Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple, Yadagirigutta is a popular Hindu Temple of Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation Bhagwan Vishnu which is situated on a hillock in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana.  The golden Sudarshan Chakra (about 3 ft x 3 ft) of Bhagwan Vishnu (whose reincarnation is Bhagwan Narasimha) atop the sikharam of Sanctum Sanctorum of this cave temple is a symbol this temple which is identified from as far away as 5km-6 km.

Itihaa

In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Shanta Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Hanuman on this hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri.

Pleased with his deep devotion, Bhagwan Narasimha appeared before Yadarishi in five different forms as Sri Jwala Narasimha, Sri Yogananda, Sri Gandabherunda, Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. All these five forms are presently worshipped within the temple as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas.

The puja vidhanam (rituals) in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. This was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple.

History

There is an ancient inscription at Kolanupaka Jagaddevuni Narayana Swamy Temple saying that in 1148 AD. The King Tribhuvana Malludu won the battle in Telangana and established a fort on Ekashila Hillock at Bhongir in memory of his Victory in Telangana and he visited lord Lakshmi Narasimha swamy several Times during that period.

In 15th century, the Vijayanagara King Sri Krishnadevarayalu wrote in his autobiography that while he was going to war, he visited the temple and offered prayers to the lord for his victory. He also got a son on the mercy of Bhagwan Narasimha Swamy.

Important Festivals

Bramhostavams

Every year the Bhagwan’s Brahmothsavams are being performed during the months of Phalguna from Shudha Vidiya to Dwadasi for (11) days (Phalguna falls normally in the of months Febrauary & March).

Jayanthi

Bhagwan’s Jayanthi Mahotsavam is performed from Vysakha Sudha Dwadasi to Chathurdashi.

Swathi

Bhagwan’s Ashtothara Satha Ghatabhisekam is performed every month on Swathi Nakshatram (i.e., Birth star of Bhagwan) at 4-30 AM to 7-00 AM as per Agama Shastra procedure. 

Pavithrostavams

Bhagwan’s Pavithrotsavams are performed from Shravana Shudha Dashimi to Dwadashi.

Adhyanotsavams

Bhagwan’s Adhyayanotsavams are conducted for Six days starting from Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Dhanurmasam

During the Dhanurmasam (also known as Margali), every day at early morning Thiruppavai Keerthanams will be rendered by Archakas which were written by Andal (also known as Godadevi, the only female Alwar among the 12 Alwar saints).

Other important festivals

• Ramanuja Thirunakshathram.
• Nammalvar Thirunakshathram
• Manavala Mahammavari Thirunakshatram
• Thirumanjari alwar Thirunakshatram
• Thiruppavari alwar Thirunakshatram
• Andal Thirunakshatram
• Sri Krishna Janmastami
• Sri Rama Navami
• Maha Shiva Rathri
• Devi Navaratri
• Hanumath Jayanthi

The devasthanam is maintaining the Sanskrit Vidyaa Peetam Institution and a Goushala.

Sub Temples

1) Pushkarini Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple (uphills)

2) Sri Ramalingeshwara swamy temple (uphills at entrance of east side)

3) Sri Ramalayam. (uphills)

Temple renovation and expansion

The temple complex was originally limited to 2,500 sq. yards. on 11th October, 2016 renovation cum expansion of the temple was launched, that has a three-storeyed structure with beautiful sculptures and gopurams in 17 acres, surrounded by 2,000-acre tourism hub. The largest of these—the 85-ft high Sapthathala Maharajagopuram, at the temple entrance (which is gold plated) is seven storeys and is made of 13,000 tonnes of stone. T

he temple is built entirely out of Krishnashila (black stone), some 250,000 tonnes of which was obtained from Prakasam and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh. Conventional binding materials like lime and mortar are used for this purpose. Of the entire heritage conglomeration of 2,000 acres, 250 acres around the hill shrine have been developed so far and Maha Kumbha Samprokshana (consecration) was performed on March 28, 2022. A 2.7 KM road has been constructed around the hillock for the devotees to do giri pradakshina.

Yadagiri Gutta is located midway between Hyderabad and Warangal cities. Once the temple renovation works and the related expansion are fully completed by the YTDA (Yadagirigutta Temple Development Authority), a special development authority constituted by the Government of Telangana, it is expected that the Hyderabad-Warangal corridor will witness rapid development in the years to come.

How to reach Yadagiri Gutta Temple?

The temple is around 60 KMs from Hyderabad. Nearest major railway stations Bhongir and Aler are located around 14KMs from the temple. Nearest Airport is Hyderabad.

Reference:

1. https://yadagiriguttasrilakshminarasimhaswamy.org
2. http://ytda.in/