In Maddur town, Mandya
district of Karnataka, lies the awe-inspiring Sree Ugra Narasimha Swamy
Temple, a sacred site dedicated to one of the most ferocious forms of Lord
Narasimha. Known for its rare idol with eight hands and three eyes, this
temple is revered as a Divya Narasimha Kshetra, blending myth, devotion,
and architectural heritage.
The Ferocious Form of
Narasimha
The deity here is among
the most fearsome depictions of Lord Narasimha:
- With two hands, he tears apart
Hiranyakashipu.
- With two more, he holds
Hiranyakashipu’s intestines, appearing like a garland.
- The remaining four hands carry
divine weapons – Sudarshana Chakra, Panchajanya Shankha, Pasha, and
Ankusha.
- His third eye manifested
during the slaying of Hiranyakashipu.
To his right stands Prahlada,
the child devotee, and to his left, Garuda, humbly praying to the Lord.
Legends and Beliefs
- Tradition says Arjuna once asked
Krishna to reveal Narasimha’s ferocious form. Krishna replied it was
too terrifying to show. Later, Lord Brahma consecrated a murthy of
this form at Maddur.
- Devotees believe worshipping here
removes fear, evil influences, and obstacles.
- The temple is considered a powerful
kshetra for protection, especially for those facing difficulties.
- Hanuman’s placement to the left of
Lord Rama in the shrine is rare and considered highly auspicious.
Temple Architecture
- The temple faces east with a five-tier
Rajagopuram.
- A Garuda Gamba and Dwajasthambam
mark the entrance.
- The sanctum includes the garbhagriha,
antarala, navrang/ardha mandapa, and maha mandapa.
- Hoysala-era soapstone structures
remain in the sanctum, while later renovations added granite and mortar.
- The outer prakara wall
resembles a fort, housing storerooms, kitchens, and vahana sheds.
- Vimana in Nagara style
with vesara giriva crowns the sanctum.
- Reliefs on the prakara walls depict
Vishnu’s avatars, including Narasimha emerging from a pillar to protect
Prahlada.
Rituals and Daily Worship
- Morning Pooja:
Suprabhatam, Abhishekam, Alankaram.
- Evening Seva:
Deeparadhana and Harati.
- Special Offerings:
Coconuts, flowers, and prasadam are offered to seek Lord Narasimha’s
blessings.
- Worship is performed with great care,
as the idol embodies Narasimha’s most ferocious energy.
Festivals Celebrated
- Narasimha Jayanti:
The most important festival, marked by grand Abhishekams, alankarams, and
processions.
- Vaikunta Ekadashi:
Devotees believe darshan on this day grants liberation.
- Brahmotsavam:
Annual festival with vahana processions, music, and cultural programs.
- Deepavali & Ugadi:
Celebrated with special poojas and lighting of lamps.
Other Deities
Apart from Ugra
Narasimha, the temple also houses shrines for:
- Sri Srinivasa
- Yashoda with Krishna
- Consorts of Narasimha – Sowmya Nayaki
and Narasimha Nayaki
- Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and
Hanuman
Getting Here
- By Road:
Maddur lies on the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway (NH 275), about 80 km from
Bengaluru and 20 km from Mandya.
- By Rail:
Maddur railway station is on the Bengaluru–Mysuru line.
- By Air:
The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru,
about 120 km away.
Tips for Devotees and
Visitors
- Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings or evenings for peaceful darshan. Narasimha Jayanti is the
most vibrant.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire is recommended.
- Photography:
Restricted inside the sanctum; allowed in outer prakara.
- Prasadam:
Don’t miss the temple prasadam, often served in the evenings.
- Nearby Attractions:
Maddur Vada (local delicacy), Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (near
Srirangapatna), and Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple at Melkote.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
7:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Evening: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm