Jambudvipa Tours

Sacred tales with Jambudvipa:

Cholasimhapuram

It may be common knowledge that ‘Sholingur’, the abode of the presiding deity Sri Yoga Narasimha Swami, has also been referred to as ‘Thirukadigai’, ‘Gatikachalam’ and ‘Cholasimhapuram’ from ancient times.

But what stood out to us at Jambudvipa Tours, is the town’s unique connect to Kanchipuram.

Read on to find how!

DODDACHARYA

It is said that Lord Narayana not only took several incarnations to reform the people, but also sent his messengers to perform this function. One such preceptor was Doddacharya of Cholasimhapuram. He lived centuries ago performing divine service to Lord Narasimha Swamy.

Doddacharya and his guru performed several miracles as recorded in holy places like Kancheepuram, Azhagarkoil and Chidambaram among others.

THE KANCHIPURAM CONNECT

Doddacharya travelled every year to Kanchipuram to witness the annual Garuda Seva festival.

But on one occasion, he was unable to make it to the festival and so he composed the five verse long “Varadaja panchakam” in praise of Lord Varadaraja Swami.

It is believed that this composition was created by him at the steps of the glorious Sholingur temple tank, imagining the Garuda Seva scene at Kanchipuram.

Sacred tales with Jambudvipa: Cholasimhapuram

Legend has it that Lord Varadaraja Swami granted a divine vision to Doddacharya, allowing him to see the spectacle from Gatikachalam.

To commemorate this, a temple dedicated to Sri Varadaraja Swami was later built near the tank in Sholingur.

Even today, as the Garuda Seva procession nears the western gopura at Kanchi, the attendants hide the Lord momentarily with their umbrellas. It is believed that he is visiting Doddacharya at Sholingur.

MUTHUSWAMI DIKSHITAR AND SHOLINGUR CONNECT

While visiting Cholasimhapuram, Dikshitar composed ‘Narasimha Agaccha’ in Mohanam.

In the Charanam, Dikshitar notes,

“dhIra-tara ghaTikAcala-ISvara
saura-tara hEma kOTi-ISvara”…
…”surucira kari giri varada vicara
sarasa guru guha hRdaya saha-cara”

Meaning – O lord of the magnificent Ghatika hill! O lord of the immensely sun-like (brilliant) Hemakoti Vimana!...

…O one who digressed as the handsome Varadaraja of Karigiri (Kanchipuram),

…O one who sports in the heart of the charming Guruguha!

Listen to the divine composition.