Chathankulangara Narasimha Temple
Chathankulangara Narasimha temple is located around 500 meters from Chenganoor Mahadeva temple. The murti of Narasimha worshipped in the temple carved in wood and is considerably big. The darshanam of Chathankulangara Narasimha murthy is towards west. Women are not allowed inside the nalambalam.
The sankalpam (assumption) of Narasimha Murti in the temple is that of along with Goddess Lakshmi and blessing Prahlada. The temple is famous for its sculptures carved on jackfruit tree wood which are considered to be of 14th century AD, and which covers the walls of the sreekovil of the temple. The temple is reputed to be about 1250 years old. The temple post has the date line as 7-8-1128. Temple structure is Chaturasra Alpavimana Nirandhara type, although having a passage around the sanctum. Above the Granite adhistana the outer wall is ornamented with 21 panels of different wooden sculptures of deities and puranic scenes. Some of the notable wood carvings are that of Gajendramoksha, Dasavathara, Ananthasayana, Sivaparvathy, Hanuman, Seetha, Narasimham etc. There are Dwarapalakas on both sides. The Balipita is well outside the inner scheme. Dhwajastambha is in the open. Considering its architectural value, the temple was declared as protected monument in 1967 by the Kerala government.
It is believed that Narasimha Murti was the upasana murti of Munjira Swami who arrived here as part of his pilgrimage. He performed puja in the place and later he was unable to life the murti as it had got fixed to the ground. The temple was renovated in 14th century CE. The place of building the shrine was donated by Kandathu Madom. An ancient writing recovered from the temple states about the donation of land by Mekandathu Thevan Chankaran. The temple was earlier managed by Munchira Madom. Currently the temple is managed by NSS Karayogam.
Location
Chenganoor
Main Deity
Lord Narasimham
Other Deities
Sastha, Ganapathy, Naga and Rakshas.
Festivals
The 10-day annual festival begins with kodiyettam on the Thiruvonam nakshatra day in Kumbham month (February – March).
Main Offerings
Idichu Pizinja Payasam (Crushed Porridge).
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 118KM from the temple.
By Rail: Chengannur Railway Station is 2.6KM from the Temple.
By Road: Chengannur KSRTC Bus Station is 1.6KM from the Temple.