Arulmigu Yoga Narasimhar Temple, Madurai

Deity

Yoga Narasimhar

Style

Pandya rock-cut (kudaivarai)

Main festival

Gajendra Moksha, Masi full moon

Nearest railway station

Madurai Junction

Nearest airport

Madurai

Distance from Thirumohur

About 4 km

History and legend

The temple is a kudaivarai, or rock-cut, shrine carved during Pandya rule. The site is also called Gaja Giri Kshetram, recalling the legend in which Vishnu rescued an elephant from a crocodile.

Another story says Shiva, burdened with sin after removing one of Brahma's five heads, came here and was freed of it after bathing in the Chakra Theertham tank.

What to see

As you enter you pass a lotus pond where devotees wash their feet. The main deity, Yoga Narasimhar, has the lion face of the avatar, with Goddess Lakshmi represented on his chest. Worshippers commonly offer lemons and sandal paste. The processional idol, or utsavar, is unusual in standing and holding a weapon. Tulsi and ghee lamps are also offered.

• Pandya-period rock-cut sanctum
• Lotus pond at the entrance
• Chakra Theertham
• Standing utsavar

Festivals

Gajendra Moksha is the biggest event, held on the full moon of the Tamil month of Masi (February–March). On Masi Pournami, Kalamegha Perumal of the nearby Thirumohur Divya Desam is brought here in procession. Turmeric abhishekam ceremonies are held for Swathi Thirumanjanam and on Pradosham days.

How to reach

The temple is on the Melur side of Madurai, about 4 km from Thirumohur. Plenty of buses run from Mattuthavani bus stand, and shared autos also go this way. Madurai Junction is the nearest railway station and Madurai International Airport the nearest airport.

Tips for your visit

Wear traditional clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Go early in the morning, when the rock is cool and the light on the tank is soft. Combine the visit with Thirumohur and Azhagar Kovil; we can arrange a Madurai temple day by car.

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