Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Parikkal

Vaishnavite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Lakshmi Narasimha, sitting posture with Mahalakshmi in lap, facing east

Goddess

Kanagavalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Veera Anjaneya, Bhaktha Anjaneya, Garuda, Varadaraja Perumal, Vinayaka

Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Parikkal is an ancient temple which draws a large crowd of pilgrims from all over. This is one of the four Narasimha temples in this region which are believed to form a group. The others being Anthili (near Thirukovilur), Poovarasankuppam, (15kms North of Panruti) and Singiri (12kms South of Pondicherry). Narasimha is generally seen embracing Mahalakshmi seated on his lap. This is said to be the only temple where the Lord and Mother are seen embracing each other.

Holy water (Theertham) – Not known

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Magizham (Mimusops elengi)

History

The original temple of Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Parikkal was built by Vasantharaja using red bricks, lime and wood and it is believed to have been destroyed during the Mughal invasion. The present temple is said to have been built by Veera Narasimha of Karnataka using granites. Raja Raja Chozhan I is said to have constructed the temple tank and renovation of the temple has been done by Pallava and Nayak kings.

Inscriptions on the temple walls of Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Parikkal confirm the temple’s rich history. Some of them are:
Fish shaped inscriptions which has two interpretations – one, the Pandya kings, whose symbol was a ‘Fish’, may have contributed to this temple. The other is a story relating to Vasantharaja, who one night saw in his dreams, fishes near this place, an indication of impending victory in his battle against the Asura.
13th Century CE inscription of contribution by Pallava King Koperichingan.
14th Century CE inscription that describes the contribution of Thiru Bhuvanam Chakravarthy Konerinmei Kondaan.

Legend

Vasantharaja who ruled this place with his capital at Vriddachalam was constantly troubled by Parakalasura and undertook a penance here as directed by his Guru. Lord Narasimha is said to have appeared here in answer to his penance and killed the Asura. Having seen the destructive mood of an angry Narasimha, Vasantharaja invoked the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi to provide darshan with the Lord displaying his softer form. She is said to have sat on his lap, cooled him down and provided darshan to Vasantharaja, the Devas and the Rishis at Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Parikkal. Delighted at the darshan of Lord Narasimha in this form, Vasantharaja requested that this place be named after the Asura who provided the king with the opportunity to have a darshan of the Lord. Hence, this place was referred to as ‘Parikala’puram, which in course of time became ‘Parikkal’.

Directions

Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Parikkal is about 25 Kilometers from Villupuram towards Ulundurpet. The temple comes on a road to the right before the Thirunavalur road.

Stay and Food

Tea and snack shops available locally.

Vaishnavite Temples

Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal, Parikkal