Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple- Andhra Pradesh

Address

Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple- Devarapalem, Vedagiri, Andhra Pradesh 524004

Deity

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Amman: Chenchu Lakshmi

Introduction

• Sri Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Narasimha Konda, is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated on the banks of the Penna River (also known as Pinakini or Penneru) and is dedicated to Swayambhu Lord Narasimha Swamy, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• The temple is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Vedagiri Hills and is approximately 15.6 km from Nellore city, historically known as Vikrama Simhapuri.
• The temple’s goddess is known as Chenchu Lakshmi, and the temple’s serene surroundings make it a spiritually uplifting destination for pilgrims.

Puranic Significance

Temple Origins and Legend

• Ancient inscriptions on the temple walls suggest that it was first constructed by the Pallava king, Narasimha Varma, in the 9th century AD.
• According to legend, in ancient times, mountains had wings and could fly. Malayagiri, one such mountain, was traveling from Kanyakumari to the Himalayas when one of its wings fell at Vedagiri (present-day Narasimha Konda). The other wings fell at Yadagiri, Mangalagiri, and Nandagiri. Saddened by the loss of its wings, Malayagiri worshipped Lord Vishnu, who granted it the boon that the places where the wings fell would be considered sacred and become centers of worship, each with a Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple.

Saptha Rishis and Homam

• The Sri Brahma Purana states that Sage Kashyapa and the Saptha Rishis (seven great sages)—Atri, Vasistha, Vishvamitra, Gautama Maharishi, Jamadagni, and Bharadvaja—performed a Yagna (sacred fire ritual) on Narasimha Konda. They set up seven homa kundams (sacrificial pits) on the hilltop.
• Sri Narasimha Swamy is believed to have emerged from the homam in the form of a divine light. This light traveled northward and entered a cave on the hilltop, where Kashyapa Maharishi installed the murti (idol) of Sri Narasimha on a day associated with Swathi Nakshatra, the birth star of Lord Narasimha.
• The deity of Sri Narasimha has four hands—the lower hands symbolize blessings of abundance and protection, while the upper hands hold a conch and the holy wheel.

Special Features

Ashwathama’s Penance

• A legend surrounding the temple suggests that Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya, is still performing penance in an immortal form at Narasimha Konda, as ordained by Lord Krishna, to atone for the sin of killing Draupadi’s sons during the Mahabharata war.

Sanctums

• The sanctum of Sri Narasimha Swamy is located atop a hillock, accessed by a few steps. Nearby, at another elevated structure, the sanctum of Sri Chenchu Lakshmi (also known as Sri Adi Lakshmi) is situated, honoring the consort of Lord Narasimha.

Sri Rama’s Visit

• According to the Aranya Kandam of the Ramayana, Sri Rama visited Narasimha Konda and worshipped Lord Narasimha while wandering the forests during his vanvas (exile).

Festivals

• Days associated with the Swathi Nakshatra (star) are considered especially auspicious and are celebrated with special pujas.
• The annual Brahmotsavam festival, held in May, is a grand celebration, coinciding with Sri Narasimha Jayanti, which falls just before the full moon day of Vaisakha Pournami.

Century/Period/Age

9th century AD.

Nearest Bus Station

Vedagiri

Nearest Railway Station

Nellore railway station

Nearest Airport

Tirupati

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