Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Penchalakona Narasimha Swamy Temple

Andhra Pradesh, Nellore, Amaravathi

Situated at Penchalakonda in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, Penchalakona Narasimha Swamy temple is a famous ancient temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha along with his consort Goddess Lakshmi. Here, Lord Narasimha is also known as Chakravartin Narasimha Swamy.

Legend

According to the legends, Lord Vishnu took Narasimha avatar and killed the demon Hiranyakashipa to rescue Prahlad. After killing the demon Lord arrived in the forest in Ugra Swarupa and in order to cool him Goddess Sridevi followed him as Chenchu Lakshmi who was the daughter of the leader of Chenchu tribe. After calming down, the Lord married Chenchu Lakshmi and later manifested himself here as a huge rock. The idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is also known as Somasila Narasimha Swamy which is self-manifested on a huge rock in Yog Mudra or meditative position. Hence, the shrine got its name as Penusila as the idol of Lord was found on a rock. Later the place became popular as Penchalakona.

Architecture

The temple was built according to Agama Shilpa Shastra(rules of temple architecture). The temple has beautiful raja gopuram with portraits of various gods and goddesses on it. The idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is self-manifested on a huge rock in Yog Mudra or meditative position. The only construction that seems to have been built about 670 years ago was the Garbhalayam (sanctum).

Darsan Info

05:00 AM To 09:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear modest and clean clothes and avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

Dussehra, Navratri and Utsavalu are celebrated in a grand manner. In Vaisaka Masa, on the occasion of Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi, Brahmostavams is celebrated for 5 days.

Culture

The culture of Nellore is very vibrant and unique. The linguists from the city played a pivotal role in the evolution of Telugu as a language. The ancient dance forms of Annamayya, Kuchipudi and Tyagaraja are still practised in the city. Harikatha, an ancient form of storytelling, is an experience not to be missed in Nellore. Religious festivals are closely intertwined with the lives of the people. Some of the important festivals celebrated in the city are Sankranthi, Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, Ugadi and Diwali. Telugu movies and songs are a major source of entertainment in Nellore while shopping centres like Subhamastu Shopping Mall and CMR Family Shopping Mall are popular hubs of leisure.