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Location:
Sholinghur
near Arakkonam
(Tondai Naadu)
Vishnu: Bhaktavatsala Perumaal, Yoga Narasimhar,
Yoga Anjaneyar
Taayaar: Amritavalli
Theertham:Amrita Theertham
Paasuram :Tirumangaialwar, Peyalwar
Vimaanam:Simhakoshtakrtiti Vimanam
Travel Base:Chennai
Description This Divya Desam
is accessed from Arakkonam junction, the terminating point of the suburban
railroad originating at Chennai. Sholingur has its own railhead, although
the temple is located at a considerable distance from the railway station.
Sholingapuram is a
town of historical importance as this is where a battle
was fought between Hyder Ali and the British in 1781.
The name Sholingapuram
stems from the legend that a Chola Raja discovered a Shiva lingam and
built a temple here (Chola Linga Puram, hence Sholingapuram). The Bhrama
Puranam refers to this shrine as Katikachalam and Chintamani. It is also
referred to as Vada Tiruvarangam.
This Divyadesam is
a complex of three temples, one at ground level, one on a 500 feet high
hill, and another on a smaller hill, enshrining Yoga Anjaneyar.
Deities:
In the ground temple, the festival image of Bhaktavatsala Perumal is enshrined.
There is also a shrine to Adikesava Perumal here. The Katikachalam Hill,
(400 feet above sea level) reached via a flight of 1000 steps enshrines
Yoga Narasimhar in a seated posture facing east; Amritavalli Taayaar is
enshrined in a separate sanctum. The entrance faces north while the shrine
faces east. The Srinivasa Pushmarini is in front of the Bhaktavatsalar
temple while the Bhramma theertham is on the road leading to the hill
temple. There are also the Narasimha Theertham and the Bhairavi Theertham
and the Tiruvadi Theertham. There are several other Theerthams in the
hill and its environs.
Enroute, there is
a shrine with an image of Varadaraja Perumal, seated on the Garuda mount.
The smaller hill enshrines Yoga Anjaneyar, with four arms, bearing a conch
and a discus. This temple has two towers. There are also shrines to Pallikonda
Ranganathar facing south, and Kodandaramar facing West.
Inscrtiptions from
theperiod fof Parantaka Chola I (10tth cent) as well as those from the
Vijayanagar period are found here.
Legends:
It is believed that even residing here for a matter of minutes (katikai
or half an hour) would liberate one from the cycle of births and deaths
and hence the name Katikachalam. (Ghatikachalam). Legend has it that Viswamitrar
worshipped Vishnu for a 'katikai' and earned the title Bhrammarishi. The
Saptarishis desirous of a vision of Narasimhavataram, were blessed after
they prayed here for a 'katikai'.
It is believed that
those afflicted with psychological ailments, find cure upon residing here.
There is also a legend that this hallowed hill which arose out of the
surrounding plains, continued to rise in height much to the chagrin of
Indra, who requested Balaramar to press it down to its present height.
Another legend has it that a ruler engaged in hunting in this area, was
guided by a divine source of light emanating from a deer which he had
struck - to the path of non violence. It is believed that Hanuman had
manifested himself in this form. Hanuman is believed to have been sent
here by Rama to help a ruler kill demons in this area. Valmiki is said
to have worshipped here.
There are several
literary works extoling the greatness of this shrine.
Festivals:
Two worship services are offered each day in the hill temples while three
are offered in the Bhaktavatsalar temple, as per the Vaikanasa Agamam.
Festivals celebrated here include the Chittirai Bhramotsavam, Avani Pavitrotsavam,
Margazhi Padi Utsavam, Navaratri and Kartikai, the girivalam on the 2nd
3rd days of Thai. And Mukkoti Dwadasi.
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