One cannot avoid looking at the beautifully arched and revamped Sri Lakshminrisimha temple while passing through the busy streets of Guru Ravidass Marg in Karol Bagh. The temple is the only one in Delhi to enshrine Lord Nrisimha. It is run by Sri Ahobila Mutt, whose history dates back 600 years and has its origins in the hills of Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh.
The temple has undergone renovation, acquiring a distinctive identity in the process. The beautiful top, known as ‘raja gopuram’, containing the magnificently carved Nava Narsimha, seems to be the stairway to heaven. The construction of a hall has also been planned to house a Veda paathashaala .
The quadrangular architecture of the temple — built with the blessings of the 45th and 46th pontiffs of the Mutt — follows the conventions of Dravidian architecture which is seen in temples of South India. “To add a natural element, the cladding is done in red stone. Bricks and cement are mainly used in its craft,” says Thirumalai Nambi, its architect.
The renovation took about three years and cost around Rs.1.25 crores. “Finally we are living the dream. This temple is restored to glory and is a masterpiece in itself,” says Nagalakshmi Narayana Swami who has been visiting since its inception. The temple now has additional sannadhis , and daily prayers are conducted at the temple as per Agama Sastra.
“Festivals like Nrisimha Jayanti, which is around the corner, are celebrated with majestic grandeur and highly awaited after this restoration. Devotees in huge number are expected to gather for the festival,” says Srinivas Raghavan, the priest. The four-day ‘maha samprokshanam’ of this revamped temple will take place from Monday.
The temple, though situated in the bustling commercial hub, offers devotees and oasis of peace and calm.
