Sholinghur

Sholinghur is a town under Walajapet taluk in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The town is famous in Tamil Nadu and other neighboring states for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Sholinghur was once ruled by the Chola Empire, Nawabs of Arcot and Tippu Sultan.EtymologyThe first name for this town was Thirukkadigai. This signifies its status as one of the 108 Divya Desams in Vaishnavism. The reason behind the name Thirukkadigai is due to one of the following myths. It is believed by historians that sage Vishwamitra attained Brahmarishi title by worshiping Narasimha there for around 45 minutes. It is said in sculptures that saptha rishis had vision and blessings from Lord Narasimha for a duration of time, termed as 'Kadigai' (approximately 45 minutes) and hence the name 'Thirukkadigai'. It is also believed that Indra, with his demigods, would take a bath in the pushkarni and pray to Narasimha. The name of pushkarni is 'Thakkan'. The Pushkarni is believed by historians to have medicated water which cures all diseases. Budha (son of Chandra) worshipped the deity there and was cured from the curse given by sage Durvasa. Many mental disorders, evil acts and prolonged diseases of any kinds are believed to be cured when people take bath in the pushkarni and pay obeisance to the lords on the two hillocks. During the days of Cholas & Nawabs, the name Thirukkadigai was less used and the name Chozha Lingapuram acquired prominence.