Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple

The Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, located in Sholingur, Vellore District, is a renowned pilgrimage destination. Traditionally, it is believed that worshipping the Lord at this temple can provide relief from various ailments. The temple is situated on a hill that rises about 750 feet and has 1,305 steps leading up to it. At the summit of this hill, you will find the temple dedicated to Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy, accompanied by the goddess Amruthavalli.

Timings

From morning 08.30 AM to evening 6.00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple in Sholingur has a rich historical background, believed to have been constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries by the Chozhas, when the area was known as Chozha Simhapuram. The temple's sanctum sanctorum is carved directly into a rock, and it does not follow traditional architectural elements such as upana or adhisthana. The projections of the natural rock are visible on all three sides of the sanctum, and the prakaram (outer courtyard) is relatively empty. The pillars in the temple are cylindrical, supported by simple Pallava or Chozha period style capitals, with some featuring lotus medallions.

Legends :

According to Puranas and literature, this temple is known as “Thirukkadigai,” meaning the Narasimha who grants darshan (divine vision) for 24 minutes. It is believed that staying in this sacred place for 24 minutes can lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death, hence the name Kadikachalam.

The temple is also associated with several revered figures. It is said that Sri Lakshmi, Brahma, Viswamitra, Budhan, and Valmiki worshipped Yoga Narasimha here. Viswamitra, after worshipping Sri Narasimha, is believed to have achieved the status of Brammarishi.

Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Yoga Narasimha at this temple can provide relief from psychological issues and other ailments.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate attire that covers the shoulders and knees to show respect for the sacred space.
Follow Rituals: Participate in or observe rituals as guided by temple authorities, including removing footwear before entering the temple premises.
Respect the Sanctity: Maintain silence and a respectful demeanour while inside the temple to honour its spiritual atmosphere.
Offer Prayers Humbly: Approach the deity with devotion and humility, following prescribed procedures for offerings and prayers.
Support Temple Projects: Contribute to or volunteer for temple conservation and community outreach projects to support its maintenance and welfare activities.
Clean Up After Yourself: Dispose of waste properly and ensure the area you visited is left clean, preserving the temple's cleanliness.
Ask for Guidance: Seek assistance from temple staff or volunteers if unsure about the temple’s customs or procedures.

Avoid Disruptive Behaviour: Refrain from talking loudly, using mobile phones, or engaging in activities that might disturb the peaceful environment.
Do Not Touch Sacred Objects: Respect the temple's deities and sacred items by not touching them unless specifically instructed to do so.
No Photography: Follow the temple’s rules regarding photography, as some areas might be restricted to protect the sanctity and privacy of worship.
No Eating or Drinking: Do not consume food or beverages within the temple premises, except in designated areas if allowed.
Do Not Enter Restricted Areas: Avoid going into areas marked as restricted or off-limits to the public, such as the sanctum sanctorum, unless authorized.
Avoid Bringing Pets: Pets are generally not allowed inside temple premises to maintain cleanliness and respect for the sacred space.
Do Not Engage in Commercial Activities: Refrain from selling goods or services within the temple premises without permission from the temple authorities.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire like dhoti or kurta-pyjama, or casual clothing that covers the arms and legs. Avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.

For Women: Opt for traditional attire such as saree or salwar kameez, or modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Avoid skirts or dresses above the knee and sleeveless tops

How to reach

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By Road:

From Chennai: The temple is approximately 108 km from Chennai.

From Vellore: Drive 30 km east on NH 48, then take local roads to Sholingur.

By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Vellore Railway Station. From there, take a taxi or bus to Sholingur.

By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sholingur. The distance from the airport is around 120 km.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Palar River: The Palar River flows near Sholingur, serving as an important water source for the region and adding to the temple's sacred geography.

Cities:

Arakkonam: A nearby town, located about 27 kilometres from Sholingur, Arakkonam serves as a major rail junction and is well-connected to Sholingur.
Kanchipuram: Known as a temple city, Kanchipuram is approximately 45 kilometres from Sholingur and is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in TamilNadu.
Vellore: Located about 40 kilometres away, Vellore is a significant city with historical and religious importance, home to the famous Vellore Fort and the Christian Medical College.
Chennai: The capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, is around 120 kilometres from Sholingur, making the temple accessible to devotees from a major urban centre.