01Two hills
The Periya Malai, the big hill, rises about 750 feet. At its top, behind a five-tiered gopuram, Yoga Narasimha sits facing east under the Hemakoti vimana, with Amritavalli Thayar in her own shrine. The temple’s katha says Vishvamitra became a Brahmarishi after a ghatika of worship here, and the Saptarishis prayed to see Narasimha in his calm form. On the Chinna Malai, the small hill, Yoga Anjaneya sits four-armed with conch and discus. At the foot is the shrine of Bhaktavatsala, where pilgrims begin.
02Pey Alvar’s hill of bees
Pey Alvar sang of the hill with gardens humming with bees and of the young Lord of Kadigai, and Thirumangai Alvar sang it too: four pasurams in all. Nathamuni, Thirukkachi Nambi and Ramanuja are remembered at the shrine, and Manavala Mamunigal expounded the Thiruppavai here at the request of his disciple Erumbiappa. Kartikai, when Narasimha is said to open his eyes, draws the largest crowds; the Brahmotsavam is in Chittirai and Narasimha Jayanti in Vaikasi. Sholinghur also gave its name to a battle in September 1781 between Hyder Ali and the East India Company.
The life of this place
- Alvar periodPey Alvar and Thirumangai Alvar sing Thirukkadigai.
- September 1781Hyder Ali’s army and the Company’s forces fight the battle of Sholinghur below the hills.
Sholinghur is about 30 km north of Ranipet; a ropeway now serves the big hill, though many still climb the 1,305 steps.
