What is the sthala katha — the legend — of Narsingh Temple, Joshimath?

Early medieval · Hindu · India

Narsingh Temple, Joshimath

जोशीमठ

Joshimath (Jyotirmath), Chamoli, Uttarakhand · 30.5550°, 79.5650°

Narasimha (Narsingh avatar of Vishnu)Adi Shankara (trad.)—Divya Desam

Sacred since

700 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

trad. founded by Adi Shankara (8th c.)

Adi Shankara (trad.)

History & significance

The main temple of Joshimath, seat of the uttaramnaya matha founded by Adi Shankara, whose Narasimha idol is traditionally held to have been installed by the acharya himself. It is revered among the 108 Vishnu shrines sung by the Tamil Alvar saints.

Sthala katha — the legend

The idol's left wrist grows ever thinner; when it finally breaks, the Nar and Narayan mountains are to merge and Badrinath will reappear as a black stone at Bhavishya Badri.

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