 Parikal Lakshmi Narasimhar
 One of the foremost Narasimhar kshetras in south India, Parikal, near Villupuram, is replete with puranic lore. In this place, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha
killed the asura Parikalasuran and hence this place is called Parikal.
Parikalasuran was the lieutenant to three asura rulers, namely Kamalakshan. Tharakatshan and Vidhyunmali. Parikalasuran had the face of a horse
and the body of a human being. The three rulers were burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva. Lord Narasimha also helped Shiva in their destruction. But
Parikalasuran escaped unhurt and hid himself in Thirimudhukuram (Vridhachalam).
This place was ruled by King Vasantharajan, a staunch devotee of Lakshmi Narasimha. The king wanted to build a temple for the Lord and thus
started the construction work. Meanwhile, Parikalasuran wanted to avenge his defeat and wanted to encounter Lord Lakshmi Narasimha in a battle.
Thus he entered Parikal, destroyed a part of the place, and did not spare even the temple under construction. At this juncture, Vasantharajan’s
parents died and the king considered it to be a bad omen and stopped the temple work
(thiruppani).
After some years the king decides to resume construction and consults his family guru Vamadeva. The intelligent guru is aware of the sinister design
of Parikalasuran and decides to safeguard Vasantharajan whole performing the yagna which precedes the temple construction. The king is asked to
chant ‘Arkshara Amirthakshara’ mantra for his safety while performing the
yagna.
As excepted, Parikalasuran entered the yagasala and tried destroying the place. He also searched for Vasantharajan but could not find him. After
trying hard, he found the king in samadhi posture chanting the mantra, blissfully unaware of the surroundings. Parikalasuran struck the king hard on
his head with a sickle. Lo and behold! Ugra Narasimha emerged from the head of the king in all splendour and glory and tore the body of Parikalasuran
into two pieces.
By the grace of Narasimha, Vasantharajan was brought back to life and he worshipped the Lord and requested that Narasimha should appear as
Shantha Swaroopam to his devotees. Since Vasantharajan was blessed with the darshan of Narasimha because of Parikalasuran this place came to
be called Parikalapuram or Parikal.
Presiding deity - Lakshmi Narasimha
Thayar - Kanakavalli.
Parikal is situated 22 km south of Villupuram
Usha Raja
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