Muriamangalam Sri Narasimha Swami Temple

Sri Narasimha Swami Temple is an ancient shrine located at Muriamangalam near Thiruvankulam in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. This is one of the rare Narasimha Swami temples in Kerala, where the ritual of ‘Aayirakkudam Abhishekam’ is performed.

The ‘Prathishta’ (installation of the deity) at this temple depicts Lord Maha Vishnu in his four-handed form (‘Chaturbaahu’), facing west, emerging from the sacred fire of the ‘homa’. The ‘Aayirakkudam Abhishekam’ is performed daily to reduce the heat generated from the sacred fire. The ‘Vigraha’ (idol) stands 5 feet tall.

Legend

In ancient times, the place where the temple now stands was the residence of a great sage and devotee known as ‘Adikal’. (the term ‘Adikal’ was used to address native people entrusted with Vedic teachings.)

Adikal used to perform a special ‘Homa’ daily as part of his regular pooja rituals. Toward the end of his life, Adikal had a strong desire to witness the ten ‘avatars’ of Lord Maha Vishnu while performing the ‘Homa’. By the divine grace of the Lord, the avatars began emerging from the sacred fire, one by one. After giving darshan (divine vision) to Adikal, each avatar disappeared back into the fire. However, the divine manifestation of ‘Sri Narasimha Moorthi’ refused to depart. It is believed that due to Adikal’s deep devotion and faith, Sri Narasimha Moorthi agreed to reside there permanently.

Since the avatar of Sri Narasimha Moorthi is believed to have emerged from the sacred fire of the ‘homa’, the deity is said to be in ‘Raudra Bhava’ (a fierce aspect). To reduce the heat generated by the ‘homagni’ (sacred fire), the ‘Sahasrakalasha’ system was introduced. Today, this ritual is known as ‘Aayirakkudam’ (the abhishekam with a thousand pots of water).

After the passing of Adikal, the local Namboothiris (priests) took up the daily duties of the temple. From that time on, the temple has been recognized as the ‘Gramakshetram’.

In the Malayalam month of ‘Medam’, the temple’s festival begins with the ‘Kodikayattam’ ceremony, which is held one day before Vishu. The festival lasts for six days and concludes with the ‘Aarattu’ (holy bath of the deity).

It is believed that devotees who visit this temple with strong faith and devotion are blessed with the fulfillment of their desires.