The peaceful Yoga‑Narasimha – a rare transformation. Lord Narasimha is most often worshipped in his fierce Ugra (angry) form, having slain the demon king Hiranyakashipu to protect his devotee Prahlada. However, the Sundilla temple is unique: local tradition says that after the slaying, the Lord was still in a violent state. He came to the banks of the holy Godavari river (about 12 km away), washed his claws and feet in its waters, and splashed the water on his face. The moment the divine river touched him, his anger subsided, and he became Shanta‑Narasimha – the peaceful, meditative Lord. He then sat in yogic posture (Yoga‑Narasimha) at this very spot, where he remained in deep meditation. This is the only temple in Telangana where Narasimha is worshipped primarily in his yoga form. The sandstone idol is unique: one side is red (symbolising the blood of the demon), while the other side is black (representing the calm, cosmic Lord).[reference:0]
Kakatiya heritage and serene surroundings. A stone inscription near the temple confirms its construction during the 13th‑century Kakatiya period. The temple’s architecture, with a south‑facing sanctum (unusual for Vaishnava temples), reflects the Kakatiya style – simple yet elegant stone work, a modest garbhagriha (sanctum) and a pillared mandapa.[reference:1] 50 yards west of this temple is the Sri Rajarajeshwara temple (also Kakatiya period), and 100 yards away is an Anjaneya Swamy temple.[reference:2] The village still has the remains of two ancient ponds – a small one in the northeast (now dry) and a larger one in the southwest, which was filled by donors to build a large hall for devotees.[reference:3] The temple was brought under the Endowments Department, and since then, a committee has added rooms for devotees, a mandapam for Sri Satyanarayana Swamy vows, and improved water and restroom facilities.[reference:4]
Legend – Why Narasimha Became Yoga‑Narasimha at Sundilla
According to the Sthala Purana (local legend) of Sundilla, after Lord Narasimha emerged from the pillar and killed the demon Hiranyakashipu, he was still in a state of uncontrollable rage. Despite the pleas of the gods, his anger did not subside. He wandered through forests and hills, still in his fierce man‑lion form, until he reached the banks of the holy Godavari river. There, he washed his blood‑stained claws and feet in the sacred waters, and also splashed the water on his face. The moment the Godavari water touched him, his anger vanished, and he became calm and peaceful. He then sat down in a meditative (yogic) posture at the spot now occupied by the Sundilla temple.[reference:5] Thus, he is worshipped here as Yoga‑Narasimha, the Lord in meditation – a rare form in Telangana, where Narasimha is otherwise venerated in his fierce aspect. The sandstone idol, with its reddish‑brown and blackish sides, is said to represent the two states of the Lord – the fierce red and the calm black. The temple faced east originally, but the idol was turned south. According to tradition, entering a temple facing the southern direction (the direction of Yama, the god of death) nullifies the fear of death itself.[reference:6]
Temple Highlights & Surrounding Shrines
Festivals & Yearly Rituals at Sundilla
Narasimha Jayanti (April/May): The most important festival, celebrated on the 14th day of the bright half of Vaishakha. Special abhishekams, alankaram, and night‑long bhajans are held. Thousands of devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh gather.
Dhanurmasam (Dec–Jan): A week‑long bhajana program with daily annadanam (free meals) and continuous Harinamasmarana.
Phalguna Vara Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Kalyanam (Feb–March): The celestial wedding of the Lord is performed with great pomp.
Daily rituals: Morning suprabhatam, abhishekam (with milk, curd, honey, sandal paste), and evening aarti. Archana and special pujas can be booked at the temple counter.
Nearby Places to Visit (Godavarikhani, Ramagundam)
Godavarikhani (5 km): Known as the “Black Gold City” due to the Singareni coal mines. The city has the Singareni Museum (coal mining history) and several shopping complexes.
Ramagundam (16 km): Famous for the Ramagundam Shiva temple, the Somanatha Alayam (pillared hall), and the scenic Ramagundam reservoir. Also known for the historic Ramagiri / Elgandal Fort (≈25 km).
Dharmapuri (≈45 km): Known as “Dakshina Kashi”, on the banks of the Godavari. Famous for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple (one of the nine Narasimha kshetras of Telangana) and the Godavari pushkar ghats.
Kondagattu (≈35 km): A hilltop Hanuman temple surrounded by forest.
Manthani (≈50 km): The “Dakshina Kashi” of the Godavari, with the Gautameswara temple and the Godavari ghats.
One‑Day Pilgrimage Itinerary (from Hyderabad or Karimnagar)
Morning – Sundilla Temple Darshan
- 6:00 AM: Start from Hyderabad (≈200 km, 4 hours) or from Karimnagar (≈70 km, 1.5 hours). Drive to Godavarikhani, then to Sundilla village.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Arrive at Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. Participate in the morning abhishekam (usually 9–10 AM). Darshan of the rare south‑facing idol, visit the Rajarajeshwara temple and Anjaneya temple.
- 12:00 PM: Offer archana and receive prasadam.
Afternoon – Godavari River & Return
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local eatery in Godavarikhani or Ramagundam.
- 2:00 PM: Drive to the Godavari river (12 km) – visit the bathing ghats associated with the Narasimha legend.
- 3:30 PM: Optionally visit the Ramagundam Shiva temple or the Singareni Museum.
- 5:00 PM: Return to Hyderabad or Karimnagar.
Visitor Information – Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple
Timings & Entry
Darshan hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (daily).[reference:7]
Abhishekam: Morning (9–10 AM). Evening aarti at 7:00 PM.
Entry fee: Free. Archana tickets ₹20–50.
Best season: October – February; Narasimha Jayanti (April/May) is vibrant but crowded.
Location & Access
Address: Sundilla village, Kamanpur Mandal, Peddapalli district, Telangana – 505209.
By road: From Godavarikhani, take the road to Sundilla (5 km). Buses from Godavarikhani and Ramagundam; autos ply regularly.
By rail: Ramagundam (16 km) is the nearest railway station, well‑connected to Secunderabad and Delhi.
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈210 km).
Parking: Available near the temple entrance (free).
Facilities & Travel Tips
Facilities
- Basic restrooms and drinking water (RO).
- Prasadam counter – pulihora, laddu, vada.
- Rooms for devotees (limited – contact temple committee).
- Large hall for community events and annadanam.
- Shoe stand (nominal).
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable footwear – you will walk to the nearby Rajarajeshwara and Anjaneya temples.
- Carry a water bottle, especially in summer.
- If visiting during Dhanurmasam (Dec–Jan), join the bhajana and annadanam for a unique experience.
- Visit the Godavari ghats (12 km away) to complete the pilgrimage – ask the priest for the exact spot linked to the legend.
- Combine with Ramagundam and Dharmapuri for a full Godavari pilgrimage circuit.
📿 Insider tip: The south‑facing orientation of the main idol is rare. According to local belief, entering a temple that faces south nullifies the fear of death (Yama). Take a few moments to sit in the pillared mandapa and observe the quiet strength of the idol. Also, look for the reddish discolouration on the right side of the idol – it is said to be the blood of Hiranyakashipu, which did not wash off even after bathing in the Godavari. For the full spiritual experience, visit during Dhanurmasam (Dec–Jan) when the temple is lit with lamps, and bhajans echo through the village from dawn to dusk.
A Unique Yoga‑Narasimha on the Banks of Time
The Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple at Sundilla is a hidden gem of the Kakatiya legacy in Telangana. Its peaceful deity, the legend of the Godavari calming the Lord, and the cluster of ancient shrines make it a unique pilgrimage destination. Whether you seek the fierce protection of Narasimha or the meditative calm of his yoga form, Sundilla offers a rare and serene encounter – far from the crowds, close to the sacred river, and deep in the heart of Telangana’s spiritual landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this temple called Yoga‑Narasimha?
Because the Lord is depicted in a seated, meditative (yogic) posture, having been calmed by the waters of the Godavari after slaying the demon. This is a rare form.
Is the temple open every day?
Yes, 5 AM – 8 PM daily, with a midday break.
Can non‑Hindus visit?
Yes, all are welcome.
What is the significance of the south‑facing deity?
South is the direction of Yama (god of death). Praying to a south‑facing Narasimha is believed to remove the fear of death and protect devotees from untimely demise.
How far is the temple from Hyderabad?
Approximately 210 km (5 hours) via Karimnagar.
Is there accommodation near the temple?
Basic rooms are available at the temple (contact the committee). Better hotels are in Godavarikhani (5 km) and Ramagundam (16 km).
What is the best time to see the Godavari legend spot?
The river is fullest during the monsoon (July–September) and the Godavari Pushkaram festival (once every 12 years). However, the ghats are accessible year‑round.
References & Further Reading
- Manamanthani – Sundilla Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
- Our Temples – Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sundilla
- Brahmasri Chaganti – Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sundilla (Telugu)