Yajna Narasimha, temple of Narasimha at puri

The temple of Narasimha is one of the most ancient Vaishnava Shrines in Puri. It was constructed around the late 13th century. Situated near the northeast boundary wall of the famous Gundicha Temple, the Narasimha shrine is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. It is said to have

existed at the time King Indradyumna visited the place. Indradyumna is said to have built a temple for Narasimha and installed the deity therein, with the help of the Sage Narada. Indradyumna also performed thousands of asvamedha yajnas in this temple, thus the Deity is known as Yajna-Narasimha.

Lord Nrsimhadev holds a chakra in His upper right hand, conch in upper left hand, and His two lower hands are stretched over His knees. The Lord is seated in yogasana posture with both legs crossed and tied near the knee, in a calm mood. Lakshmi Devi has been installed on the left lap of Narasimha Deva. The pedestal of the Deity is richly carved with scrollwork, flower designs and Garuda figures. The background slab is finely decorated with a trefoil makara head arch.

Lord Nrsimhadeva residing at this particular temple is closely related to a number of rituals at Jagannath Puri Temple. During festivals, flower garlands (angyamala) are removed from Lord Jagannatha and kept here. This temple is also associated with the Navakalevara (new body) ceremony of Lord Jagannatha.