Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, also known as Sri Vajrakshetra, is situated in Thyagarajanagar, Bengaluru.The temple is believed to be approximately 80 years old, having been built in the mid-20th century. Over the decades, it has grown into a popular place of worship. Residents consider the temple a guardian of the locality, believing that Lord Narasimha’s protective energy has kept the area safe and spiritually vibrant.
The main deity of the temple is Sri Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha, Lord Narasimha, along with Goddess Lakshmi, blessing devotees with protection (abhaya) and prosperity. The temple also houses shrines for Sri Seetha Rama (Pattabhirama) and the revered Kambada (pillar) Narasimha. Together, the temple complex forms what devotees call a “Vajrakshetra”, a divine triangular formation of Narasimha shrines—Narasimha Stambha, Kubera Lakshmi Narasimha and Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha.
The temple follows a traditional Dravidian style, though it is compact to suit its urban setting. The sanctum has a simple but graceful gopuram (tower), and the interiors highlight the Narasimha stambha (pillar), reminding devotees of the Lord’s appearance from a pillar to save Prahlada. The triangular arrangement of shrines, known as Vajrakshetra, is considered unique and spiritually powerful, guiding devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation) especially.
The Sthalapuraṇa of Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (Sri Vajrakshetra) says that this holy place is blessed as a Vajrakshetra, a powerful triangular energy field formed by three divine manifestations of Lord Narasimha within the temple—the Narasimha Stambha recalling the pillar from which the Lord appeared to save Prahlada, Kubera Lakshmi Narasimha symbolizing prosperity and wealth along with Goddess Lakshmi, and Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha, the main deity who grants fearlessness and protection. This arrangement represents the eternal truth of the Bhagavata Purana, where Lord Vishnu manifested from a pillar to destroy Hiranyakashipu and uphold dharma.
A very special and unique practice in the Abhaya Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is connected to the shrine of Kambada Narasimha. Devotees believe that rubbing their back against the sacred pillar (kambha/stambha) in front of Kambada Narasimha helps remove obstacles, ward off negative energies, and bring relief from difficulties in life. This act symbolizes surrender to Lord Narasimha, who once appeared from a pillar to destroy evil and protect Prahlada. By leaning their back on the pillar, devotees express faith that Narasimha will stand behind them as a protector, removing fear and granting strength to face challenges. This simple but powerful ritual is considered one of the highlights of the temple, drawing devotees from different parts of Bengaluru.
The main festival of the temple is Narasimha Jayanti, celebrated with special pujas and homes. Tuesdays are important for Narasimha worship, and on Pournami (full moon days) special pujas like Bhutaraja Seva are performed.
