Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located at Oldpet (Pazhapettai) in Krishnagiri town, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. The temple stands near a small hillock, which gives Krishnagiri its name (Giri means hill).
The temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old, dating back to the early medieval period. It is one of the ancient Vaishnavite temples of this region. Renovations over the years have preserved the original sanctity and traditional structure.
The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, worshipped in a Santha (peaceful) form with Goddess Lakshmi on his left lap, symbolising strength guided by compassion. Beneath the deity is a Sri Chakra (Sudarshana Chakra). Other deities in the temple include Sri Venugopala Swamy (Krishna), Andal, Hayagreeva, Saraswati, Garudalwar, Anjaneyar, Mahalakshmi, Vishnu Durgai, and Brahma.
The temple follows the traditional Dravidian style. It is east-facing, has a five-tier Rajagopuram, a Dwajasthambam (flagstaff), and a mandapam with carved stone pillars featuring Yaali motifs. Large Dwara Balakas guard the sanctum, and the pradakshina patha contains several sub-shrines. The Sthala Vriksham is the Athi tree, and the temple theertham is Sri Theertham.
The temple was established when Narasimha worship flourished in South India. Krishnagiri region was part of important trade and pilgrimage routes, and the temple remained a spiritual centre for devotees seeking courage, protection, and stability. Local trustees and devotees have revived the temple, retaining its ancient identity
According to legend, the region was once surrounded by forests and rocky terrain, and people lived in constant fear of natural dangers and negative influences. Devotees prayed to Lord Vishnu, who manifested here as Lakshmi Narasimha, in a peaceful form with Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. The Sri Chakra beneath the deity protects the area from evil. Devotees believe that prayers here remove fear, restore mental strength, and resolve obstacles, making it a popular place for Narasimha dosha pariharam and family welfare prayers
Major festivals include Narasimha Jayanti, Sri Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ratha Saptami, Hanuman Jayanthi, and Gokulashtami, celebrated with special poojas and abhishekams.
