Sholingur
ThirukKadigai (Sholingur)- Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple
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| Yoga Narasimhar-(file picture) |
Thirukkadigai (Sholingur) is one of the 108 divya desam temples situated near Arakonam, a suburb of Chennai.
It is believed that Moksha is certain for those who stays for just 1 kadigai (24 minutes) at this place. Saptarishis desirous of having darshan of Narisimha performed tapas here and were rewarded moksha within one kadigai (24 minutes). Hence this Kshetra is called Kadikachalam and Tirukadigai. Vishwamitra obtained the title of Brahmarishi when he worshipped Lord Nrisimha here for a kadigai. On the hillock nearby is the Sannidhi of Karudaruda Varadaraja. People come here for warding off evil spirits similar to Gunaseelam near Trichy.
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| View of the holy hill |
The Moolavar here is Sri Azhagiya Singar in Yoga Position facing East. He is also known as Narasimhar and Muguntha Naayagan. Thayar of this sthalam is Amirthavalli thayar or Vellukkai Valli. Prathyaksham for Brighu Munivar.
The temple is revered by the verses of Tirumangai azhwar and Peiazhwar
There are three temples you should visit to complete the pilgrimage.
1.Perumal temple in the foot hill
Moolavar - no moolavar (main deity)
Uthsavar - Bakthavatsala Perumal
2.Kadikaachalam ( Periya Malai)
you have to ascend around 2000 steps to reach the temple situated at approximately 500 - 750 feet high. Weekends are generally crowded. Beware of monkeys on your way to hill top and they have been known to snatch your mobile phones too.
A rope car has been introduced now. This rope car will help ferry devotees to the top of the 750 feet hillock. The service will be a boon for the elderly.
Moolavar : Yoga Narasimhar.
East facing. Veetru iruntha thiruk kolam. Perumal in sitting posture
Thaayaar : Amirtha Valli
Theertham : Amirtha Theertham, Thakkaan Kulam, paandava theerththam
Prathyaksham : Saptha Rishis, Vishvaamitrar, Siriya thiruvadi
3. Small hill temple (Siriya Thirumalai) :200 to 250 feet high.
Deity : Yoga Aancchneyar with has four hands with Sangu (conch), Chakkram in his hands.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 5:00 AM till 12:00 nnon and from 4:00 pm till 9:00 pm.
Weekends are generally crowded
How to reach? This place is situated near Arakonam in Chennai-Bangalore Rail line. Easiest way is to take an express or a local train from Chennai central to Arakonam junction and take a Bus / auto from there.Bus facility is not frequent , but you can hire an auto for Rs 100 plus.Sholingar Railway station is 9 miles (14 kms) from the temple,which is far away from the temple.Not advisable to alight at Sholingur station to reach the temple.You can take a direct bus from Chennai to Thirutani ( Lord Subramanya temple - one of the Arupadai veedu) and from there you get plenty of buses to Sholingur.Take an auto from Sholingur bus stand to go to Kondapalayam where both Narasimhar and Hanuman temple are situated.
Where to Stay? There are not any hotels in Sholingur.There is a big marriage hall for organized group tours, and several eateries known as 'mess' are there.
Other interesting places around Sholingar Thiruvallur one of the 108 divya desams ,Thirutani, and Thiruvalangadu.
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Vellore
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: English,Tamil, Telugu
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude:Sea level, main temple 500 feet
