The Bidar temple is a small temple and also known as the Narasimha Jharni cave temple, located in Bidar. It is associated with Lord Narasimha, an incarnation (avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu. The ancient temple is excavated in a 300 m tunnel under the Manichoola mountain range located about 4.8 km from the city.
Temple Description
One has to walk through the cave where the height of the water varies from 4 feet to 5 feet to get an idea of ββthe image of the deity formed on the laterite wall at the end of the tunnel, which is an architectural marvel. Bats can be seen hanging on the ceiling of the cave and flying throughout the tunnel. It is a miracle that no one has been harmed by bats to date. People pronounce the words govinda-govinda and narasimha hari-hari with devotion as mantras. The end of the cave temple is the sanctum sanctorum which houses two deities: Lord Narasimha and a Shiva Linga that the demon Jharasura (Jalasura) had worshiped. About eight people can stand and watch this spectacular sight as there is very little space there. Others need to wait in the water for their turn. Since the water flows continuously and people walk in it, the water does not remain crystal clear. People carry children to the temple on their shoulders. The water has sulfur in it and is said to have healing properties for people who have skin problems. This temple is especially visited by many couples looking for children. As this is a one-of-a-kind temple, the overall experience can be exciting and adventurous.
Narasimha Avtar
Lord Vishnu protected the devout boy Prahlada, who was endlessly tortured by his father Hiranyakashipu, a demon, for repeating God’s name instead of his own. But Prahlada endured all these tortures with firm devotion. Finally, God appeared in the terrible form of the Man-Lion and killed the Hiranyakashipu. In this Man-Lion incarnation, God’s emphasis is on devotion.