Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple - Nanganallur, Chennai

 Prominence of the Shrine: The special feature of this temple is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha seated on a five-headed serpent. During the Garuda Seva Mahotsavam held on 24/05/2009, six Perumals appeared together in a single Seva and blessed the devotees. They were Lakshmi Narasimhar of Nanganallur, Srinivasa Perumal of Keezhkattalai, Oppiliyappa Perumal of Ram Nagar, Madipakkam, Lakshmi Narasimhar of Adambakkam, Godhandaramar of Madipakkam, and Hayagreeva Perumal of Nanganallur.

It is believed that witnessing this Periya Thiruvadi Garuda Seva is possible only through great spiritual merit. The appearance of Perumal on Garuda is considered a highly auspicious and special event. There is also a belief that worshipping Perumal seated on Garuda can help devotees attain Mukthi, just as a piece of wood carried by a river eventually reaches the sea without difficulty.

Temple History: Sage Jamadagni, the father of Parasurama, had a deep desire to see and worship Lord Narasimha, who emerged from a pillar to protect Prahlada. He therefore performed a Yagna with the hope of receiving the Lord`s darshan.

From the flames of the Yagna, Lord Narasimha appeared in an Ugra Kolam, or an angry form. Sage Jamadagni was overjoyed to see the Lord but requested Him to assume a calm and peaceful form so that other devotees could also have His darshan without fear.

Accepting the devotee`s request, Lord Narasimha settled in the place along with Goddess Lakshmi. According to the temple`s traditional belief, since this is the place where Nangai, or Goddess Lakshmi, appeared, it came to be known as Nangai Nallur, which later evolved into the name Nanganallur.

Temple Timings:

Morning: 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Evening: 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Temple Festivals: Narasimha Jayanthi and Krishna Jayanthi.