Bangalore to Namakkal - Dec 2011

For year end (2011), we planned a road trip to Madurai and Kodaikanal. On the way, we decided to stop at Namakkal, and visit the temples. Our Mahindra Scorpio was serviced, and waiting to hit the road. We started early in the morning, drove on NH 7, and reached Namakkal by noon. In this blog, I will write about the Namakkal temples and post a few photos.

Santa accompanying us

Note: We usually carry 'Moo' on our journeys, but this time around, Santa accompanied us. :-)

Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple

My husband and in-laws had visited Namakkal about a decade (or more) ago; I would be visiting this place for the first time. My husband was anxious to see the changes that had occurred over the decades. First, the traffic was crazy. Second, the road leading to the Namakkal temple had evolved and was blocked for vehicles; had to search for a safe parking space. Third, the Anjaneyar temple seemed to have been renovated.

We went to the Anjaneyar temple first. As we walked towards the temple, we saw lovely Rangolis and flower stalls that were selling garlands made of betel and tulsi leaves. The Lord is visible from the road, and is the idol huge! The Lord is about 18 feet in height (and growing), and stands majestically with his hands folded. He is decorated with a crown, jewels, and sweet-scented garlands.

Rangoli

Garlands

We felt humble seeing such a gigantic deity receiving Abhishekam in the morning. The Lord is offered a variety of things - water, milk, honey, fruits, and so on. After the Abhishekam, the Lord is decorated with flowers. Pray to this Lord to bestow good sense and refined speech, health, courage, and prosperity. For a Shokla specific to this Lord, see http://panchamukhi.com/tn_04.aspx.

Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple

Namakkal Anjaneyar

Namagiri Lakshmi Narashimha Temple

The Lord Anjaneya faces the Lord Narashimha temple (8th century temple). This temple is at the Saligrama Cave Hill, and is open from 7:30 A.M to 1:00 P.M (IST) and later from 4:30 P.M to 8:30 P.M. The temple complex also includes the Goddess Lakshmi or Naama Giri Thaayar temple. One has to visit the goddess before visiting the Lord. The Lord Narashimha is stunning, and has Shiva on the right and Brahma on the left, and Surya and Chandra fanning the Lord Narashimha. One can also see Brahma's sons, Sanaka and Sanaathana inside the sanctum. For more information, see http://www.imsc.res.in/~rao/ramanujan/newnow/namagiriindex.htm.

Namagiri Narashimha Temple entrance

Lord Ganapathi at entrance

Damsel at entrance

One of the shrines

Lord Naga

One of the sides of the Lord's shrine

Tree on which people tie cloth cradle

Lord Naga and Lord Ganapathi

Lord Narashima's feet

Lord Narashima with Goddess Lakshmi

Unique colored gopuram

Beautiful birds

We missed to see the cave temple of Sri Ranganatha. This temple is on the eastern side of the Namakkal hill.

From our experience, we recommend that you visit the temples at Namakkal. Does not matter if one is unaware of the history or story associated with the temples. Being physical present in those temples can sooth the mind, body, and soul, and also makes one feel humble and human.

In the next blog, I shall write about Madurai, which was our next destination.

Regards,
Asha