Thirukkadigai / Sholingar : Gateways of Mukthi – Temples of India

Introduction

Thirukkadigai / Sholinghar is a temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha situated in Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in Divya Prabandha and is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Lord here is Lakshmi Narasimhar and his consort is Amithavalli. In total, there are three separate shrines for Lord Narasimha, Hanuman and Bhaktavatsala Perumal which are situated on the larger hill, smaller hill and at the base respectively.

Origins 

The place was originally called as Cholasimmapuram, which later became Sholinghar. Various scriptures refer to the place as Kadigachalam or Thirukadigai. Peyazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar have sung praises on Thirukkadigai. Peyazhwar refers the presiding deity as “Vaan Poonkadigai Ilankumaran“.  Here, Lord Narayana is in the famous form of Yoga Narasimha who gave mukthi to Prahalada. Sage Vishwamitra also got his Brahmarishi title at this place. Stone carvings reveal that Chola kings Kulothunga Chola III Mayuravarman and Seeyagangan made generous contributions to this temple.

Deities

The temple has twin hills, with the one of Yoga Narasimha called the Periya malai (750 feet) reachable by a flight of 1,305 steps. Lord Narasimha (consort: Amrithavalli Thayar) sits in a Yogic posture facing East wearing salagrama garland. In front of the Lord are Nammazhvar, Ramanujar and Senaimudalvar. The Saptharishis and Garuda are located next to him.  Once Lord Narasimha appeared before Saptharishis and blessed them within a period of one Kadigai (24 minutes) and hence the name Thirukkadigai. On Karthigai Sundays people pray to the Lord after taking bath in the Chakkra Theertham. By doing so, the Lord fulfills the wishes of the devotees.

Other Deities

Yoga Anjenayar Swamy temple is present in the second hill (350 ft). Lord Anjeneya who has the Yoga posture killed Asuras with the conch and discus provided by Lord Narasimha. Thus Lord Hanuman wields the conch and discus which is a very unique aspect of this temple. Also, there is a small window in front of Lord Narasimha’s Shrine at the Big Hill, through which the Lord gives darshan to Yoga Anjeneya.

The Ustavar (festival deity) Varadaraja, is present in the lower shrine of the big hill. The lower shrine has images of Bhaktavatchala Perumal and Sudavalli Thayar. There is a shrine for Lord Aadhikesava along with his consorts. Those who are not able to climb the hills offer prayers do this Lord. Also, there is a shrine for Lord Ranganatha known as Bala Ranganatha along with Sridevi and Boodevi. Alongside there is a shrine for Lord Rama along with idols of Lakshmana, Sita, Chakrathalvar and Navaneetha Krishnan. In the pillored hall midway to the top of the hill housing the idols of Swami Doddacharya and Lord Sudarshana. The temple pond is known as Brahma Theertham or Thakkan kulam. Devotees from several places have a sacred dip in the tank before climbing the Hills.

Significance

The temple is one of the 74 seats (Simhasanadhipatis) established by Ramanuja to spread Vishitadvaita. Doddacharya was a Vaishnava saint who followed the steps of Ramanuja in advocating Vishishadvaita. Swamy Doddacharya used to worship Lord Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchi on the third day of Brahmotchavam every year. Once he was not able to visit Kanchi for the event and prayed to the Lord sitting on the banks of Brahma Theertham of this temple. Pleased by his prayers, the Lord gave a vision of his Garuda Sevai to the Swamy. From then on Doddacharya Seva is performed at Kanchi temple on the third day of Brahmmotchavam at every year. Swamy Doddacharya’s descendants continue to perform the same service to devotees even today.

Various festivals are celebrated in the temple such as Chittirai Brahmotsavam (April – May), Karthigai Thiruvizha (Nov-Dec) and Narasimha Jayanthi during Vaikasi (May – June). The temple is frequented by people with mental illness, who are believed to get cured by the grace of the presiding deity.

Thirukkadigai Temple Facts

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Dhivyadesam No.	64
Dhivyadesam Name	Thirukkadigai
Main Deity	Yoga Narasimhar, Amritavalli Thayar
Location	Sholingar, Tamil Nadu (Thondai Nadu)
Architecture Style	Dravidian Style
Temple Age	1400 years (Minimum)
Azwars who did Mangalasasanam	Peyazhwar, Thirumangaiazhwar
Divyaprabandam reference	Peri. T. Mozhi : 1731, 1736 (Thirumangai) Munram. T. Vandhathi – 2342 (Peyazhwar) Siriya T. Madal  -2673 (Thirumangai)
Unique Specialties	Only Temple where Lord Hanuman wields Conch and Discus Sage Vishwamitra became a Brahmarishi here
Prayers made for	Relief from mental illness. General health.
Popular Events	Chittirai Brahmotsavam (April – May) Karthigai Thiruvizha (Nov – Dec) Narasimha Jayanthi during Vaikasi (May – June)