Chengannur village in central travancore (in Alappuzha district) is blessed by an ancient Narasimha Swamy Temple which is known as Sastham Kulangara (Chathankulangara) Temple which is on the banks of Pamba River and only half a kilometer away from the famous Chengannur Mahadeva Temple (also renowned as Chengannur Devi temple because of the importance given to Devi) and is is believed to be older than the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.
In this temple, as a customary, women are not allowed to enter the 'Naalambalam'. But some years back during a 'Deva Prasnam' (astrological foretells) it was made clear that God does not have any objection to allow women devotees inside the temple. But then also some women are still afraid to enter inside the temple. The deity was installed by a Sage known as Muchira Swamiyar. When Muchira Swamiyar stayed at Chengannur, he used to perform rituals and offerings to Lord Narasimha Swami and it is believed that, meanwhile, women were not allowed inside the temple.
The deity is believed to be in a pleasant disposition and is worshipped as 'Lakshmi Narasimha Moorthy' (Narasimha Swami with Goddess Lakshmi Devi on his lap). Outside the sanctum Sanctorum there are so many ancient paintings and sculptures on wooden planks which depict scenes from Ramayana, Bhagavatha etc. which dates back to several centuries but still look pretty impressive. Because of these ancient paintings and sculptures the Archaeological Department of India has taken over the protection of this temple. There are twenty one important puranic figures and scenes in this temple, the most impressive being the one depicting Sita devi in Asoka Vana. Other exquisite wood carvings which can be seen in the temple are Gajendramoksha, Dashavathara,
Ananthashayana, Shivaparvathy, Hanuman, Sita, Narasimha etc.
Another special mention needs to say is about Lord Ganapathy idol of this temple. It is 'Lakshmi Sametha Ganapathy' which is very auspicious and rare. The temple premises are very calm and serene and one can feel an ancient scent as soon as we step into the Naalambalam. The temple is also having a copper flag mast.
