Location of Linga Sphota temple

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

Hare Krishna.

 

I recently heard about the history of the Linga-Sphota, which

represents the combined deity of Lord Shiva and Lord Narasimha. I am

sure most of the members may already know about the Linga-Sphota but

for the sake of everyone, I am summarizing it.

 

Once a great devotee of Lord Narashimha was on a pilgrimage tour when

he stopped by a village temple for overnight rest. Lord Shiva was the

main deity of this temple. The temple priest befriended the visitor

and offered him nice hospitality. Incidentally, the priest also had

to travel to the near-by town the next day and hence requested the

vaishnava devotee to carry out the temple rituals in his absence.

However when he saw that it was Lord Shiva's temple, he tried to

refuse politely saying that he does not offer prayers to any god

other than Lord Narasimha. This incensed the priest who then said

that if he doesn't do as requested, he will be forced to severe the

devotee's head with a sword.

 

Out of fear, the Vaishnava agreed to offer the prayers and complete

the desired rituals. So, the next day morning after the priest left

to the town, the Vaishnava started his prayers and rituals but

whenever he looked at the deity (Shiva Linga), he could not think of

anyone other than Lord Narasimha, so he chanted all Vishnu mantras

and gave offerings to the deity as if he was praying his dear Lord.

Soon enough, the priest arrived and when he saw that the vaishnava

was not offering prayers to his 'ishta deva' Shiva, but to Lord

Narasimha instead, he was greatly upset. In a moment, he drew the

sword and went roarding towards the vaishnava to cut his head. But

before he the sword could reach the devotee's head, amazingly, Lord

Narasimha appeared bursting through the Linga and cut the priest's

head to pieces.

 

It is said that this deity still exists somewhere in South India.

 

I would love to hear from any members of the group who know the

whereabouts of this temple.

 

Hare Krishna.

 

Love,

Sanju

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

I am eager to know if some member(s) in the group know about this temple.

 

Love,

Sanju