Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Andhra Pradesh

Address

Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Penchalakona, Rapu Mandal, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – 524 414. Phone: + 9491000737

Deity

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Amman: Chenchu Lakshmi

Introduction

• Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is an ancient and revered temple located in Penchalakona, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped alongside his consort, Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi.
• Lord Narasimha Swamy is regarded as a Swayambhu deity, which means the deity manifested itself. The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and holds immense religious significance.

Puranic Significance

• The temple, part of the Narasimha Kshetras, was built according to the Agama Shilpa Sastra and dates back to ancient times. It is said that Lord Narasimha Swamy, also known as Somasila Narasimha Swamy, manifested in the form of a large rock, seated in a meditative posture.
• The name Penusila derives from the large rock on which the Lord appeared. This name was later modified to Penchalakona.
• According to legends, when Lord Narasimha Swamy went to Bhairavakona to defeat demons harassing the sages, the sages held umbrellas over him. Hence, the place is also known as Chatravata, and Lord Narasimha Swamy is also called Chatravati Narasimha Swamy. In honor of this event, devotees offer gold and silver umbrellas to the deity.

Chenchu Lakshmi and Lord Narasimha

• After defeating the demon Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha’s fury did not subside, so Goddess Lakshmi appeared as a tribal woman named Chenchu Lakshmi to calm him down. She hugged Lord Narasimha at this site, which in Telugu is referred to as “Penu Vesukonuta” (hug). Thus, the place came to be called Penusila, which evolved into Penchalakona.
• As the legend goes, Lord Narasimha Swamy married Chenchu Lakshmi and manifested himself as a large rock in the forest. Another version suggests that after slaying the demon, the Lord bathed at Penchalakona to rid himself of his ferocious form, manifesting as a rock in Yoga Mudra (meditative posture). This is why the place is also referred to as Penusila Kona, meaning “Huge Rock Corner.”

Special Features

• The Kandaleru River, which originates from waterfalls in the surrounding mountains, flows near the temple in a northward direction. It is said that the sage Kanva Maharishi meditated upon Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in this area, and thus the river was initially named Kanvamukhi, later becoming known as Kandaleru River.

Festivals

• The Navaratri festival is celebrated with grandeur at the temple, where special poojas and abhishekams are performed along with regular rituals.
• In the month of Vaisakha (April-May), the temple celebrates the Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi, which marks the deity’s birthday. During this time, a five-day Brahmotsavam is held, drawing thousands of devotees from the districts of Kadapa, Prakasam, Nellore, and even from Tamil Nadu.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Penchalakona

Nearest Railway Station

Rapur, Nellore

Nearest Airport

Tirupati

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