Namakkal, or Namagiri, a town located in the North-Western region of Tamil Nadu, is of great cultural, historical, and religious significance. Known for its treasure trove of stories, myths, and architectural marvels, this town is in some ways a hidden gem in India that is yet to be discovered.

The town’s biggest attraction is its Narasimhaswamy Temple, and its legend only continues to grow with time. The temple houses the Hindu god Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, along with a separate shrine for Goddess Namagiri Tayyar, or Namagiri Lakshmi, who is Vishnu’s consort.

In this article, we uncover the myth and mysteries surrounding this centuries-old temple and the great souls who have gained inspiration from the same. In addition to this, discover the famed Namagiri Thayar Mantra, its elegant prose, and its remarkable benefits for devotees.

History of Namakal, Namagiri Thayar Temple of Tamilnadu

The temple and its legend go all the way back to Sri Mahavishnu’s fourth Avatar, Narasimha, who was part man, and part lion. After defeating the demon Hiranyakasipu in this Avatar, the lord was still uncontrollably angry.

Prahalada, who was the demon’s son, but a great devotee of Sri Hari Vishnu, prayed to the lord with great devotion and thus managed to calm him down and receive his blessings, before Narasimha turned into a sacred shell Saligramam, which Prahalada then started to worship.

Thousands of years later, during the Treta Yuga, when Lord Vishnu took the form of Sri Rama, his devotee Hanuman, brought an entire mountain down from the Himalayas, containing the life-saving herb Sanjivini for Rama’s brother Lakshmana.

After saving Lakshman’s life, and restoring the hill back in the Himalayas, while returning back, Hanuman brought the shell Saligramam. At daybreak, when the Sun was just rising, he placed the shell near a tank in Namakkal in order to offer his morning prayers, but after this, he was unable to lift the shell again despite his immense might and strength.

He continued to pray asking for strength to pick up the saligramam, but almost instantaneously the shell turned into a huge rock in Namakkal. It so happens that at the same place, goddess Mahalakshmi was praying to be with her husband, Lord Vishnu.

A voice then told Hanuman to go back to Sri Lanka and aid Rama in the war, only to return in a future era, the Kali Yuga, to worship Lord Narasimha in Namakkal. So, in essence, Hanuman reunited Goddess Mahalakshmi with Lord Narasimha, the previous avatars of the lord and the Goddess, just as he was about to do the same with Rama and Sita in the current yuga.

Goddess Mahalakshmi undertook deep meditation in this location, continuously chanting ‘Om Namo Narayana’. Hanuman then placed the sacred Saligrama on the ground near her, immediately following which a miraculous hill came to shape.

Recognizing the Goddess’ devotion and the sanctity of her act, Lord Narasimha blessed the place and named it ‘Nama Giri’, and bestowed upon the Goddess the title of Namagiri Thayar. To honor Sri Mahalakshmi’s profound presence on this sacred spot, Lord Narashima declared that she would always hold a place of highest honor here.

The Architecture The Namagiri Thayar Temple

The town is famed for its colossal Anjaneyar (Hanuman) temple, which houses an 18-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman. What makes this more special, is that statue has been carved out of a single stone, and is a testament to Indian craftsmanship. This temple has since become a magnet for devotees and tourists alike, from across the nation.

Apart from this, the town also has a Rock Fort, which is a popular tourist attraction, but the biggest attraction of them all, is the Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple. Perched atop a massive rock, climbing into the temple is nothing short of an adventure, which culminates with a stunning panoramic view at the very top.

From a religious standpoint, the temple is a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Goddess Lakshmi, here known as Namagiri Thayar. The Goddess represents wealth, fortune, and prosperity, and devotees seek her blessings for all of this in abundance. The temple itself offers a serene ambiance and sacred aura, making it perfect for meditation, prayer, and spiritual solace.

Connection Between Namagiri Thayar & Ramanujan

Namakkal and Namagiri Thayar’s legendary status was cemented recently, and the credit for this, rather ironically is connected to the world of high mathematics. Srinivasa Ramanujan, while far from a household name in the rest of the world, is deeply rooted in the psyche of the local populace in Namakkal, and for good reason.

The connection between Namagiri Thayar and the famed mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan is particularly fascinating and adds unparalleled new layers to the Goddess’ significance. The famed mathematician who lacked formal training in the subject, often credited his extraordinary ability to the divine insights he received via dreams from the Namagiri Thayar herself.

Ramanujan claimed that the goddess presented him with intricate mathematical formulas in his dreams, which he would then verify upon waking. This unique blend of spirituality and scientific advancement propelled Namagiri Thayar as a symbol of divine inspiration and creativity, bridging the gap between the material and the ethereal.

While some argue that Ramanujan’s dreams and inspirations were largely the result of his own subconscious, those steeped in Hindu spiritual wisdom will know that the subconscious and unconscious minds are rather deeply rooted in the spiritual realms. It is only through devotion and meditative practices that they can be experienced in all their glory.

Ever since Ramanujan’s story came to light, Namakkal has become a popular pilgrimage for young parents and their children seeking divine inspiration to excel in their academic endeavors. For those who can’t make it this far, understanding and reciting the Namagiri Thayar mantra can be just as potent when it comes to unlocking the creative potential of the human mind.

Namagiri Thayar Mantra Lyrics & Its Meaning

The Namagiri Thayar Mantra is a powerful and potent invocation that praises Goddess Lakshmi in her form as Namagiri Thayar.

In addition to celebrating the Goddess’ many positive attributes, powers, and benevolent role in the cosmos and in individual lives, the mantra further encapsulates several layers of spiritual and philosophical meaning that devotees find enriching.

The Namagiri Thayar Mantra Lyrics

Sri Vidya Mantra Ratna Prakatitha Vibhavaa
Sri Subalaapoorna Kaama, sarveshaprathidhaa
Sakala suranoothaa Sarvasaamraajyathaathri
Lakshmi Sri Veda Garba Vidhurathu Mathisaa Vishwa Kalyaanabhooma
Vishwa Kshemaatham Yoga Vimala Gunavathi Vishnu Vakshathalastha

Paying my respects to the divine goddess known for sharing the precious knowledge of the Sri Vidya Mantra.

She satisfies the quest for power and is revered as the embodiment of all deities.

All the celestial beings admire her, and she reigns supreme over all realms.

This goddess is Lakshmi, the keeper of all Vedic wisdom, blessed with profound knowledge and intellect.

She harbors intentions for the well-being of the entire cosmos and epitomizes purity with her wishes for global prosperity.

In her resides every virtue, and she resides upon the chest of Vishnu, symbolizing their eternal union.

The Namagiri Thayar Mantra Meaning

Sri Vidya Mantra Ratna Prakatitha Vibhavaa – The very first line of the mantra praises the Goddess as the very embodiment of Sri Vidya, which is considered the highest form of spiritual knowledge in Hinduism.

It signifies that the Goddess is the revealed treasure of mantras, a source of immense spiritual wealth and power.

The term ‘Ratna’ means gems, indicating that the divine knowledge she represents is as precious as the rare gems and jewels.

Sri Subalaapoorna Kaama, Sarveshaprathidhaa – The goddess is acknowledged as the fulfiller of all desires (Kaama) for those who seek blessings with the purest of intentions (Subala).

It also states that she is recognized in every place, and by everyone, indicating her omnipresence and the universal reverence she commands.

Sakala Suranoothaa Sarvasaamraajyathaathri – This phrase extols the Goddess as being worshipped by all divine beings (Sakala Suranooothaa), and as the sovereign ruler (Sarvasaamraajyathaathri) of all creations.

It further highlights her supreme authority and the reverence she receives from all celestial beings, in addition to humans and other lower beings.

Lakshmi Sri Veda Garba Vidhurathu Mathisaa Vishwa Kalyaanabhooma – Goddess Lakshmi is extolled as the essence of the Vedas (Veda Garba), suggesting that all Vedic knowledge and wisdom emanate directly from her.

She is described as the mother (Mathisaa) who nurtures the Universe (Vishwa) towards the welfare and prosperity of all beings (Kalyaanabhooma).

Vishwa Kshemaatham Yoga Vimala Gunavathi Vishnu Vakshathalastha – The mantra concludes by venerating the Goddess as the very embodiment of purity (Vimala Gunavathi), and as the one who resides in the chest of Lord Mahavishnu (Vishnu Vakshathalastha).

This symbolizes her as the eternal consort of Lord Vishnu, before once again extolling her commitment to the welfare of the world, through the perfect union (Yoga) of her divine qualities.

The mantra, at its core goes beyond just glorifying Namagiri Thayar as the deity of wealth and knowledge, to that of a cosmic force that governs the welfare, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment of the Universe.

It reflects the holistic view of the divine feminine in Hinduism, where the Goddess is not just a figure of worship, but an integral part of the cosmic order, contributing to the balance, growth, and harmony of the cosmos.

Benefits of Chanting Namagiri Thayar Mantra

The regular chanting of the Namagiri Thayar mantra holds a host of benefits for devotees, bestowing divine grace, wisdom, and protection. Listed below are a few more benefits of chanting the mantra on a regular basis.

Spiritual Enlightenment & Wisdom: The mantra venerates Namagiri Thayar as the embodiment of supreme wisdom and the revealer of divine knowledge, particularly Sri Vidya, which represents the ultimate realization in many Hindu traditions.

Chanting this mantra is believed to grant the devotee clarity of mind, enhanced understanding, and a deeper connection to the divine aspects of the universe, fostering a path toward enlightenment.

Universal Welfare and Prosperity: Through its verses, the mantra seeks the Goddess’ blessings for universal welfare (Vishwa Kalyaanabhooma) and the overall well-being of all creatures. It emphasizes the Goddess’ role in nurturing and maintaining the balance of the cosmos, inviting her grace to ensure prosperity, peace, and harmony in the world.

Fulfillment of Desires: By acknowledging the Goddess as the fulfiller of all desires (Subalaapoorna Kaama), the mantra suggests that sincere devotion and chanting can lead to the attainment of one’s desires and aspirations.

It speaks to the Goddess’ compassion and her willingness to grant the wishes of her devotees, provided they approach her with pure intentions.

Protection and Guidance: Invoking Namagiri Thayar is also seen as a way to seek divine protection against obstacles and guidance through life’s challenges. The mantra embodies the Goddess’ nurturing aspect, offering solace and support to those who find themselves in difficult situations.

Connection with Srinivasa Ramanujan’s Legacy: For those who admire Srinivasa Ramanujan, the mantra carries additional significance due to his profound connection with Namagiri Thayar. Ramanujan attributed his mathematical genius to the divine insights granted by the Goddess in his dreams.

Thus, the mantra symbolizes the harmonious blend of divine inspiration and human intellect, serving as a source of inspiration for individuals seeking to combine their spiritual practice with their scholarly pursuits.

Cultural and Religious Continuity: The mantra, like many others in the Hindu tradition, acts as a vessel for cultural and religious values, passed down through generations.

It helps maintain a connection to the past, honoring the deep roots of Hindu spirituality and the specific veneration of local deities like Namagiri Thayar within the broader pantheon.

In summary, the Namagiri Thayar Mantra is a multifaceted tool for spiritual growth, offering blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and divine protection. It serves as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, encouraging a life led with purpose, devotion, and a constant quest for knowledge.