Description
Mangaimadam Veera Narasimhar Temple is an ancient temple which is believed to be around 1000 years old. This is located in the small city of Poompuhar in the state of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Narasimhar who is sometimes also referred to as Veerum and hence the name of the temple –Veera Barasimhar. This is a unique temple which attracts thousands of devotees all year round.
History
Historians believe that long back there was a king of Thiruvalli, known as Thirumangai Mannab back in the period of Chola's. He was a very benevolent king who was known for its goodness. He was a very big devotee of Lord Vishnu and wanted to adopt Vasihnavism. In order to achieve the same, he decided to offer special food called the thathiyaaraadhanai to about thousands of people for about a year. This was his way of showing devotion towards the lord. The lord was pleased with this gesture and thus blessed him with a beautiful wife Kumudhavalli. After marrying her and attaining Vaishnavism in the place of Mangaimadam, the king decided to build a huge and magnificent temple in the same spot. Since, he had adopted Vaishnavism at the very spot; the temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built as one of the dhams for all supporters of lord Vishnu
Importance/Significance
The temple is very significant in two ways. Firstly this forms a part of the 108 divyadeshams, the shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and secondly it is also a prominent temple in the series of Narasimha Kshetrams which are five in numbers. Five forms of Narasimha are located in five locations and the last form –Lakshmi Narasimha is placed in this temple. Worship is considered incomplete without passing this place. People flock here from far and wide to seek blessings for marriage, children, health and wealth and to remove obstacles from life. It is considered very pious to hold rituals on Thursdays by offering diya and chanting hymns in praise of the lord. Keeping a fast is also considered very auspicious.
Facts/Mythology
A unique fact about the temple is that this forms the last in the series of Panch Narasimha Kshetrams which are shrines located to Lord Narasimha, all situated in the south of India. Further, legends unfold the story that Goddess Lakshmi was found on a lotus which has been marked here with her idol. A lotus always flowers at the very spot even without water and this is considered to be a miracle of Goddess. The architecture of the temple is again unique in its sculpture, design and the way the shrines encompass the idols of the lord.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The holy shrine is considered to be an apt place for organizing events such as engagements and marriage ceremony. Blessings of Lakshmi Narasimha are showered on the couples paving a path for happy and prosperous married life. The place is also suitable to conduct mundane ceremonies.
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