Deivam Kaaneere | Parikkal | The Calm Narasimha
King Vasantharaja was a staunch devotee of Lord Narasimha and wished to build a grand temple for his beloved deity. Under the guidance of his Guru, Sage Vamadeva, the king performed a series of sacred yajnas over three nights. Many kings and dignitaries were invited to witness these auspicious rituals.
However, just as the yajnas were about to commence, the demon Parikalasura appeared with his army, intent on destroying the proceedings. Sensing danger, Sage Vamadeva swiftly crafted a protective talisman infused with powerful mantras — arakshara and amirthakshara — and tied it to the king’s hand. He then hid the king in a bush to shield him from the demon’s wrath.
Despite the protection, Parikalasura launched a fierce attack. At that moment, Lord Narasimha, in a blaze of divine fury, appeared to protect His devotee. He destroyed the demon Parikalasura, thus sanctifying the land with His presence. From that day onward, the place came to be known as Parikkal, in remembrance of this divine intervention.
Moved by the Lord’s ferocity, King Vasantharaja prayed for Him to assume a calmer form to bless devotees seeking solace. The Lord heeded his request, taking a serene posture. The celestial architect Viswakarma sculpted a beautiful idol of Lord Narasimha, which was consecrated by Sage Vamadeva.
Over the centuries, neglect caused the idol to be buried under an anthill. In a miraculous turn of events, the Lord appeared in the dream of a mute boy, revealing His location beneath the anthill. The boy conveyed his vision to the villagers, who uncovered the moorthi and built a new temple at the site.
Today, Lord Narasimha, in a peaceful form embracing His consort Kanakavalli Thayaar, blesses devotees from the sanctum sanctorum. He is lovingly called Shantha Narasimhar, the calm protector.
The temple also houses shrines for Sri Anjaneya in two forms — Veera Anjaneya and Bhakta Anjaneya — in the northwest corner. Devotees lay paddy grains in this shrine and write their heartfelt prayers, believing deeply that their petitions will be heard and fulfilled.
Sri Swamiji sings in praise of this favourite kshetra in this kirtan set to Bhairavi Ragam and Adi Talam
To listen to this kirtan:
Deyvam kANIrE parikkallil vAzhum paramanai kANIrE
Behold the Lord!
Behold the Supreme One who resides in Parikkal!
1. HiraNyanai vadaitthu bAlaganaik kAkkum arimugam koNDa acyuthanaik kANIrE
Behold Lord Achyuta who is known to have annihilated Hiranyakashipu and protected the little boy
2. ParivuDan bAlakanai maDimEl
amartthiyirukkum prahlAda varadanai kANIrE
Behold Prahlada Varada who has seated the little boy on His Lap with compassion
3. ThuLaba mAlai thulanga vITrirukkum mangaLa mUrtthiyai kANIrE
Behold the auspicious form who has adorned the tulsi garland
4. ShOkam pOkkiDum mOgam thavirtthiDum yOga narasihmanai kANIrE
Behold Yoga Narasimha who wipes away sorrow and prevents ignorance
5. MangaLam aruLiDum amangaLam azhitthiDum mAlOlanai kANIrE
Behold Malola who bestows auspiciousness and destroys inauspiciousness
6. KarangaLil Ayudam charaNa kamalangaLil pAdukam muraLIdharan araN kANIrE
Behold the protector of Muralidhara, who holds weapons in His Hands and wears Padukas on His Lotus Feet
