The Sholingur Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is in one of the primary Vaishnava shrines in the Ranipettai District, Tamil Nadu. It is passionately adored in the hymns (pasurams) of Thirumangai Alwar, Pei Alwar and Nam Alwar. The Arulmigu temple in Sholingur occupies the empery of two hills, of which the two higher or the Periya Malai is 750 ft in height and 1.25 acres in extent 5Introduction to Arulmigu temple
The Sholingur Temple, Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple or Thirukkadigai is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage place near Sholinghur town in the Vellore District in Tamil Nadu state of south India. It is among the 108 Divya Desams which are the holy Vaishnavite temples extolled by the Alwars. It has the principal deity as Lord Yoga Narasimha who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the appearance of a lion-man resting in a yoga pose along with Goddess Amirthavalli Thayar. The temple is on a large hill known as Kadikachalam which is of approximately 750 height with 1305 steps to be climbed up.
TTD ₹300 Special Entry Darshan 2025: A Complete Guide
Overview of the Temple
According to legend it was Lord Narasimha who made his appearance here to grant moksha to Prahlada having killed Hiranyakashipu. Worship at this place is considered to be disease curative particularly mental and physical illnesses and fulfill wishes in less than 48 minutes, a reason why it is called Thirukkadigai- place of instant salvation. The temple predates Puranas, and saints such as Pey Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar visited the temple and came up with hymns in its honour. Their is also a small hill temple to Yoga Anjaneya (Hanuman) having 405 steps.
Thousands of people come together during the annual Brahmotsavam that is held during the Karthigai month. The place of Sholingur is accessible as it is 120 km away from Chennai and 260 km apart Bangalore. It is under the HR&CE Department and it draws devotees who found peace and divine blessing. Its tranquil view of the hills and the feeling of spirituality all over it, is enough to stop you by. Significant information: Constructed during centuries ago, the circumference of the hills is 2 km, the main sanctum has a self-created special idol.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sholinghur, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Main Deity | Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy (Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar in yoga pose) |
| Consort | Goddess Amirthavalli Thayar |
| Other Deities | Yoga Anjaneya (Hanuman) on small hill |
| Significance | One of 108 Divya Desams; cures ailments, grants instant moksha |
| Hill Details | Big Hill: 750 ft, 1,305 steps; Small Hill: 405 steps |
| Legend | Lord Narasimha appeared for Prahlada; praised by Alwars |
| Festivals | Brahmotsavam in Karthigai (Nov-Dec), Swathi Nakshatra monthly |
| Managed By | Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department |
| Visitor Count | Thousands during festivals and weekends |
| Special Belief | Darshan relieves troubles in 48 minutes (Kadigai) |
Temple Timings
| Day of the Week | Morning Timings | Evening Timings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Hill Darshan: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Abhishekam: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Prathana Utsavam: 4:00 PM onwards |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Special poojas on Swathi Nakshatra |
| Friday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Devi Amirthavalli Darshan extra |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Crowded on weekends |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Rope car available 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sevas and Darshans Available
| Seva/Darshan Name | Timings | Price (Rs.) | Details/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narasimhar Thirumanjanam (Swathi Nakshatra) | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 750 | Abhishekam for Lord Narasimha |
| Narasimhar Thirumanjanam (Uthira Nakshatra) | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 2700 | Special monthly pooja |
| Puspangi Seva Sannidhi | Varies | 500 | Flower decoration seva |
| Narasimhar Sandhana Kapu | Varies | 200 | Sandal paste application |
| Anjaneyar Sandhana Kapu | Varies | 200 | For Yoga Anjaneya |
| Manjal Kapu | Varies | 75 | Turmeric paste offering |
| Mandala Abhishekam | Special days | 5000 | 48-day continuous pooja |
| Devi Amirthavalli Thirumanjanam (Fridays) | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 2500 | Abhishekam for Goddess |
| Prathana Utsavam | 4:00 PM onwards | Free/Varies | Evening prayer festival |
| Narasimha Kalyanam (1st Friday monthly) | Morning | 3750 | Wedding ceremony pooja for family |
How to Reach Sholingur Temple
Transportation to Sholingur Temple is convenient whether one is approaching it via other larger cities such as Chennai or Bangalore. The temple is located around the town of Sholinghur which lies on a distance of 120 km around Chennai and 260 km around Bangalore. On road, by Chennai, use NH48 to Bangalore and turn right at Walajah to Arakkonam, then to Sholinghur driving takes 2-3 hours by car, or by bus. The state buses of the Tamil Nadu run periodically between Chennai bus stand (CMBT bus stand) to Sholinghur (Fare: Rs. 100-200). The round trip of taxis over Rs. 2000-3000.
Train, Chennai central, trains such as Brindavan express (12639) to Arakkonam Junction (1 hour), auto or bus (20 km, Rs. 50-100) to Sholinghur. Bangalore to Sholinghur Trains halt at Sholinghur station directly in trains such as Lalbagh Express (12608) (4-5 hours). It takes 3 km to reach the temple; an auto is possible.
Chennai International is the nearest airport (100 km). If you are a visitor in Bangalore, drive through NH44 and NH48. The base of the hill has parking. However, when festivals come transport is booked early because it gets crowded. At the temple rope car can save the steps at 50-100 rupees.
The booking of Darshan Tickets
It is very effortless to book darshan ticket of Sholingur Temple whether online or offline. The temple relies upon the official web portal of Tamil NaduHR&CE Department for booking: http://www.sholinghurnarasimmar.hrce.tn.gov.in/. Hang on to the site, and then to the Online Services or Ticketing and then follow the sevas such as Thirumanjanam or special darshans. Sign up your mobile numbers, email, select time/date and pay through net banking, card, or UPI. The tickets can be offered as an attachment to e-mails or printed. The minimum cost of basic sevas is Rs. 75 whereas the maximum cost of mandala abhishekam is Rs. 5000.
In case of visit to an offline shop, you must buy at the temple counter near the foothills, although the duplicate queues are long, at peak days. To visit free darshan No booking is required, only climb up and line up (10-30 minutes wait during weekdays). Premium tickets guarantee a priority pass. Festivals such as Brahmotsavam are to be booked 1-2 weeks in advance. Things like family sevas Kalyanam would allow 4-5 people. Swathi Nakshatra poojas availability check. In case of problems, call temple office at +91-4172-262225. The internet reservation is time saving and the visit is guaranteed to be a smooth one.
Nearby Attractions
To begin with, Yoga Anjaneya Temple is located at a small hill beside the main temple. It has 405 steps as well as dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Can see it in a minute.
- Second, it is approximately 50 km or so to Vellore Fort. It is an antique fort full of history and a museum. A good family.
- Third, there is Sajra Fort nearby and its top offers good scenery.
- Fourth there is Jamadhi Hill which is close by to hike and enjoy nature.
- Fifth, Valentine Temple is a tiny couples or peace site.
- You also may visit Arulmigu Muthalamman Kovil or Gandhi Park in town. These places spice your visit not just temple.
Important Instructions for Visitors
Safe and respectful visits to Sholingur Temple ought to be guided by rules. Be decently dressed: Men–dhoti or pants (no shorts), women–saree or salwar. Before climbing take off shoes. Monkeys are beware, no bag/food/shine things, they grab. Should you need sticks they are at base.
Ascend early in order to avoid the heat; drink much water and rest on the steps. Doli (carried chair)-Rs 1000-2000; rope car-Rs 50-100 (Elderly can get) No photo inside sanctum. Keep quiet, nothing to litter. Festivals mean crowds, best to be there early. Wash in before you go in. Pay attention to such traditions as circumambulation in a clock-wise direction. To Climb 1305 steps, consult doctor in case of health problem. Water and prasadam is free in temple. Play by COVID rules, where they exist. These guarantee a visit by God.
Accomodation Sholingur Temple
For stays near Sholingur Temple, options range from budget lodges to resorts. Below is a table of popular ones:
| Hotel Name | Distance from Temple | Type | Approx. Price (Rs./Night) | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udayam Guest House | 1 km | Budget | 800-1500 | AC rooms, parking |
| SPOT ON Malliga Lodge | 2 km | Economy | 500-1000 | Basic stay, near station |
| Reva Resorts & Holiday Homes | 15 km | Resort | 2000-4000 | Pool, food, family-friendly |
| VJR Mahal and Vinayagam Residency | 10 km | Mid-range | 1500-2500 | AC, WiFi, restaurant |
| Aloka Stay Inn | 20 km (Vellore) | Hotel | 2000-3000 | Modern, breakfast included |
| Fortune Park, Vellore | 25 km | Luxury | 4000+ | Spa, gym, fine dining |
| Sri Yoga Narasimha Guest House | 0.5 km | Temple-run | 500-1000 | Simple rooms, near foothills |