brothers—Lakshminarasappa, Puttanna and Nallapa, sons of Kacheri Krishnappa, Dewan to Tipu Sultan—who built a more elaborate temple in the 18th century. Constructed in Dravidian architecture for more than 10 years, it boasts marvellous murals depicting the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita and Narasimha Purana. The three-stage entrance opens up to a mantapa with the shrines of Lord Rama, Krishna, Ganapathi and Saptamatrika.
2. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
Dating back more than 1,000 years to the Chola era, this ancient hill temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is 750 feet high, 200 feet long, and 150 feet wide, covering almost an acre. The devotees have to climb 1,300 steps to the sanctum, going through seven mandapams (pillared halls) in the process. Its sprawling size and spatial plan mirror the grandeur of Chola architecture.
Lord Narasimha is worshipped as the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who slaughtered Hiranyakashyap. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
3. Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple, Karnataka
Situated in Maddur, Karnataka, this ancient temple dates to the 13th century and was constructed during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty. It is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, worshipped here in his ferocious form, representing divine protection. The temple represents typical Hoysala architecture, with intricate stone carvings and outstanding craftsmanship. Key elements are the central sanctum and mandapam, exquisitely carved pillars, a finely sculpted shikara, ornate doorways, decorative panels and an open courtyard.
4. Devarayan Durga Narasimha Swami Temple, Karnataka
Located on a hill over Tumkur, this 17th-century temple was constructed during the reign of the Wodeyar Dynasty. One of the distinct features of the temple is Namada Chilume, a natural spring said to have been formed by the touch of Lord Rama's arrow, and is said to be medicinally beneficial. The temple is constructed in the classical Dravidian style of architecture, with finely sculpted stone pillars and intricate sculptures. Its peaceful hilltop setting, religious importance, and artistic stone work draw followers and tourists alike.
5. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or Simhachalam Temple is one of India's oldest spiritual sites, dating from the 11th century. Built initially under the Chola dynasty and then funded by the Eastern Ganga kings, the temple showcases a mix of Chola and Kalinga style architecture. What makes this temple different is that the idol of the deity remains fully covered in sandalwood paste all year round, which signifies devotion and protection. The paste is taken off only once a year on Akshaya Tritiya, when the divine form of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha becomes visible to the devotees.