Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple, also known as the Narasimha Jharni or Narasimha Jharni cave temple, in Bidar, Karnataka is yet another unique temple of India. It is a cave temple where pilgrims will have to walk their way through a cave in water to worship Lord Narasimha. The Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple is at a lower level in the slopes of a hilly terrain though Bidar is at an elevation.
Bidar Narasimha Swamy Temple History
As per history, after Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu, a demon to safeguard his devotee, Prahlada, the Lord also vanquished another demon called Jharasura (Jalasura), who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. When Jharasura was about to breathe his last, he beseeched Lord Narasimha to reside in the cave in which he lived in order to bless the devotees who will throng there to worship him. Jharasura’s wish was granted and Lord Narasimha stayed back in the cave, while Jharasura turned into water and flowed at the feet of Lord Narasimha. Hence the temple is also known by the name Jala Narasimha Swamy temple.
What is the speciality of Bidar temple?
The Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple is a cave temple where pilgrims will have to wade through 4 feet to 5 feet of water, which will almost be about one’s waist level for about 300 metres to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The significant feature of the temple is that Lord Narasimha Swamy is said to be swayambu or self manifested in the Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple. The sanctum enshrines Lord Narasimha as well as the Shiva Lingam worshipped by Jharasura.
The image of Lord Narasimha is found on a laterite wall at the end of the tunnel. Only eight people can be accommodated in the shrine for want of space while others will have to wait for their turn. Devotees carry small children on their shoulders. Though the water in the cave is muddy owing to constant wading through it by the crowd, it is meant to have sulphur with healing properties, which treats skin issues. Bats can be seen flying about the tunnel. People seeking the boon of children flock to the Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple. The Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple is air conditioned and is provided with lighting systems.
Apart from instilling devotion in the hearts of the pilgrims, the experience in this temple is overall adventurous.
Bidar Narasimha Swamy Temple timings
The Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple is open from 8AM – 6PM
How to reach Bidar Narasimha Swamy Temple
By Air
The nearest airport to Bidar is Begumpet International Airport (Hyderabad) is 120 km
By train
Bidar is well connected by rail from Hyderabad and Bangalore. Tourists can also take the train to Gulbarga city and from there take a bus to Bidar, which is about two and half hours.
By Road
There are regular private buses which ply from Bangalore via Hyderabad NH 7 and NH 9; the journey takes nearly 16 hours. Hyderabad is about 114 km from Bidar and Zahirabad, Telangana is about 31 km.
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