Where tranquillity prevails

SAINT THIRUMANGAI Mannan hails the Lord Narasimha ``Aal-Ari'', the Tamil equivalent of the word, `Narasimham', while singing the glory of the deity enshrined in the temple at Velukkai at Kanchipuram, one of the 108 holy places of Vaishnavites. This temple is situated just south of Vilakkoli Perumal Temple.

The Lord here has been hailed by Thirumangai Azhwar in his ``Periya Thirumadal'' as ``Velukkai Aalari''. The place might have been originally known as Velirukkai, the place where Vell or Lord Narasimha is seated. Ahobilam is another important Narasimha kshetra which is also known as ``Singa Vell Kundram''.

According to legend, the Lord at Velirukkai or Velukkai appeared before Sage Brigu under the Kanaga Vimanam in the form of Narasimha in a standing posture. But the present image of the moolavar is Yoga Narasimha in a sitting posture.

Another legend has it that during the Lord's incarnation as Narasimha, after slaying Hiranyakasipu, He attacked other demons. He chased them for a long distance, and when He reached Velukkai, He was pleased by the sylvan surroundings as the place is situated close to a ``thiruthannkaa'' or a garden. As He was sure that the demons would never return, He made Velukkai His abode.

The place has been hailed by Peyazhwar in his ``Moonram Thiruvandadi'' as ``Maamaada Velukkai''. (which means the temple is situated amidst tall residential houses). But due to years of neglect, the temple complex has now shrunk in size and no tall building is found in its vicinity. The saint has contributed two more poems in his work singing the glory of this holy place equating it with Tirumalai, Tiruvehka, Vinnagaram, Kudanthai (Kumbakonam), Srirangam and Tirukoshtiyur. Pillaiperumaliengar, in his ``Nootriettu Thiruppathi Andadi'' on ``Lord Aalari'' at Velukkai, advises human beings to lead a righteous life, acknowledging the supremacy of the Lord.

The temple, with a single prakaram, faces West and has a three- tier rajagopuram. The Lord in the sanctum-sanctorum is known as Azhagiasingar, Mukunda Perumal, Narasimhar and Aalari. He is found in a sitting posture and is also known as Kaamasika Narasimhar. Sri Vedanta Desika has written the ``Kaamasika Ashtakam'' in praise of the Lord here.

The Goddess, Velukkaivalli Thayar, is seated facing East in a separate shrine. She is also hailed as Amrutavalli. There are separate shrines for Andal, Garuda, the Azhwars and Sudarsana. The Sudarsana idol here is considered unique as it does not have the image of Narasimha engraved on its back as is the case in all Vishnu temples.

The holy water source is known as Kanaga Saras and Hema Saras. The temple is abuzz with activity during the Tamil month of Margazhi when several festivals are celebrated.

T. A. SRINIVASAN

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