Guru Narasimha Temple at Saligrama is one of the important pilgrim centers in
Udupi District.
Saligrama
is a small town located at a distance of 23 Km towards North from Udupi on
National Highway 17.
The
main attraction of Saligrama is temple of Lord Guru Narasimha. It is believed
that the idol of the deity is very old and it belongs to the 8th century AD and
it is carved out of Saligrama rock.
Sri
Guru Narasimha idol is very attractive; the idol is facing west and the right
hand holding chakra (disc) and the left hand holding shanka (conch) and
Prabhavali at the back.
According
to the “Sahyadri Khanda” of the Skanda Purana, the idol of Lord
Guru Narasimha at Saligrama has been installed by Narada Maharshi.
Legend:
Udupi
district has many important Holy places as well as Thirta Sarovaras. Narada
Muni visited the place between Sita river and Kumbha Kashi kshetra where many
Koota Muni Pungavas performing penance.
Narada
Maharshi visited these places and took holy dip in different theerta sarovaras and
worshipped at holy places. During this point in time an unexpected incident
happened at this place. Earth started shaking and a big thunder sound was
heard. As a result, all animals were scared and birds circled the sky. There
was a heavy wind and the scared sages came to Narada Maharshi seeking for the
protection. Suddenly they heard a Divya Vani (Divine message) that preached
about Lord Narasimha.
The
Divya Vani, a message from unknown source informed that an idol of Lord
Narasimha, holding Shanka and Chakra in both hands and seated in Yogananda
Posture that is worshiped by Brahma and Lord Shiva is located between Shanka
and Chakra thirta in middle of an Ashwatta (people) tree. The Diyva Vani
instructed Narada Maharshi to install this idol.
Narada
Maharshi accepted the instructions and searched for the idol of Guru Narasimha
found it between Shanka and Chakra thirta in middle of an Ashwatta (people)
tree.
This
place in the middle of Koota Kshetra, where Lord Narasimha resides in Saligrama
idol is called Saligrama. Devotees will acheive all their desires by
worshipping this Saligrama idol. Taking holy dip in Chakra Theertha rids one of
all diseases and fear of enemy. Holy dip in the Shanka Theerta clenses one from
all the sins. One who takes holy dip in both the theerthas and worships
Narasimha will attain prosperity.
According
to Skanda Purana Sahyadri Kanda, learned Brahmin families under the leadership
of Bhattacharya, came to present day Saligrama from Ahichatra on the banks of
Godavari river, on the request of King Lokaditya. King Lokaditya wanted to
reinstate learned Brahmins in his kindgom for the prosperity of the kingdom.
Maha Yagna’s like “Atiratra” were performed by these Brahmins on request of
King Lokadithya. Before starting these yagnas, “to avoid obstacles” these
learned, prayed to Lord Ganapathi and obtained blessings.
Bhattacharya
was delighted to see elephants and lions living together, a situation which he
had already experienced during his meditation and named this place “Nirvairya Sthala” meaning “Enemy less
abode”. This is signified by the symbolic representation of elephant in the
form of Lord Ganapathi and Lion in the form of Lord Narasimha, even till this
date in the Saligrama temple.
The
idol is facing west and has chakra in right hand and conch shell in the left
hand.
King Lokaditya allocated 14 villages to Brahmins who accompanied Bhattacharya
and requested them to stay there and perform yagas and yajnas.
While returning back to Ahichatra, Bhattacharya instructed his disciples
staying back, to worship Lord Narasimha as both Guru and Lord.
Importance
of Theerthas:
Taking
holy dip in Chakra Theertha rids one
of all diseases and fear of enemy. Holy dip in Shanka Theerta purifies one from all kinds of sins. One who takes
holy dip in both Shanka and Chakra Theertha and worship Guru
Narasimha will attain prosperity.
Other
Dieties at Saligrama:
Sri
Anjaneya Swamy: Facing the Narasimha idol is the
idol of Anjaneya. It was installed in the recently renovated granite
stonewalled temple.
Sri
Maha Ganapathi: At the northern side powli (North
West) is installed Ganapathi idol which is worshipped every day.
Goddess Durga Parameshwari: At the Southern side powli (South West) is installed Durga Parameshwari idol which is worshipped every day.