Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli – One of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetras
The Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli is one of the most spectacular examples of ancient Telangana temples. It houses Yoga Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu as its presiding deity. The deity wears a silver body armor or Kavacham and has a moustache. As Vishnu is shown here as Narasimha the half man half animal incarnation, the face of the deity is that of a fierce Lion. It is believed that the temple history is dated back to 13th century.
It is located in Mattapalli or Mattapalli village in the Nalgonda district and is 25 km from the Huzurnagar Taluk. It is regarded as one of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetras. The temple houses the triple deities of Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, Sri Rajyalakshmi Thaayar and Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thaayar.
Several Telangana temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy are housed within caves. Similarly the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is also located within a cave. The west facing Sanctum Sanctorum is accessed by a narrow passageway. The main hall housing the deity known as the mukha mantapam is huge measuring 24 feet x 45 feet. The hall comprises 21 pillars holding up a cement roof. A similar hall, though smaller is also present above the north door comprising 5 pillars.
The temple houses some of the finest specimens of rock sculpture. One such beautiful piece of art is found crowning the main door of the sanctum sanctorum displaying the motif of Gaja Lakshmi. It shows two elephants with their trunks raised up facing each other. Another one is found above the Garba Griha shows Lord Narasimha seated in the yogic posture of Padmasana. He is shown holding the Chakra in his upper right hand and Sankha in his upper left hand. His lower left hand is shown resting on his left knee. His lower right hand however is not visible. Yet another rock structure resembles the Divine serpent of Sesha. It appears as if the Serpent is spreading its hood over the Lord’s rock sculpture. This sculpture is about 1 foot in height.
The stone image of Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, is placed to the left of the rock sculpture. The Goddess is shown in a sitting posture on a lotus with Makuta the crown on her head and her upper hands holding lotus. Her lower hands are shown in the Abhaya and the Suchi posture. Beneath this is another image of Rajya Lakshmi that is installed in order to enable devotees offer their prayers to the goddess as the original idol of Goddess Lakhshmi is not made available to them.
A peculiarity of the Yoga Narsimha Swamy temple which distinguishes it from the other Telangana temples is the absence of a pradakshinapath around the Sanctum sanctorum. Therefore in order to complete this ritual devotees circle the sacred pillars or the Dhwajasthambha. Alternatively, they can also circle around the stone image of Hanuman which faces the main deity.
The Yoga Narasimha Swamy is located on the banks of the River Krishna. The temple premises provide steps which lead devotees to the River Krishna. The temple also houses the Ramanuja Kutam or the kitchen where the Naivedya is prepared.
The Narasaimha Swamy Temple is another beautiful structure of the Telangana temple architecture. It bears rock sculptures of gods and goddesses which are revered and worshipped by many ardent devotees. The temple premises receive huge crowds in the months of January and May during the time of Vykunta Ekadasi and Kalyana Mahotsva. Both these festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.
Special Attractions of Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli:
– The rock sculptures within the temple helps to attract tourists to this ancient Telangana temple.
– The beautiful temple sculpture is a unique attraction for tourists.
Special Events at Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli:
– Every year ‘Vykunta Ekadasi’ in the month on January.
– Kalyana Mahotsvam during the month of May every year.
– Narasimha Jayanthi
– Brahmotsavam
– Mukkoti Ekadasi
Nearby by Tourist Attractions of Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli:
– Ramalayam Temple, Huzurnagar
– Mutyalamma, Huzurnagar
Narasimha Swamy Mattapalli Temple Timings: The temple remains open from 5.00 am to 12.30 pm. It opens again from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Distance to Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli:
– 25km from Huzurnagar
– 175km from Hyderabad
– 185 kms from Warangal
– 60 kms from Miryalaguda
How to reach Narasimha Swamy Temple Mattapalli:
– Huzurnagar, which is 25 km from Mattapalli, can be reached by Bus, car, private taxis or even trains from Kodada and Miryalaguda.
– A state run bus also operates from Nalgonda. Several private vehicles are available from Huzurnagar to reach Mattapalli.
– There are many buses which ply to Huzurnagar from all the major cities of Telangana. From Huzurnagar, there are plenty of buses to Mattapalli.
Where to stay:
– The Hotel Vasundhara Biryani in Huzurnagar provides good and comfortable accommodation for tourists visiting Mattapalli.
– Hotel Karunamaya in Mattapalli is another good option for tourists.
– The Sai Durga Mess in Kodad is another budget option for tourists.
– Brahman Sathrams and Arya Vysya Sathrams are also available at Mattapalli
Nearest Railway Station: Mellacheruvu Railway Station is the railway station closest to Mattapalli.