History of Yoga narasimar kovil (Madurai)

The Yoga Narasimar Temple, located near Madurai, was built around 770 CE during the Pandya dynasty by the minister Maran Kari and completed by his brother Maran Eyinan. Carved directly from the Yanaimalai hill, which resembles an elephant and is also known as Gajagiri, the temple features the unique seated form of Lord Yoga Narasimha. According to legend, Sage Romaharshana installed the idol here following his penance by the lotus-filled Padma Thadagam. The fierce Narasimha was pacified with the help of Prahlada and Goddess Lakshmi, who resides as Narasingavalli beside the Lord. The temple also holds significance for Lord Shiva, who is believed to have been relieved of a curse by worshipping and bathing in the sacred Chakra Theertham pond here. The hill's elephant shape comes from a myth where Lord Shiva turned a mystical elephant created by Jains into stone, protecting the Pandya kingdom. Though not one of the 108 Divya Desams, the temple has profound spiritual importance in the region between Alagar Koil and Thiru Mohur temples. Key Highlights: Pandya Dynasty Rock-Cut Temple – Constructed in 770 CE by minister Maran Kari and completed by his brother. Unique Seated Form – Largest Narasimha idol carved from rock in a yogic meditative posture. Mythical Elephant Hill – Yanaimalai or Gajagiri shaped like a mystical elephant turned into stone by divine intervention. Puranic Legends – Sage Romaharshana’s penance and Narasimha’s calming by Prahlada and Lakshmi. Shiva’s Redemption – Lord Shiva relieved of Brahma Hatya dosha through worship at this temple’s sacred tank. Architectural and Epigraphic Heritage – Inscriptions from Pandya times and extraordinary Pandya sculpture work.