Singaperumal Koil - Sri Patalathri Narasimhar Temple, Chengalpattu

Singaperumalkoil Temple, located near Chengalpet, is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord “Paatalathri Narasimhar” and goddesses, Lakshmi, in the name of “Ahobilavalli”. This is one of the ancient temples dating back to the 8th century, built in a rock-cut architecture (the structure is created by carving out natural hillock).

Moolavar (primary deity) : Patalathri Narasimhar
Utsavar (festival deity): Prahalatha Varadan
Thayar: Ahobilavalli
Age: ~1400 years
Thala Virutcham: Paarijatham
Location: Singaperumal Kovil, Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu

Short History:

The temple is presumed to have been originated by the Pallava dynasty, who were ruling this portion of Tamilnadu, till 897 CE. Later the Cholas took-over and expanded the temple. The earliest inscription found in the walls of the temple are from the 9th century, mentioning about the King Raja Raja Chola-I (Reign‎: 985 to 1014 CE).

There are numerous inscriptions from the period of 10th to 11th century, indicating about gifts offered to the temple, by different people around the regime.


A Look inside the Temple:

As you enter, you’ll see the pedestal (பீடம்), Flagtree (கொடிமரம்) and statues of 10 primary incarnations (dasavatharams) of Lord Vishnu. Walking to the left will take you to the main sanctum.

 
 

The main Sanctum features Patalathri Narasimhar with his two gate-keepers (Dvarapalas). In Tamil language பாடலம் (Paatalam) means colour red; அத்ரி (Athri) means “Hill”. Since the Lord Narasimha here graces in the form of “Ugra Narasimhamoorthy”, furiously with his Red third eye on the forehead and carved in the rocky hill, he is called as “Patalathri Narasimhar”.

Sanctum of Goddesses Ahobilavalli is on the right to Narasimhar, and Andal’s shrine is to his left. There’s a separate shrine for Hanuman and Garuda; we can witness all the twelve Azhwars too.


Specialities/ Beliefs:

Circumambulation around sanctum of the temple is called as “Girivalam / GiriPradakshinam”; we actually Circumambulate the whole little hill. The “Azhinjal” tree behind the sanctum is presumed very powerful; praying on this tree is believed to relieve all your worries, bring good health and wealth. 

How to reach:

Singaperumalkovil village is located on the GST road from Chennai to Chengalpet. It is easily accessible by public transports (Bus/ Sub-urban Trains ) or by Car/Taxi.

• Bus: Not all the inter-city buses stop at Singaperumal Kovil. Its better to take city buses from Tambaram to Chengalpet (Route number M500 runs every 8 minutes). It will be approximately 1 hour of travel.

• Sub-Urban Train: Alternatively, you can take the suburban train (EMU Local) towards Chengalpet route. You’ve these trains every 1 hour. Some passengers trains like “Tambaram Villupuram Passenger” also stops at Singaperumal kovil station.

• By Car: Drive on Chennai - Nagapattinam Highway NH32, the temple is about 23 Kilometres from Tambaram, just 100meters off the GST road.

• Address: Sri Patalathri Narasimhawamy Temple, Singaperumal koil, Kancheepuram – 603 202.

Open Timings

• The temple opens as early as 5:30am; however, the first darshan starts only around 7.00 a.m. and remains open till 12.00 a.m
• In the evening, it opens again at 4.30 p.m to 8.30 p.m.
• It is recommended to go as early in the morning. As the day progresses (especially in the evenings), the temple may get very crowded.

Hope I have captured all the details you want to know about this powerful temple; Please leave your additional questions/feedback in the comment section. I'll try to answer to the best of my knowledge. 

Happy exploring & stay blessed!

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