Located at Antarvedi, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also called an island temple because of the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Vashishtha River, a tributary of River Godavari. The temple was constructed between the 15th and 16th century. According to the inscriptions, it is said that the temple was rebuilt by Kopanati Krishnamma of Agni Kula Kshatriya in the year 1823 AD.

location Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari, Amaravathi

Legend

According to the legends, once Raktavilochana, son of the demon king Hiranyaksha performed a penance for Lord Siva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva gave boon to Raktavilochana that on each blood drop of Raktha Vilochana on earth will create a new Raktavilochana. Having this boon, Raktavilochana started troubling Sages and people on earth. For taking revenge on Sage Vashista, Sage Viswamitra diverted the Raktavilochana on Sage Vashista's 100 sons. To save his children, Sage Vashista prayed to Sage Vashista and promised to help him. During the battle, Raktavilochana gained more strength due to the boon given by Lord Shiva. Lord Narasimha understood this and created Maya Sakthi and asked her to stretch her tongue and cover the entire Earth so that the demon's blood drops will not touch the Earth. Later, Lord Narasimha killed Raktavilochana and he created a pool to wash his hands which later came to be known as Chakra Theertham. It is believed that whoever takes the bath in the Theertham will be relieved from the sins in the present life. Upon the request of Sage Vashista, Lord stayed at this place along with his Consort Lakshmi facing West direction.

Architecture

The temple has a 5 storeyed Vimana Gopuram. As one enters the temple one can see the Garuda on one side and Bhaktha Anjaneya on the other side of temple entrance. The idol of Lord Narasimha Swamy is made from a single stone. The temple houses other shrines within the temple complex.

Culture

The culture of East Godavari district is a rich traditional one in all parts of the district, and reflects the true culture of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for Veda-pandits, the Godavari River and the hospitality of the people. The Telugu language originated in this district (in Rajahmundry or Rajamahendri). East Godavari District has produced several stalwarts in area of culture, music, art and cinema. Poet and writer Devulapalli Krishnasastri, famous Musician and Singer M.Balamuralikrishna (Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna), P.B. Sreenivas, Adurthi Subba Rao, C. Pullaiah, Nandikolla Gopala Rao Father of modern contemporary art, N.V.Reddi Naidu (Painter), actress Jaya Prada belong to this district.Freedom fighter, social worker and politician Durgabai Deshmukh

Darsan Info

06:00 AM To 07:30 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear neat and modest clothes and avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

Kalyanamohasthavams Magh sudda Sapthami to Magha Bhhula Payamis,Sri Swamy Vari Kalyanam (Magha Sudda Dasami), Rathayatra Magha Sudha Ekadasi, Sri Venkateswara Swamy kalyanam, Jasta Sudha Ekadasi, Sri Narasimha Jayanthi (Vysakha Sudha Chaturdasi), Bheeshma Ekadasi, which is celebrated annually during the months of January or February. During this festival a Rath Yatra is performed.

Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and arati starts from 06:00 AM onwards. Daily seva's to be performed according to temple calender.

Additional Info

 

Anna Danam programme is conducted every day within the temple premises. Or one can even call the Devasthanam for enquiry/bookings.