In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya Swamy on this hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri
(Now in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India). Pleased with his
deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared
before him in five different forms as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda,
Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. They later manifested themselves into finely
sculpted forms that later came to be worshiped as "Pancha Narasimha Kshetram".
There are Purana
and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among
the devotees. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the
Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas.
Glowing bright atop the sikharam of garbha griha of this cave temple is the golden Sudarshana Chakra (about 3 ft x 3 ft) of Lord Vishnu
(whose reincarnation is Lord Narasimha), the adornment as well as the
weapon is a symbol this temple is identified by from as far away as
6 km. It is said that many years ago the chakra moved in the direction
from which the devotees came as if like a compass guiding them towards
the temple.
Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshiped by sages (rishis).
The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a "Rishi Aradhana Kshetram"
or the place of worship for sages.
As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a
"doctor" and is known as "Vaidya Narasimha" by his devotees at this
shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a 'do gooder' to
those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black
magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of
the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and
blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in
which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses,
and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala (40 day) pradakshina
is very popular made by many devotees to get cured of a long standing
ailment or chronic disease. Often, the Lord Himself has imparted
mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.
Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with Yada's
penance, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the
Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha.
This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri
hillock, and is located about 5 km from the present temple. There the
sage worshiped the Lord for many years.
After Yadarishi attained moksha,
a number of tribals, hearing of the Lord's presence, came to worship
Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to
engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved
into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their
Lord, to no avail.
After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a
devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He
revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars.
The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to
Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam was set by Late
Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple
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