Yadagiri Gutta Narasimha Temple, Telangana

Yadagiri Gutta Narasimha Temple

Yadagiri Gutta (giri = mountain and gutta=hillock) is situated in the Nalgonda district of Telegana. The Narasimha temple here is very famous and sees a huge flow of devotees (especially over the weekend and holidays).

Main Deities – The main deity here is Narasimha Swamy. Narasimha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in half man and half lion form. The lord here is also referred to as Lakshminarasimha Swamy.

Temple Specialties – This temple has been mentioned in the Skanda Purana (one of the 18 puranas or traditional scriptures).
According to the history of this temple, the lord appeared in the dreams of a devout saint who was named Yadarishi. In this dream, the incarnataion of Lord Vishnu was manifested as his five different forms – Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. These five majestic avatars are also collectively called as – Panch Narsimha. Legend also states that Yadarishi was not satisfied with the Lord appearing alone. Pleased by his devotion, the lord appeared with his consort Mahalakshmi and thus the name Lashminarasimha.

Temple Architecture –

A giant hanuman statue adorns the entrance to the temple. Here, hanuman is called “khsetra palaka” or ruler of the hill.
The Sanctum Santorum (garbhagriha) is located inside a cave under a huge rock.  Most part of the temple is a cave. Right on top of this is the sudarshan chakra (wheel of the Lord).
The entrance to the cave makes a slope, hence visitors have to lower their head and involuntarily bow to the lord upon entering.
The walls of the cave have different paintings of the various manifestations of Lord Narasimha.
Festivals and Prayers –

This temple is very famous among sages and is also known as Rishi Aradhana kshetra.
Every year Bramhotsav is celebrated at the temple.
Lord Narasimha birthday is celebrated yearly on 28th of April.
Similar to tirupathi, devotees would tonsure their heads and offer their hair to the lord at this temple too. According to common beliefs the Lord can cure diseases and also influences of evil, black magic and planetary problems. Narasimha here is also called as – Vaidya (doctor) Narasimha.

Contact Information –

Phone: 08685 – 236623
Temple Timings: 4:00 am to 9:30 pm
Directions: Yadagirigutta is about 60 km from Hyderabad, AP and is well connected by road and railways. Buses are available from Hyderabad and Secunderabad and other cities in the state. The nearest railway station is Raigiri (6 km) after which travelers can take auto rickshaw to the destination