Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri – Also called as Teertharajamu
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple on the southern banks of the River Godavari is one of the most famous religious shrines in the Karimnagar district. This ancient Telangana temple is located in Dharmapuri town which is one of the nine Narasimha Khetrams. Also owing to the presence of a large number of temples in the area, Dharmapuri is known as “Dakshin Kasi” or the Benaras of the South. Dharmapuri is also called as ‘Teertharajamu’. Dharmapuri Village was ruled by the Kind Dharma Varma and thus the name of the village. It is beleived that the Temple existed before 850-928 BC.
This ancient Telangana temple has two versions owing to the ravages it has witnessed. The older one is known as the Pata Narasimha Swamy Temple and the newer one is called the Kottha Narasimha Swamy temple. The Subedar of Hyderabad, Rustumdil Khan, with the support of Aurangzeb the then Sultan of Delhi converted the temple to a Mosque. However in 1448 the temple was once again reconstructed and this came to be known as the Pata Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
This ancient Karimnagar temple shows Lord Narasimha seated in Padmasana – the typical yogic posture with his palms bending on his knees. He is flanked by his consort Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that this form of Lord Narasimha is a rare one. Hence the importance of this ancient temple of Karimnagar increases manifold in the eyes of its devotees.
The Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple of Dharmapuri is scattered with sculptures of gods and goddesses. Notable among these are the eight idols of Hanuman and the 6 feet tall idol of Lord Brahma. The other idols worth mentioning are the idol of Lord Yama and the idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama.
Temples in Telangana abound in legends. The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is no exception. The area within and around the temple is dotted with legends and interesting anecdotes. One such legend is about the stream Bhadra which was in its previous birth a woman who in order to fulfill her desire to be with Lord Vishnu was reborn as the stream. The Bhadra stream which joins the Godavari actually does fulfill her desire by flowing with the Godavari beside the temple.
The temple organizes the Brahmotsavam Jathara with great pomp and gaiety. During the celebrations, the procession idol or the Utsav Vigraha of the presiding deity is adorned and taken out in a procession. This is a time when huge crowds throng the temple and participate in the celebrations.
Temples and religious places form an important part of Telangana Tourism. The presence of these helps us develop awareness on religion and the philosophy it propagates ensures we stay rooted in our history and culture.
Specialty of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri:
– This Temple is one of the nine Narasimha Khetrams of India.
– The place is famous for the 6 feet tall idol of Lord Brahma. The idol has four faces and is an awe inspiring vision.
Special Attractions of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri :
– The unique idols present within the temple premises are largely responsible for attracting huge crowds.
– Eight idols of Lord Hanuman
– 6 feet tall Idol of Lord Brahma
– Idol of Lord Yama
– Idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri Timings: The temple remains open on all days from 5 am to 2pm and then again from 4 pm to 8 pm. The temple remains closed from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Entry Fee for Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri: The temple does not charge devotees of any entry fee. However, there is a cost for any special prayer or Seva that the devotee wishes to perform. Also the temple runs the Annadanam scheme and the Shashwatha Nidhi Schemes which allow devotees to participate by contributing a certain amount. The amount to be contributed depends on the type of scheme selected.
Distance to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri:
– Distance from Hyderabad to Dharmapuri (via Siddipet and Jagtial) is 224 Kms
– Distance from Warangal to Dharmapuri is 160 Kms
– Distance from Karimnagar to Dharmapuri is approx 68 kms
How to reach Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri:
– Visitors can reach the temple by bus that ply from major cities namely, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Jagtial, Vemulawada, Mancherial, Nagapur, Bombay, Bhivandi and Nanded.
– In addition to this, by train one can get down at Macherial Railway Station. From Mancherial, Dharmapuri is 45 kms far. There are plenty of buses ply from Mancherial to Dharmapuri.
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Mancherial which is 40 kms away from Dharmapuri.
Where to stay: There are several guest houses available in the near vicinity of the temple to accommodate visitors. These include:
– The state tourism run guest house
– Soma Vihar
– The Kasuganti Narayana Rao Dharmashala located near the bus stand
– The TTD Guest House near the Godavari River
– The Srinivas Guest House located close to the temple complex
– The Sri Vasavi Nitya Annadana Satram.
Nearby by Tourist Attractions of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Dharmapuri:
– Lord Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Gundem
– Lord Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Kondagaattu
– Lord Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple, Vemulawada
– Lord Saraswathi Devi Temple, Basara
Useful Contact Numbers:
– Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Dharmapuri Devasthanam office – 08724-273227
– Karimnagar District Tourism Officers – 09440816070
– State Tourism Department: 040-23450444