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Arulmigu Pataladhri Narasimhar Temple (Singaperumal Koil)

Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu • Perumal

Moolavar

Sri Pataladhri Narasimhar (Ugra Narasimhar); Thayar: Sri Ahobilavalli; Utsavar: Sri Prahlada Varadar

Timings

  • Daily: 07:30 – 12:00
  • Daily: 16:30 – 20:30

Special Poojas / Festivals

  • Brahmotsavam
  • Narasimha Jayanthi
  • Pavithrotsavam
  • Float Festival (Theppotsavam)
  • Car Festival (Ther Thiruvizha)

Famous For

  • Rock-cut cave moolavar integrated with the hill (Pallava style).
  • Ugra Narasimha with Trinetra (three-eye) iconography.
  • Giri-pradakshina tradition around the small hill.

Nearby Temples

  • Kachabeswarar Temple, Thirukachur – ~1.9 km
  • Marundeeswarar Temple, Thirukachur – ~2.4 km
  • Yoga Hayagreevar Temple, Chettipunyam – ~3.3 km
  • Gnanapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvadisoolam – ~7.5 km
  • Sri Maha Bhairavar Rudhra Aalayam, Eechankaranai (Thiruvadisoolam Road) – ~8 km
  • Vedagiriswarar Temple, Tirukalukundram – ~18.2 km
  • Sri Lakshmi Kuberar Temple, Rathinamangalam – ~18.5 km
  • Thiruneermalai Temple Complex (Ranganatha & Neervanna Perumal) – ~25.6 km
  • Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidandai – ~25.7 km
  • Shore Temple, Mamallapuram – ~26.4 km
  • Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – ~31 km
  • Eri-Katha Ramar Temple, Madurantakam – ~32.9 km
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram – ~33.9 km
  • Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – ~34.4 km

History

  • Rock-cut cave shrine where the hill itself forms the deity’s body (Pallava period style).
  • Presiding deity: Ugra Narasimhar with three-eye (Trinetra) iconography; Utsavar: Prahlada Varadar; Thayar: Ahobilavalli.
  • Vaikhanasa Agama observed for daily worship.
  • Sthala-vriksha: Parijatham; Temple tank: Suddha Pushkarani.
  • Giri-pradakshina (circumambulating the hill) is an established local practice.
  • Pradosha-time abhishekam is specially performed for the Utsava Narasimhar.
  • Separate shrines for Andal, Lakshmi Narasimha and Garuda; sanctums for Alvars and Acharyas.
  • Consecrations conducted on 19-03-2014 and 28-11-2024.
  • Administered by Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department.
  • ‘Pataladhri’ denotes the reddish hill; the temple name reflects the landscape.

Texts and local tradition link the site to the Brahmanda Purana. In a forest around this hill, the sage Jabali is said to have worshipped here; after slaying Hiranyakashipu, the Lord manifested to the sage as Ugra Narasimha with a third eye (Trinetra) at this place.

The name ‘Pataladhri’ means a reddish hill. The moolavar is a rock-cut image inside a natural cave where the hill itself forms the deity’s body, so circumambulating the Lord includes going around the small hill (giri-pradakshina). Inscriptions and style indicate a Pallava-period cave temple, with the site regarded as over twelve centuries old.

The temple follows the Sri Vaikhanasa Agama. Sthala-vriksha is Parijatham and the sacred tank is Suddha Pushkarani. Shrines exist for Andal, Lakshmi Narasimha and Garuda, with separate sanctums for Alvars and Acharyas; a small Hanuman shrine stands on the sannadhi street.

Being associated with Narasimha’s appearance during the dusk of Pradosham, abhishekam for the Utsava Narasimha is specially performed at pradosha time. Devotees commonly undertake vows here for marriages, tonsure and ear-piercing and perform giri-pradakshina.

Consecrations (Kumbabhishekam) were conducted on 19-03-2014 and again on 28-11-2024. The temple is under Tamil Nadu HR&CE administration.

Story Sections

Legend and Origins

Around the red hill of Singaperumal Koil, Jabali Maharishi is said to have worshipped. Tradition says that after destroying Hiranyakashipu, the Lord appeared here as Ugra Narasimha with a third eye, blessing the sage and fixing the place as a Narasimha kshetra.

Carved from the Hill

The sanctum is a rock-cut cave where the hill itself forms the deity’s body. This unusual layout shaped the practice of giri-pradakshina—devotees circle the small hill when they go around the Lord.

Rituals and Learning

The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama. Parijatham is kept as the sacred tree and Suddha Pushkarani serves as the temple tank. Shrines for Andal, Lakshmi Narasimha and Garuda sit alongside sanctums for the Alvars and Acharyas.

Festive Rhythm

As a Narasimha shrine associated with the dusk of Pradosham, abhishekam to the Utsava Murti at pradosha time is a regular highlight. Devotees take vows for family rites and perform hill circumambulations seeking blessings.

Renewal

Under official stewardship, consecrations were held in 2014 and 2024, renewing the structures while preserving the rock-cut core. The temple continues to be a major Narasimha place in northern Tamil Nadu.

How to Reach

By Road: On NH32 (GST Road) south of Chennai; Singaperumal Koil town has frequent buses from Tambaram/Chengalpattu. The temple lies a short ride from the highway junction.

By Train: Nearest station: Singaperumal Koil (suburban line between Chennai and Chengalpattu); autos/taxis are available to the hill temple.

By Flight: Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA); connect by suburban train or road via Tambaram–GST Road to Singaperumal Koil.

📍 View on Google MapsLat 12.760333, Lng 80.004861