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BY: SUN STAFF
Sri Jwala Nrsimha at Kole Narasimhapur, Maharashtra Nov 12, 2013 — CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of West Indian temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva.
Today we are visiting the Sri Jwala Nrsimha temple at Kole Narasimhapur, in the Walva tahlak, Sangli district of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the holy Krishna River, this is the abode of an amazingly beautiful swayambhu Deity of the Lord, said to have self-manifested some 7,500 years ago in the presence of Sage Parashar (Vyas Muni's father), who was in deep meditation.
The Nrsimhadeva deity that emerged out of Parashar's mediation had fire flames emitting from its mouth, and the Lord ordered Parashar to immerse Him in the nearby Krishna River. Later still, by the Lord's arrangement, King Bhimdev of Kundinyapur discovered the Deity, encouraged by the enlightening dream of a brahmin. In 178 A.D., the Lord was installed here at Kole Narsinghpur tirtha.
Abhishek of Sri Jwala Nrsimha in Krishna River The antiquity of this temple is recorded in the Sri Gurucharitra, adhyaya 15, which states that Yadusheth, the 6th predecessor of the saint Namdev came from his original place, Rile, and lived here for, worshipping Lord Nrsimhadeva. Four to five generations of his line stayed here, but left just before the birth of saint Namdev, in 1124 A.D. Sri Jwala Nrsimha temple at Kole was built by Hemadri Pant, by the order of Ramdevray Yadav Devgiri in 1273 A.D. The land was gifted by Badshaha Adilshaha. 
Sri Jwala Nrsimha, swayambhu-vigraha, Kole Located about 10 kilometers from Uran Islampur, the Jwala Nrsimha temple at Kole is situated in a beautiful location, amongst several mountain ranges. One of the nearby mountains, Mhasobacha dongar, is said to have originated from the central line of Shambhumahadev. The Krishna River flows in a half-circle around the temple, and there is a 12 mile long natural dam formed. The Krishna flows southward here, and on the southern bank is a Shivalinga that was installed by Lord Rama, known as Ramlinga. In service to Rama, who was in deep meditation, Hanuman wished to avoid the interruption of the river's flow, so with his arms (bahu), he restricted the water. Thus the Krishna River bifurcates at this point. Swami Ramdas later installed a murti of Hanuman here, named Bahe Maruti. 
Sri Jwala Nrsimha The entire region where Sri Jwala Nrsimha temple resides is steeped in transcendental history. Sangli was previously the southern portion of Satara city, once known as Saptarishi. This is the spot where Vashishtha Rishi came to live. The residence of Brug Rishi is nearby, at Bhuinj village. On the spot of the once residence of Parashar Rishi, the Panhala fort was built. It was previously known as Parashar Gad. Dhaumya Rishi also lived here, and once narrated the Ramayana to the Pandavas at this place. 
Utsav deity at Sri Jwala Nrsimha Temple Lord Nrsimhadeva is said to have soothed his anger in the waters of the Krishna River, the waters being vishnurupi. The main sanctum of Sri Jwala Nrsimha temple is underground. Devotees reach it by descending nine steps. Along the way is the shrine of Goddess Mahalaxmi. The underground sanctum is reached from the northeast entrance. There are several additional entrances into the temple compound.
Narasimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrutyum Mrutyum Namamyaham || Om Shubham Bhavatu |
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