Sholingur Yoga Narasimha Swami Temple

Situated atop the Swarnagiri hill in Kondapalayam, Sholingur, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu, this temple is a significant pilgrimage centre for devotees seeking darshan and spiritual solace.

The temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and its association with the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE, making it a living heritage temple. The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Yoga Narasimha Swami.

The temple also enshrines Amravalli Thayar (Lakshmi), Bhaktavatsala Perumal, and Yoga Anjaneya (Hanuman), offering devotees a spiritually enriching experience.

The temple complex is set atop a 750 ft hill, accessible by climbing 1,305 steps, with a rope car facility available from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM for ease of access. Ample parking is provided at the base of the hill.

Darshan timings are from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with both free and special darshan options available. Special darshan carries a nominal fee of ₹20.

The temple observes a traditional dress code: men are encouraged to wear dhoti with a shirt or kurta pyjama, while women are recommended to wear saree, chudidhar, or salwar kameez.

Devotees can participate in several poojas, including Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Prathana Utsavam at 4:00 PM, and unique offerings such as Padi Pooja and Thirukalyana Utsavam. Poojas are performed in Tamil and Sanskrit.

The temple celebrates vibrant festivals like Chittirai Brahmotsavam (April/May), Narasimha Jayanthi (May/June), Avani Pavitrotsavam (August/September), Karthigai Thiruvizha (November/December), Margazhi Padi Utsavam (December/January), and Panguni Uthiram (March/April).

The best time to visit is early morning between 5–8 AM or during the winter months from November to February. For prasadam, devotees can relish Puliyodarai, Pongal, and Laddus, and benefit from regular free Annadanam.

Reaching the temple is convenient: from Chennai (100–110 km), drive via NH48 or take a train to Arakkonam and continue by bus or taxi. From Vellore (50–60 km), routes via Wallajah or Kalavai lead to Sholingur.

The nearest railway stations are Sholingur (10 km), Arakkonam Junction (30 km), and Tiruttani (25 km), with Chennai International Airport (106 km) and Tirupati Airport (55 km) as the closest airports.

Accommodation options include guest houses and private lodges in Sholingur and Arakkonam, TTDC hotels in Vellore, and facilities like SGKBK Samajam and Sri Yoga Narasimha Guest House near the temple.

Nearby attractions include Yoga Anjaneya Temple (Chinna Malai), Kolatha Amman Temple, Sozhapureeswarar Temple, Vellore Golden Temple, and Tiruttani Murugan Temple. Photography is permitted in the temple complex but strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum. For more information, visit the official website or contact the temple office.