Description
Guru NarasimhaSwamy Temple is located in the small town of Saligrama in Udupi, along the cost of Karnataka. The temple is carved out of Saligrama stone and hence has derived its name.
History
Every ancient temple has a beautiful background history. The same goes for the Saligrama Guru NarasimhaSwamy Temple. Long back, somewhere in the 8th century, there was a NaradaMaharshi. He was a very religious person and his daily chores involved visiting pilgrimages and taking dip in the holy waters all over India. Once, while NaradaMaharshi was performing his usual rituals where the was a sudden tremor of earth. Sacred of this tremor, the animals started running away, birds started circling the sky and many other sages came to the Maharshi seeking protection. Suddenly there was a divine sound. The sound spoke that there was an idol of Lord Narasimha located somewhere between the Shank and Chakra thirtha, in the middle of a tree, The idol was holding Shanka and Chakra in both hands and was comfortably seated in a Yogananda posture. This was important since this is the same posture which is worshipped by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. Being a staunch religious person, NaradaMaharashi started taking tour of the forest in order to find the idol. He was successful in his attempt. He placed the idol in the spot where today we can see the Guru NarasimhaSwamy Temple. Pleased by the devotion of NaradaMaharashi, Lord Narasimha agreed to stay permanently in the spot and bless his devotees.
Importance/Significance
Saligrama Guru NarasimhaSwamy Temple is considered very significant and holds high religious importance. It is believed that if one takes a holy dip in the Shanka and Chakra thirtha, and then worship Guru NarasimhaSwamy one will surely achieve prosperity. The holy waters are considered very sacred and hence this place is also earmarked as a teerthsthal.
Facts/Mythology
One unique fact about the Saligrama Guru NarasimhaSwamy Temple is that it is entirely carved out of Saligrama rock. The magnificent temple with all its intricate sculptures speaks volumes about the prevalent culture. The idol of Guru NarasimhaSwamy Temple is depicted here with prabhavali on his back, right holding holding chakra and left hand holding shanka. The idol faces west and is very attractive.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The temple holds an important position in terms of religious beliefs and hence is considered an ideal place for functions such as birthdays, marriages and mundane ceremonies. People gather here to get the blessing of lord Narashima and worship him with all devotion.
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