Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Narasingapuram

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple is in the village of Narasingapuram, 21 km from Arakkonam and around 55 km from Chennai. It is a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture, with delicately sculpted pillars, but its history runs further back: of 14 inscriptions here, two from the Andal shrine's base date to Kulothunga Chola I and Vikrama Chola I. Most of the rest, in Sanskritised Telugu, belong to the Vijayanagara emperor Achyuta Deva Raya, younger brother of Krishnadevaraya, and record gifts and renovation, several dated between 1533 and 1536; the latest is from 1608.

The deity is called Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar because he holds Lakshmi close; he appears calm and smiling, with her on his lap. The two embrace each other, and Lakshmi faces the devotees rather than the god. The Garuda image is about four feet tall and wears 16 serpents as ornaments. Devotees believe that worship on nine Swathi star days removes troubles of health, wealth and marriage. The village name is thought to come from Narasa Nayakar Puram.