Thirukkadigai

Thirukkadigai is a Hindu place of pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. As one of the 108 Divya Desams, places of worship sung about by the early-medieval Alvars in their "Mangalasasanam" (praise-songs), it is a holy site of particular importance to Vaishnavism.

There are three separate shrines, one dedicated to Lord Narsimha on top of the hill, one to Lord Bhaktavatsala Perumal on the base of the hill, and one to Lord Anjaneya on a separate hill.

The temple

The temple on top of the hill is reached by a staircase of about 3200 steps. Lord Narasimha sits in a Yoga posture and is called 'Yoga NarasimhaSwamy'. There is a separate shrine for Amrithaalli Thayaar. Lord Bhaktavatsala Perumal resides in the base of the hill and Thayaar has a separate shrine. Lord Anjaneya is present in a separate small hill around 100 steps. Lord Anjaneya has four hands and holds Conch and Chakra. There is also a shrine for Varadaraja Perumala mounted on Garuda near the temple tank. There are several Theerthams around the hill.

Legend

It is believed that Sage Vishwamitra got his Brahmarishi title on worshipping Lord Narasimha here for 'one kadigai' around 24 minutes. After Lord Rama left the world Lord Anjaneya started doing Tapas here facing Lord Narasimha.It is also believed that even today Lord Indra with his devas would come, take bath in the pushkarni and pray to Lord Narasimha. The temple tank has medicated water which cures all diseases.Lord Budha worshipped here and was cured from the curse given by Durvasa muni.
Saptarishi and Sage Valmiki got the vision of Lord Narasimha who appeared here.

Thirukadigai Mahatyam

One's sins are washed when a person spends here for 'one kadigai' 24 minutes at Sholingapuram worshipping the three Lords. Many diseases have be cured by taking bath in the pushkarni and worshipping the Lord. It is also said that person who wanted to build a house need to pile up small pebbles(like small hill) in the Anjaneya mountain while climbing would grace the pilgrim with a new house. Evil Spirits will be warded off when they visit Sholingapuram.

Prasadam

Puliyodharai(Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyonam(Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam, Murukku are offered to Lord as Prasadam.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

Tamil month of Karthigai is a festival season at Sholigapuram. Other festival seasons are Chitrai Brahmotsavam and Avani Pavithrothsavam, Margazhi Padi Utsavam, Navaratri, Thai Giri Valam (pradakshinam of the hill) ,

Composers

Thirumangai Alvar , Peyalvar had sung in praise of Lord at Sholingpuram, Divya Prabandha.

Easy Paasuram to Learn(Tamil)

"Mikkaanai Maraiyaai Virinndha Vilakkai Ennul"

"Pukkaannai Pugazh Cher Poligindra Pon Malaiyai"

"Thakkaanai Kadigai Thadan Kundrin Michaiyirunndha"

"Akkaarak Kaniyai Adainndhuynndhu Ponnenne!"

Travel and Stay

There are many lodges at Arakkonam and Katpadi and also bus facility available.

List of Other Temples to Visit

Shiva Temples
* Kapaleeswarar Temple
* Marundeeswarar Temple
* Velliswarar Temple
* Thyagaraja Swamy Udanurai
* Udanurai Vadivudaiamman Temple
* Kalikambal Temple
* Kanchipuram Temples
* Kalahasti
* Aabathsahayeswarar Temple
* Adi Parasakthi Temple
* Agastheeswarar Temple
* Apparswamy Temple
* Shiva Vishnu Temple

Vishnu Temples
* Thirukadalmallai
* Srinivasar Temple
* Kesavar Temple
* Madhavar Temple
* Thiruvidandai Lakshmi VarahaSwamy Temple
* AshtaLakshmi Temple
* Thiruneermalai
* Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane
* Tirumala Temples
* Tirupathi Templs
* Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple
* Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple, Thiruninravur
* Thiruevvul, Thiruvallur Veeraraghava Perumal

References

* [http://www.indian-heritage.org/temple/divyadesams/divya64.html About Sholingapuram]

External links

* [http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/df064.html About Thirukadigai]

* [http://www.divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/sholingur-temple.asp DivyaDesam]