About
Sholinghur (Chola Simhapuram known as Thirukadigai). Sholinghur is known as Kadighachalam in ancient times. Achalam is Hill. Lord Narasimha gave mukthi to Prahalatha by appearing in Yoga. Hence this place is known as Kadigachalam. Since Peyalvar worshipped this place by his Pasuram, this is one of the oldest Temple.
Karikal Cholan of the Chola dynasty divided his country into 48 divisions of which one is known as Kadigai Nadu. Kadiga is known as the place of Learning; Vedas and other rare arts are taught in this place and known as Kadigachalam. Vaishnava teachers called this Cholasimhapuram.
It is known from the inscription that the temple is an ancient one. During the Vijayanagara regime, Erumbi is famous. Swami Dhoddachar is the main person for the development of Sholinghur. Sri Acharya Swami, a renowned educationist with the help of Vijayanagara Kings abolished the forest and established the present Sholinghur.
This temple was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. Sri Acharya Swami and Swami Doddachar contributed to building the temple.
The temple is situated on the top of the hill and to reach 1306 steps have to climb. It’s a steep walk. The steps are well made so it’s easy to climb to the top. Sholingur Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy hill temple’s length 200 feet, breadth 150 feet, height 750 feet with 1305 steps.
Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy is in sitting posture is the presiding deity in Big Hill Temple. The other names are “Thakaan” and “Akkarakani”. Akkaram means Money and Wealth.
There are Four Pushkaranies in Sholinghur Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Amirtha Theertham (Thakkan Kulam), Narasimma Theertham, Hanumantha Theertham, and Brahma Theertham.
Sholinghur Temple History
Lord Narasimha appeared before Sapta rishi and was blessed with Mukti. It is said that Lord appeared for 24 min, hence whoever offers prayers on this hill for 24 mins will be relieved from sins. Hence, the hill got the name Kadigachalam, where Kadigai means 24 mins and Chalam means hill. It is also believed that Lord Narasimha appeared in Yoga posture before Prahalad and offered Mukti.
As per the folklore, Anjaneya stood by King Indrathymna during the war in slaying the demons, Arakkan Nikumban, and rescued his kingdom. Lord Anjaneya self-manifested here in a Yoga posture. Devotees take bath in Chakra Theertham before trekking a small hill. It is said that Yoga Anjaneya Swamy’s eyes point to the feet of Yoga Narasimha Swamy.
It is said that Varadaraja Perumal offered Darshan in his Garuda Vahanam to an ardent devotee Doddacharya, who was not able to visit Kancheepuram due to old age.
To reach Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, it is 1305 steps and is located 705 ft above the ground.
Temple Timings
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Seva Timings
Thirumanjanam Abhishekam: 9:00 AM– 11:00 AM
Prarthana Utsav: 4:00 PM
Special Festivals
| Month | Festivals |
| Chithirai | Bramothsavam 10 days |
| Vaikasi | Narasima Jayanthi, Vaikasi Garuda Seva, Vasantha Uthsavam, Nammalvar Festival |
| Aani | Summer Festival 3 days. Aani Garuda Seva, Adhikesava perumal, Thiruvona Festival |
| Aadi | Andal Thiruadipora Festival (10 days), Gajendra Motcham, Garuda Seva, Jeshtapishekam |
| Avani | Thirupavithrothsavam. Big Temple 7 days, Sri Jayanthi |
| Purattasi | Navarathri Uthsavam 10 days. |
| Iyppasi | Dolothsavam Unjal Festival 3 days. Manavala Mamunigal 10 days. Last Friday Deepavali & Vana Bojanam |
| Karthigai | Karthigai Festival, Festival of light, Anumath Jayanthi (Small Hill), Thirumangai Alvar Festival 10 days |
| Marghazi | Vaikunta Ekadasi, Pakal Pathu, Rappathu Uthsavam, New year Jan 1, Padi Uthsavam |
| Thai | Andal Thirukalyanam, Western Paarivethai, Giri Pradakshanam, Thai Poosam, Float Festival 3 days. |
| Masi | Sri Dhottachariar Annual Birth celebration, Dhavana Uthsavam, Masi Float Festival |
| Panguni | Telugu New Year’s day, PanguniUthram, Thirukalyanam in the Big Temple |
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest international airport is Tirupati which is 90 km away. Chennai Airport is 107 km away.
By Train: The nearest Railway Station is Sholingur station which is 14 kms to Temple.
By Bus: Sholingur is well connected with all other major cities and towns. Direct buses are available from Tiruttani or Kanchipuram to Arakkonam. From Chennai, bus frequency is very less.
Phone Numbers
Office Phone: 04172-262225
Cottage Phone: 04172-2622256
Big Temple Phone: 04172-200368
Small Temple Phone: 04172-295999
Fax: 04172-263515.
Address
Sannathi Street, Ghatikachala, Sholingur, Walaja Taluk, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu 631302.
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