Sri Guru Narasimha Temple Saligrama

The Sri Guru Narasimha Temple located at Saligrama, near Udupi in Karnataka, is one of the most ancient and spiritually powerful Narasimha temples in India. Its history is deeply rooted in Puranic legends as well as historical accounts, centering around the self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Narasimha, believed to date back to the 8th century CE.

Puranic Origins of the Temple

According to the Padma Purana, the sacred idol of Lord Narasimha manifested on its own at the base of a pipal tree. The deity appeared holding the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (disc), seated in a serene yogic posture. A divine celestial voice (Akashavani) instructed Sage Narada Muni to install the deity, which he faithfully carried out.

Nirvairya Sthala – The Land Without Enimity

The region came to be known as “Nirvairya Sthala” (the place without hostility), named by Bhattacharya, a learned Brahmin leader. He observed a rare phenomenon here—natural enemies such as lions and elephants living in harmony. This divine symbolism is reflected within the temple complex through the presence of both Lord Narasimha (lion form) and Mahaganapati (elephant form) idols, representing unity and balance.

Historical Accounts from Skanda Purana

The Sahyadri Khanda of the Skanda Purana mentions that King Lokaditya of the Kadamba Dynasty invited a group of Brahmins from Ahichatra, led by Bhattacharya, to settle in his kingdom for prosperity and spiritual growth.

After performing grand Maha Yagnas, Bhattacharya received a divine vision. Lord Ganapati appeared in his dream and instructed him to re-install the idol of Lord Yogananda Narasimha. The Lord declared Himself as the sole Guru and supreme God for the Brahmins of the fourteen surrounding villages.

This sacred tradition continues to this day among the Kota Brahmins, who worship Lord Narasimha as their eternal Guru.

Unique Features of the Deity

The idol is two-handed, west-facing, and made entirely of sacred Saligrama stone

The Lord is seated on a Mahaganapati Yantra, making this temple extremely rare

A visible crack on the top of the idol is believed to be a scar from an incident where an angry Brahmin struck the idol with a plough to stop its intense Ugra (fierce) gaze, which was believed to scorch nearby crops

To further pacify the Lord’s energy, an idol of Anjaneya Swami (Hanuman) was installed opposite the temple

Sacred Theerthas and Their Benefits

The temple is blessed with two sacred water bodies:

Chakra Theertha – A holy dip here is believed to cure diseases and remove fear of enemies

Shankha Theertha – Bathing here cleanses devotees of sins

Devotees who take a dip in both Theerthas and worship Lord Narasimha are believed to attain health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.

Sevas and Devotee Beliefs

The temple performs numerous Sevas for:

Fulfillment of desires

Removal of obstacles and problems

Marriage and job prospects

Relief from illness and good health

Overall prosperity and peace

Devotees strongly believe in the grace of Sri Guru Narasimha, who acts as both protector and spiritual guide.

Temple Timings.

Morning: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location & Distance

From Bangalore: 420 km

From Udupi: 25 km

From Kundapura: 15 km