What to see : Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple, shrines of the goddess Andal or Goda Devi, Anjaneya, the five Alwars, Ramalingeswara Swamy and the pushkarini.
Just 60 kilometers from Hyderabad is Yadagirigutta where of the holy shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami is located. Quite a pleasant drive on a now being widened national highway running most of the way parallel to the rail track from Secunderabad to Khazipet, Yadagirigutta is closest to Raigiri Railway station which is only 6 km away.
Yadagirigutta is the abode of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy which is visited by many a people from neighboring towns as well as from neighboring states. It is a big draw with the people from twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
LEGEND
The town acquired its name and fame from a sage called Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya on this hill between Bhongir and Raigiri in Nalgonda district. 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 worshipped as Panchanarasimha Kshetram. As the legend goes, the Lord appeared first as Jwala Narasimha (Lord as a flame), when Yadarishi was unable to face the intensity of this apparition, he appeared in a peaceful form as Yoganarasimha (Lord in a Yogic Padmasana posture with open palms on the knees). Not satisfied with the Lord appearing alone, Yadarishi sought to see him with this consort, so he is said to have appeared with Lakshmi on his lap', known as Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and as being worshipped by Alwars, his ardent devotees. To see these three forms one has to go through an entrance that narrows itself into a dark cave which in fact is surmised as the urga (fiery) form of Narasimha (the fourth form) because it was beyond the strength of a sage to see that form and gandabherunda ( the garuda pakshi or the eagle) is the fifth form of the Lord which is said to have been found sculpted in rock underneath the Anjaneya, known as 'Kshetrapalaka' (or the one who ruled over that hill). All these forms are known as " swayambhu" or self emanated. Yadarishi is said to have been granted his wish that the place where the Lord appeared will be known by his name as Yadagiri (giri means hill in Sanskrit, and gutta which means a hillock in Telugu seems to have been a latter-day suffix) and that Lord Lakshmi Narasimha will be worshipped for many years to come.
According to the puranas, Lord Narasimha after killing the demon Hiranyakashyapa gave darshan to his ardent devotee Bhakta Prahlada in a cave situated on a hill which of course was not called Yadagiri. But Lord Narasimha was believed to have been worshipped by sages (rushis). But the region of Yadagirigutta has been reputed to be a "Rushi Aradhana Kshetram" or the place of worship for sages.
Ever since, this ancient temple has attracted thousands of pilgrims throughout the year not only from this state but also from other states of the country. As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a doctor" 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.
Mythological & Historical
Sri Maha Vishnu Came from out of the pillar as per the desire of Bhakta Prahladha and killed Hiranya Kashyapa,who is father of Prahladha ,who is beloved devotee of Maha Vishnu.
In Ancient days Sri Yada Maharshi son of Sri Rushyashrunga Maharshi with the Blessings of Anjaneya Swamy had performed great penance for Lord Narasimha Swamy. After securing blessing for his penance Lord Narasimha had come into existence in Five Avatharas called as Sri Jwala Narasimha, Sri Yogananda Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha, Sri Gandaberunda Narasimha, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. As such this is known as “Pancha Narasimha Kshetram”. The devotees who worship this deity with devotion, the problems faced by them in regarding their “Graha”, the difficulties through evil spirits and their all mental problems are being cured by the God & Godess. All the difficulties faced by the devotees are being cured through herbal medicines like fruits, flowers and Tulasi Teertham. The devotees who believe the Lord. He is appearing to them in their dreams and conducting operations also.
