Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated at foot of the Penchalakona Valley which is located in the Penchalakona Village of Raipur Mandal in Nellore district. Lord Narasimha is present in this temple since the Satya-yuga in the swayambhu form.
History of Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
After killing the demon Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha’s anger did not subside. To subdue His anger, Lord Narasimha began traversing the entire Earth. When He visited this forest, Mother Lakshmi appeared here as Chenchu Lakshmi, a tribal lady and embraced the Lord. As soon as She did so, Lord Narasimha calmed down and manifested Himself as a huge sacred rock.
In the Telugu language, embracing translates to ‘penu vesukonuta’ and rock translates to ‘sila’. Hence the name Penusila. As the time went by, the place came to be known as Penchalakona. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is in the yoga-mudra form and also known as Somasila Narasimha Swamy. This is one of the Nava Narasimha Kshetras of Andhra and Telangana.
Festivals of Penusila Temple
The Annual festival of the temple brahmostavam starts on Vishaka Shudda ekadaashi during the month of APR and May, which is a Major festival at Penchalakona and is celebrated over 5 days every year. In the Vaisaka Masam Brahmostavas are ruined 5 days on the event of birthday of Narasinha Swamy. Chenchu tribes are given first significance in this Utsavas. To begin with Nivedyam is offered by Chenchu tribes in this Brahmostavas. They offer natural products, nectar to their child in-law.
Architecture of Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
The Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is existing from Satya-yuga. The temple is constructed in the Vaishnava Agama Shipa Shastra. It has a huge Rajagopuram in front. There is a Kanvamukhi River nearby the temple which is now called as Kandaleru. Kanva Rishi had performed tapasya near the bank of this river, hence the name. On the opposite bank of the river, there is Adi Lakshmi Devi Temple.
When Lord Narasimha had come here, He went to nearby Bhairavakona to kill the demons who were disturbing the sages there. Out of respect, the rishis held umbrella atop Him. Hence Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is also called as Chatravata Narasimha Swamy. Even today devotees offer silver and gold umbrellas to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
Temple Timings of Penusila Narasimha Swamy Temple
The temple opens every day at 6:30 for Sarva Darshan till 12:30 pm. In the evening, the temple is open from 3 pm to 7:45 pm.
Best time to visit Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Although the temple can be visited all throughout the year, it is best advised to visit it during the winter months. The ideal time shall be November to February. Remaining time it is quite hot. Summers are intensive. Avoid visiting the temple during the festival period if you wish to relish the darshan of the Lord.
How to reach Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple?
Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located 30 kms from Raipur, 70 kms from Nellore and 85 kms from Razampet. The best way to visit the temple is to join the upcoming Divya Narasimha Yatra by Tirtha Yatra, with all the arrangements taken care.
On your own, you may explore this temple as follows:
By Air – the nearest airport is Tirupati or Kadapa. From Tirupati one can travel to Nellore by taxi or train and then take a taxi to Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
By train – the nearest railway station in Rapur. From there it is better to take a taxi to reach the temple easily. You may also travel by bus to Penchalakona. While coming from Chennai by train, one can get down at South Gudur Railway Station and travel to Penchalakona.
By road – the Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated by National Highway 565. Travelling by taxi is a good option. From Nellore the bus connectivity could also be checked to reach the temple. Direct buses are available from Gudur to Penchalakona.
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