Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Yadagirigutta  

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Yadagirigutta: A Divine Hill of Grace

Perched gracefully atop a peaceful hill in Telangana’s Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district stands the sacred abode of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, widely revered as Yadagirigutta. Located approximately 60 kilometers from Hyderabad, this divine destination attracts thousands of pilgrims daily, drawn by faith, healing, and the majestic presence of Lord Narasimha.

The Legend of Sage Yadarishi

In the sacred era of Treta Yuga, a devout sage named Yadarishi, son of the venerable Rishyasrunga Maharshi and Santa Devi, undertook intense penance within a cave on this very hill. With the blessings of Lord Hanuman, he immersed himself in spiritual practice. Moved by his devotion, Lord Narasimha, a fierce and protective form of Lord Vishnu, appeared before him in five magnificent forms:

• Sri Jwala Narasimha
• Sri Yogananda Narasimha
• Sri Gandabherunda Narasimha
• Sri Ugra Narasimha
• Sri Lakshmi Narasimha

These five divine manifestations, known collectively as Pancha Narasimha, were later enshrined and worshipped in sculpted form. The temple today reveres all five forms in one sacred complex, known as the Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.

Divine Appearance and Miracles

Another legend tells that Lord Vishnu, pleased with Yadarishi’s spiritual intensity, instructed Hanuman to guide the sage to a sacred spot. There, the Lord revealed Himself again as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, blessing the sage with darshan for many years. The sacred location, where the Lord is believed to have first given darshan, lies around five kilometers away from the existing shrine, near the base of the Yadagiri hills.

After the sage attained moksha, local tribal communities, inspired by stories of the Lord’s presence, began to worship there. Yet, without knowledge of formal rituals, their devotion turned into irregular and improper worship practices. As a result, the Lord withdrew deeper into the hills. It was only after years of searching that the Lord appeared in a tribal woman’s dream, guiding her to a hidden cavern. There, He revealed Himself once more in His five sacred forms, rekindling devotion and formal worship.

Mystical Chakra and the Sanctum

A distinctive feature of this sacred shrine is the golden Sudarshana Chakra, placed atop the Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum). Measuring nearly 3 feet in width and height, this divine symbol of Lord Vishnu can be seen from several kilometers away. Legends tell that the Chakra once rotated toward approaching devotees, as if showing them the path to the temple. Even today, it is believed to possess divine energy and occasionally moves on its own — a phenomenon beyond human explanation.

Traditional Worship and Scriptures

The temple follows the Pancharatra Agama for all rituals and ceremonies. Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu, who served as the chief priest (Sthanacharya), structured the daily pujas and composed devotional hymns like the Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Stotram, and Mangalashasanam, which are still chanted in reverence.

Yadagirigutta: A Healing Hill

At this shrine, devotees revere Lord Narasimha not only as a protector but also as a healer, fondly referred to as Vaidya Narasimha Swamy. Countless devotees testify that the Lord appeared in their dreams, offered medicines, performed spiritual surgeries, or imparted mantra upadesha (sacred chants). Those suffering from chronic ailments, mental distress, or planetary afflictions often undertake a 40-day mandala pradakshina, seeking divine intervention and healing.

Historical Mentions and Royal Visits

Inscriptions at Kolanupaka Jagaddevuni Narayana Swamy Temple refer to a king named Tribhuvana Malludu, who in 1148 CE, after winning a major battle in Telangana, constructed a fort on the Ekashila hill at Bhongir. As an act of gratitude, he visited the Yadagirigutta temple multiple times.

In the 15th century, Sri Krishnadevaraya, the great emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, recorded in his autobiography that he visited the temple before going to war. He credited the blessings of Lord Narasimha for his victory and later for being blessed with a son.

Divine Atmosphere and Pilgrim Flow

Yadagirigutta enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, adding to the spiritual serenity that envelops the hill. Due to its close proximity to Hyderabad and excellent connectivity, the temple sees a steady stream of 5,000 to 8,000 devotees every day. The number surges on weekends, public holidays, and during special occasions like Brahmotsavam, Saswata Kalyanam, Laksha Tulasi Archana, and Abhishekams.

Temple Darshanam Timings

Morning
3-30 am Temple Opens
3-30 am to 4-00 am Suprabhatam
4-00 am to 4-30 am Thiruvaradhana
4-30 am to 5-15 am Bala Bogam
5-15 am to 6-15 am Nijabhishekam
6-15 am to 7-00 am Archana
7-00 am to 9-00 am Darshanam (All)
7-15 am to 9-00 am Suvarna Pushparchana
7-15 am to 9-30 am Sudharshana Narasimha Homam
9-45 am to 11-30 am Nitya Kalyanotsavam
9-00 am to 10-00 am VIP Break Darshanam
9-00 am to 11-00 am Anjaneya Swamy Aaku Pooja (Every Tuesday)
10-00 am to 12-00 pm Darshanamas (All)
12-00 pm to 1-00 pm Maharaja Bhogam
1-00 pm to 4-00 pm Darshanams

Evening
4-00 pm to 5-00 pm VIP Break Darshanam
5-00 pm to 6-00 pm Andalamma Unjal Seva (Every Friday)
5-00 pm to 7-00 pm Darshnamas (All)
5-30 pm to 6-30 pm Vendi Mokku Jodu Sevalu
6-45 pm to 7-00 pm Darbar Seva
7-00 pm to 7-30 pm Thiruvardhana
7-30 pm to 8-15 pm Archana
8-15 pm to 9-00 pm Darshnamas (All)
9-00 pm to 9-45 pm Aragimpu
9-45 pm Temple close