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Sholinghur Temple: A Complete Guide
Sholinghur temple is a remarkable temples perched atop hills and it is two temple complex the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple and the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. In this blog post, we embark on a journey of divine exploration, delving into the rich history, architectural wonders, and spiritual significance that make Sholinghur a haven for seekers of tranquility.
1. Sholinghur temple History
Thirukkadigai, also known as Sholingapuram, is located in the village of Sholinghur in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu, South India. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style. It is celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a revered Tamil anthology composed by the Alvar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. As one of the 108 Divya Desams, the temple is devoted to Vishnu, worshipped here as Lakshmi Narasimhar, alongside his consort Lakshmi, revered as Thirumamagal. The temple complex includes three distinct shrines dedicated to Narasimha, Bhaktavatsala Perumal, and Hanuman (Anjaneya), located respectively on a larger hill, at its base, and on a smaller hill.
A granite wall encloses the temple complex, which includes all the shrines on the hilltop. The temple features a five-tiered rajagopuram at the summit, with the temple tank situated at the base, opposite the main entrance. The temple adheres to the Tenkalai tradition of worship and conducts six daily rituals, along with numerous annual festivals. The most significant of these festivals include the Karthikai festival in November-December, Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chittirai (March-April), and Narasimha Jayanti in Vaikasi (May-June). The temple is under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The area was originally known as Cholasimhapuram, later evolving into Sholinghar. Various ancient texts refer to the site as Kadigachalam or Thirukadigai, a place believed to bestow blessings upon devotees in just a kadigai (24 minutes) of worship. Peyalvar, one of the Alvar saints, refers to the presiding deity as “Vaan Poonkadigai Ilankumaran.” According to legend, the deity is also known as Bhakotchita Swami. The Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana identify this location as Kadigai, where Vishwamitra achieved the title of Brahmarishi, giving rise to the name Simhapuram. Numerous inscriptions found at the base and summit of the hill speak of generous contributions from rulers like Kulothunga Chola III, Mayuravarman, and Seeyagangan. It is believed that Manavala Mamunigal recited the Thirupavai here at the request of his disciple, Erumbiappa.
Historically, the town was under Shaivite control, as evidenced by the ruins of a temple near Parappan Kulam, situated in the valley between the two hills. This area, once the original Sholinghur, still contains unfinished Nandhis and Sthupas. The temple is also recognized as one of the prominent Narasimha temples, featuring a powerful image of Hanuman.
Sholingur was the site of a significant battle in July 1781 between the British and Hyder Ali, in which the British emerged victorious.
The temple continues to be maintained and managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
2. Arulmigu Yoga Narasimhar Temple
The Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, commonly referred to as the Big Hill Temple, is located in the village of Kondapalayam. On the way to the hills, you will find Sholinghur Brahmma Theertham, one of the 108 sacred theerthams believed to exist in Kadighachalam. Among these, Brahmma Theertham, also known as Thakkan Kulam (the temple tank), is the most significant. The tank measures 300 feet in length and 200 feet in width and has 25 steps leading down to the water. The Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple is situated along the banks of this tank, where the Float Festival and Theerthavari to Perumal are celebrated.
The Big Hill Temple itself spans an area of approximately one acre, measuring 200 feet in length and 150 feet in width. Perched at an elevation of 750 feet, the temple is accessible via 1,305 steps. Seven mandapams are located along the path from the base to the temple entrance. The temple features a north-facing Raja Gopuram (main tower) with five stories and seven kalasams. A large Bali Peetam and a flag mast can be seen on the northern side. The town temple, where the processional deity (Urchavar) is housed, does not have a separate flag mast. A four-pillared Dhuvatha Sarathana Mandapam is located in the outer corridor of the Perumal shrine. Devotees first offer prayers at the Amrithavalli Thayar shrine before proceeding to the Perumal shrine.
The shrine of Goddess Amrithavalli faces east. After praying to the goddess, devotees move northward to find two Thuvarabalagar statues guarding the Lord. Upon worshipping these guardians, they enter Lord Narasimhar’s shrine through a front hall where Garudalval stands before Perumal. A small window behind Garudalval offers a view of the Small Hill, where it is said that the eyes of Yoga Anjaneya are fixed on the feet of Yoga Narasimhar.
In addition, there is a small Unjal Swing Mandapam on the Big Hill. The shrine of Arumigu Yoga Narasimha Swamy features the Hemakodi Vimanam with a single kalasam. Similarly, a vimanam with one kalasam is present atop the shrine of Goddess Amirthavalli.
3. Sholinghur Temple timings
Big&SmallHill – Morning 8.am.5.30p.m
ThirumajanamAbhisekam: 9.am to 11.00am
Prathana Utsavam -: 4.00 P.M
4.Rope car
Traveling by rope car will bring joy to the devotees of Narasimha Swamy at the Sholinghur temple, as their dreams are now coming true. The famous Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple in Sholinghur, near Chennai, has recently introduced a rope car facility. Due to its proximity to Chennai, this “Rope Car Temple” has quickly gained popularity and gone viral.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M.K. Stalin, has inaugurated the rope car maintenance center at this renowned temple, which was constructed at a cost of ₹8.34 crores to enhance the convenience of devotees. He also opened other facilities such as a waiting room, restrooms, and a lift. Climbing the 1,305 steps of this hill temple is not easy, and many elderly devotees had to rely on just 70 dolis (palanquins). On February 24, 2024, the trial run of the rope car service was conducted, and it is now available for public use.
The fare for the rope car is just ₹100 per person. Upon reaching the base of the hill, you can purchase your ticket at the counter and wait in the waiting room until your token number is called. Once your token number is announced, you can board the rope car. Each car can accommodate only four people, so it’s important to book tickets accordingly. The cost of a round trip, going up and coming down, is ₹100 per person.
When you travel by rope car, you can enjoy the scenic beauty at an elevation of 750 feet. After reaching the temple, you’ll find a lift that will take you to the second floor, where you can have a heartfelt darshan of Yoga Narasimhar. Don’t forget to savor the prasadam like puliyodarai (tamarind rice), laddus, and murukkus offered there. Afterward, you can descend the hill from the same point where you started.
This unique experience makes for a great family outing, so don’t miss out
5. How to Reach Sholinghur
- By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA).
- By Train: Sholinghur has a well-connected railway station with trains from major cities. nearset railway stations are, sholinghur road railway station , walaja road railway station , Arakkonam junction
- By Road: Accessible by road, Sholinghur is connected by buses and taxis from nearby cities.
- Sholinghur Ropecar Service: ropecar service now available at sholinghur temple
6. Nearby attractions
While Sholinghur Temple itself is a captivating destination with its spiritual ambiance and historical significance, the surrounding areas offer additional attractions for those looking to explore more of the region. Here are some nearby attractions to consider:
- Vellore Fort: Located approximately 50 kilometers from Sholinghur, Vellore Fort is a 16th-century fort complex that houses a church, mosque, and temple. The Jalakandeswarar Temple within the fort is a notable attraction.
- Sripuram Golden Temple: Situated in Thirumalaikodi, about 50 kilometers from Sholinghur, the Sripuram Golden Temple is a spiritual and architectural marvel. The temple is adorned with gold leaf and features intricate designs.
- Yelagiri Hills: Yelagiri, around 100 kilometers from Sholinghur, is a serene hill station offering lush greenery and pleasant weather. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
- Vallimalai Subramanyar Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is located around 40 kilometers from Sholinghur. It’s situated atop a hill and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Kanchipuram: Known as the “City of Temples,” Kanchipuram is about 70 kilometers from Sholinghur. It is famous for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and rich cultural heritage.
- Arcot Nawab Wallajah Mosque: Located in Arcot, around 60 kilometers away, this mosque is an architectural marvel built during the Nawab Wallajah’s reign.
- Tiruttani Murugan Temple: Tiruttani, approximately 100 kilometers from Sholinghur, is home to the Tiruttani Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
- Jalagamparai Waterfalls: Situated near Yelagiri Hills, the Jalagamparai Waterfalls offer a refreshing natural setting. It’s an ideal spot for a day trip from Sholinghur
7. Contact Information
Phone – 04172-262225(Office), 04172-2622256(Cottage),
04172-200368(Big Temple), 04172-295999(Small Temple)
