Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple that is older than the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty combined? A temple that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the glory and the gore of wars, and the splendor and the sorrow of history? A temple that has been a source of inspiration, devotion, and salvation for millions of people for centuries? If you have, then you should definitely visit the Narsimha Swami temple in Khammam district of Telangana.
The Narsimha Swami temple is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in India, dedicated to Lord Narsimha, the half-man and half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on the top of a hill called Stambhadri, which is also known as the Khamba rock, because of its shape resembling a pillar. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old, and has been patronized by various dynasties, such as the Vijayanagara, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Qutb Shahis, and the Nizams.
In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive information on the temple and its attractions, and help you plan a visit to this divine destination. You will learn about the temple’s history, architecture, rituals, and attractions, as well as how to reach, when to visit, and what to do at the temple. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to suit your taste and interest at the Narsimha Swami temple.
Temple History
The Narsimha Swami temple has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a millennium. According to legend, the temple was built by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, after he performed a penance on the Stambhadri hill to please Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was pleased with Brahma’s devotion and appeared before him in the form of Narsimha, the half-man and half-lion avatar. Brahma then installed the idol of Narsimha on the hill and worshipped him.
Another legend says that the temple was built by Prahlada, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlada was tortured by his father for his faith, but was saved by Lord Vishnu, who emerged from a pillar and killed Hiranyakashipu in the form of Narsimha. Prahlada then constructed the temple on the same pillar, which is now the Khamba rock, and worshipped Narsimha.
The temple has also been associated with various historical and cultural events, such as the invasion of the Muslim rulers, the establishment of the Vijayanagara empire, the rise of the Kakatiya kingdom, the expansion of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, and the rule of the Nizams. The temple has been renovated and restored by different kings and patrons over the years, and has been a witness to the changing times and tides of history.
Temple Architecture
The Narsimha Swami temple is a marvel of architecture, blending the Dravidian, the Nagara, and the Persian styles of construction. The temple has a majestic gopuram or tower, which is the main entrance to the temple complex. The gopuram is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures of various gods and goddesses, as well as floral and geometric motifs. The gopuram also has a huge bell, which is rung during the temple ceremonies.
The temple complex consists of several structures, such as the mandapa or hall, the garbhagriha or sanctum, the prakara or enclosure, the shikhara or spire, and the vimana or dome. The mandapa is a spacious hall, where the devotees gather and perform various rituals. The garbhagriha is the innermost chamber, where the idol of Narsimha is installed. The prakara is the outer wall, which surrounds the garbhagriha and the mandapa. The shikhara is the pyramidal structure, which rises above the garbhagriha and the mandapa. The vimana is the hemispherical structure, which crowns the shikhara.
The temple is built with stone and lime mortar, and has a remarkable durability and stability. The temple also has a unique feature, which is the yogic posture of the deity. The idol of Narsimha is depicted in a sitting position, with his legs crossed and his hands resting on his knees. This is a rare and auspicious representation of the deity, as he is usually shown in a fierce and angry form, tearing apart Hiranyakashipu. The yogic posture signifies the calm and peaceful aspect of Narsimha, who grants boons and blessings to his devotees.
Temple Rituals
The Narsimha Swami temple is a hub of religious and spiritual activities, as it follows a strict and elaborate schedule of rituals and ceremonies. The temple opens at 4:30 am and closes at 9:30 pm, and performs various services throughout the day, such as puja, aarti, abhishekam, archana, and kalyanam. The devotees can participate in these services and offer their prayers and offerings to the deity.
One of the most important and unique rituals of the temple is the Vana Bhojanam, which is a picnic in the forest. The devotees carry the idol of Narsimha in a palanquin and take him to a nearby forest, where they prepare and serve food to the deity. The devotees also enjoy the food and the nature, and sing and dance in praise of the deity. This ritual is performed every Thursday, and is a symbol of the intimate and loving relationship between the deity and his devotees.
Another special feature of the temple is the Ratham or the chariot, which is a huge and magnificent vehicle, made of wood and metal. The chariot is used to carry the idol of Narsimha during the annual festival of Brahmotsavas, which is celebrated in the month of March. The chariot is pulled by thousands of devotees, who chant and cheer the name of the deity. The chariot procession is a grand and spectacular event, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from all over the country.
Temple Attractions
The Narsimha Swami temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of wonder and delight. The temple offers a variety of attractions and activities for the visitors, such as:
Other deities: The temple complex also houses the shrines of other deities, such as Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, who is the consort of Narsimha, Hanuman, who is the monkey god and the devotee of Lord Rama, Ganesha, who is the elephant god and the remover of obstacles, Saraswati, who is the goddess of learning and arts, Durga, who is the goddess of power and victory, and Shiva, who is the god of destruction and transformation. The devotees can visit these shrines and seek the blessings of these deities.
Temple museum: The temple also has a museum, which displays the artifacts and relics related to the temple and its history. The museum showcases the coins, inscriptions, sculptures, paintings, weapons, and utensils that belong to different periods and dynasties. The museum also has a library, which contains the scriptures, manuscripts, books, and journals that pertain to the temple and its culture. The museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and heritage, and is a must-visit for the history lovers.
Temple tank: The temple also has a tank, which is a large and deep water body, located near the temple complex. The tank is filled with fresh and clean water, and is considered to be sacred and auspicious. The devotees take a dip in the tank before entering the temple, as it is believed to cleanse their sins and purify their souls. The tank also has a beautiful and serene ambience, and is a perfect place to relax and meditate.
View point: The temple also has a view point, which is a platform that offers a panoramic and breathtaking view of the surroundings. The view point is situated on the edge of the hill, and overlooks the town of Khammam, the Munneru river, and the Telangana plains. The view point is a great spot to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, and to capture the scenic beauty of the landscape.
Nature walk: The temple also has a nature walk, which is a trail that leads to the forest and the hill. The nature walk is a fun and adventurous activity, as it allows the visitors to explore the flora and fauna of the region. The nature walk is also a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, as it exposes the visitors to the fresh air and the greenery of the environment.
How to Reach
The Narsimha Swami temple is easily accessible from different modes of transport, such as the air, the rail, and the road. The nearest airport to the temple is the Hyderabad airport, which is about 200 km away. The nearest railway station to the temple is the Khammam railway station**, which is about 2 km away. The nearest bus station to the temple is the Khammam bus station, which is about 1 km away. The temple can also be reached by private vehicles, such as cars, bikes, and taxis, as the temple is well-connected by road to the major cities and towns of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The distance and the time required to travel from the nearest airport, railway station, and bus station to the temple are as follows:
Mode of Transport Distance Time
Air (Hyderabad airport to Khammam railway station) 200 km 3 hours
Rail (Khammam railway station to temple) 2 km 10 minutes
Road (Khammam bus station to temple) 1 km 5 minutes
Timings and Entry Fee
The Narsimha Swami temple is open to the public from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm, every day of the week. The temple has different timings for different services and rituals, which are as follows:
Service/Ritual Timings
Puja 4:30 am to 5:30 am
Aarti 5:30 am to 6:00 am, 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm, 9:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Abhishekam 6:00 am to 7:00 am, 7:00 am to 8:00 am, 8:00 am to 9:00 am
Archana 9:00 am to 10:00 am, 10:00 am to 11:00 am, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Kalyanam 10:00 am to 11:00 am, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
The temple does not charge any entry fee for the visitors, but there are some fees for the services and rituals, which are as follows:
Service/Ritual Fee
Puja Free
Aarti Free
Abhishekam Rs. 100 per person
Archana Rs. 50 per person
Kalyanam Rs. 500 per couple
The best time to visit the temple is during the month of March, when the Brahmotsavas festival is celebrated. The festival is a 10-day long event, which showcases the cultural and religious diversity of Telangana. The festival features various activities, such as the chariot procession, the cultural programs, the fireworks, the food stalls, and the handicrafts exhibition. The festival attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the country, who come to witness the grandeur and the glory of the temple and the deity.
The Narsimha Swami temple is a divine destination in Telangana, that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to the visitors. The temple is a blend of history, architecture, culture, and spirituality, that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. The temple is a place where you can learn, explore, enjoy, and connect with the supreme power and yourself. If you are looking for a destination that can enrich your mind, body, and soul, then you should definitely visit the Narsimha Swami temple.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, plan your trip, share your feedback, and spread the word about the Narsimha Swami temple. You will not regret it.