Yadagirigutta was also known as Yadadri, is a popular Hindu temple situated on a hillock in Yadagirigutta of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of the Indian state of Telangana. The temple is an abode of Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Shrine’s History
Yadagiri is named after a sage named Yadava who performed heavy austerities to Lord Vishnu as Narasimha.Being pleased with him the lord gave him darshan in three forms: Jwala Narasimha, Gandabheranda Narasimha and Yogananda Narasimha.Sage Yadava begged for the lord to remain on the hill in these forms.Thus, you have the Lakshmi-Narasimhadeva temple on the hilltop with deities of Lord in all three forms embedded in stone in the main cave.Actually, it is a cave about 12 feet high by 30 feet long, located I the back of the temple hall, by the rear pillar.You take a stairway down into the chamber and then toward the back.
Jwala Narasimha is in the shape of a serpent, while Yogananda Narasimha appears sitting in meditation in yoga pose. You will also see silver deities of Lakshmi-Narasimha, which are quite striking in appearance and lends presence of seeing them. To the right of the temple main door is a Hanuman temple. You’ll see a long horizontal gap in the rock just below Hanuman. This is said to be where Gandabheranda Narasimha manifested. This is a very popular temple.It is said that any wish of sincere devotee visiting this temple will be fulfilled.The sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha is located in a cave, under a huge slating rock, which covers half the abode.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars.Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before him in five different forms as Sri JwalaNarasimha, Sri Yogananda, SriGandabherunda, Sri Ugra and Sri Lakshminarasimha. All these five forms are presently worshipped within the temple. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshipped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. There are Purana and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among the devotees. There is the mention of the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 Puranas.
Glowing bright atop the sikharam of garbha griha of this cave temple is the golden Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu , the adornment as well as the weapon is a symbol this temple is identified by from as far away as 6 km. It is said that many years ago the chakra moved in the direction from which the devotees came as if like a compass guiding them towards the temple.The Chakra Considered to posses mystic power and value, at times turns on its own no human hand is capable of turning it. Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with Yada’s penance, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha.
This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri hillock and is located about 5 km from the present temple. There the sage worshipped the Lord for many years. After Yadarishi attained moksha, a number of tribals, hearing of the Lord’s presence, came to worship Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their Lord, to no avail. After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars. The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Yadagirigutta is about 60 km from Hyderabad and is well connected by Road
By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Raigiri for passenger trains.The nearest railway station is Secunderabad.
By Air
The nearest airport is Shamshabad Hyderabad.
Shrine Timings
4 AM to9:45 PM