Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Kadiri, in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered Narasimha kshetras of Rayalaseema. The town itself takes its name from the Lord: according to tradition, Narasimha appeared here from the roots of a khadira tree, and so the place became Khadri – Kadiri. Devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Karnataka come in great numbers, especially for the annual Brahmotsavams.
Main Deity
The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, revered as self-manifested (Swayambhu). The Lord is seen in his fierce form, in the very act of destroying the demon Hiranyakashipu, with the child devotee Prahlada beside him with folded hands. The festival images (utsava murthis) of the Lord with Sridevi and Bhudevi are known as Vasantha Vallabha.
A cherished tradition of the temple holds that after the daily abhishekam, drops of moisture appear on the idol – as if the Lord, still in his fierce mood, is sweating – and that however often the priests wipe it, it returns. Devotees treasure this as a sign of the Lord's living presence.
Sthala Puranam
The story of Narasimha is one of the best-loved in the Puranas. The demon king Hiranyakashipu had won a boon that he could not be killed by man or beast, by day or by night, indoors or outdoors. When he tormented his own son Prahlada for his unshakable devotion to Lord Vishnu, the Lord burst forth as Narasimha – half man, half lion – at twilight, on the threshold, and ended the demon's cruelty. Tradition at Kadiri holds that the Lord emerged here from beneath a khadira tree, and that Prahlada himself worshipped him at this spot.
History and Architecture
An inscription on the temple wall records that it was built by a Nayaka in 1332, in the time of the Vijayanagara ruler Bukka Raya I; most of the temple's inscriptions are in Telugu and belong to the Vijayanagara period. In 1509, Sri Krishnadevaraya is recorded to have added a corridor (prakaram). Built in the Vijayanagara style, the temple has tall gateway towers, pillared mandapams with fine carvings and a spacious courtyard.
Festivals
- Brahmotsavams (Phalguna month, February–March): the grandest festival of the temple, held over many days with processions of the Lord on different vahanams. The Rathotsavam (chariot festival) is the high point, when huge crowds gather to pull the temple chariot through the streets of Kadiri.
- Narasimha Jayanthi (April–May): the Lord's appearance day, with special abhishekams.
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi (December–January): darshan through the northern gate.
- Saturdays: considered especially auspicious, with larger crowds.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until midday and again in the evening.
- Timings change during the Brahmotsavams; please check the temple's official page before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: the temple is in Kadiri town, about 45 km from Puttaparthi, about 95 km from Anantapur and about 185 km from Bengaluru. APSRTC and KSRTC buses connect Kadiri with these cities.
By Train: Kadiri has a railway station on the Dharmavaram–Pakala line, within the town.
By Air: the nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR), about 150 km away. Kadapa Airport (CDP), about 120 km away, is a smaller option with limited flights.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional dress is recommended.
- Brahmotsavams: the Rathotsavam day is extremely crowded; plan travel and stay in advance.
- Narasimha kshetras: devotees of Lord Narasimha also cherish the temples at Antarvedi, Mangalagiri and Yadadri.
- Nearby heritage: the Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Lepakshi, in the same district, is a Vijayanagara masterpiece.
