THE UNKNOWN FACTS OF POPULAR TEMPLES

THE UNKNOWN FACTS OF POPULAR TEMPLES

We have all visited many temples in India. But, do we know all the facts about these temples? There are many things we miss out on. All the facts will leave you in amazement. Take a look! Panakala Narasimha Swamy temple in Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh) is always free of ants, despite the repeated offering of jaggery water. Do you know why the priest of the Thiruvarppu Krishnan Temple in Kerala is given an axe along with a key to open the door? Their unconditional love for the Lord makes them do this. They believe that Lord Krishna cannot withstand hunger. In order to avoid making him wait due to any delay caused in opening the door, the priest is permitted to break it open. The deity in this temple is believed to be exhausted by the act of killing Kamsa. Therefore, the Abhishekam is followed by drying the Lord’s head first, then the rest of his body.

What is special about the Simhachalam Temple in Andhra Pradesh? Lord Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year to reduce his anger. This is followed on all days except on one day. This is when the priests remove the sandal paste and the lord is seen in his original form, making it the hottest day in Vishakhapatnam. This special day is called Chandanotsavam. It is believed that the heat from the deity on this day cannot be tolerated by ordinary man.

- Kruti Beesam