Narasimha Jharni cave temple: The ancient manifestation of Lord Narasimha himself!

People crowd to this temple as it is believed that the idol at the Narasimha Jhira temple is a swayambhu roopam one

NewsBharati    11-Feb-2022 15:36:44 PM   
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We all know of structures that are unique, having features which none others have. But did you know of the temple so one of a kind, in which one has to wade through waist deep waters to seek the blessings of the deity? The Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is famous for its astounding structure and the powerful idol. The temple is located in a cave wherein the water flows about 300 meters deep.

Narasimha Temple 
 
The Temple is located in the hill ranges of Manichoola. You will find it a kilometer away from the Bidar city in North Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to the powerful Lord Narasimha and Lord Shiva. It is also referred to as Jharani Narasimha Temple / the Narasimha Zarna Cave temple. Each year, thousands of people come to the temple to have their wishes fulfilled. This holy temple is situated inside a cave. The temple is operational between 7 AM to 1 PM.

Legend | The temple of Narasimha Jhira has a myth which mentions that the mighty Lord Narasimha first killed Hiranyakashipu and then proceeded to slay the demon Jalasura who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. After being killed by Lord Narasimha, the demon Jalasura turned into water and started flowing down the feet of the Lord Narasimha. The flow of water in the cave tunnel has been continuous since then. The spring has never dried out even in driest of summer. Due to this, people have to wade all the way through the water to reach the Lord. New arrangements were made to provide electricity, ventilation in the cave. One needs to take a bath in the water fountain located outside the cave.
 
 
The end of the cave hosts two deities – Lord Narasimha and Lord Shiva, which the demon Jalasura had worshipped. Around 8 people can stand and watch the stunning sight at a time, as there is not much room inside the cave. Meanwhile, the others will have to wait in the water.

People crowd to this temple as it is believed that the idol at the Narasimha Jhira Cave temple is a swayambhu roopam, which means, the deity here is self-manifested and is very powerful. The fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Narasimha, is half human and half lion. The temple is said to fulfil the wishes of the devotees which visit it.

Narasimha Temple
 
Since the previous entry to the temple was considered to be inauspicious, an entry road was being made to enable the entry of devotees into this cave temple. One can always see bats hanging from the ceiling of the cave, and they even fly through the cave. The temple has been air-conditioned to ensure that there is fresh air at all times, and a percolation system has been set up to utilize the water emanating from the spring. The area contains the outlet of the tubular spring whose water contains sulphur which has various healing properties.
 
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The temple has a cave, which is 300 ft long. As one walks through the water, he would experience the feeling of gradually going deeper into the water, and finally he has to wade through the flowing water which is almost neck / shoulder deep, inside the cave. A perennial stream of water is believed to have been flowing continuously for 100s of years in this place. It is definitely an experience to wade through waist deep through water for about 300 meters through a cave-like tunnel, to gain a view of Lord Narasimha.
 
 
 
Narasimha Jharni cave temple Lord Narsimha Lord Shiva Karnataka
Kinjal Dixit

Kinjal Dixit

Kinjal Dixit has a degree in bachelors in English and is currently pursuing her Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication. She has a hand at writing about infrastructure, culture and in sharing humanitarian stories.