Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Penchalakona, Andhra Pradesh

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Penusila Narasimha Swamy is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu in his lion-man form, Lord Narasimha. The deity is supposed to have appeared here as a huge rock in Yoga Mudra (contemplative posture). This village is located in Rapur mandal district of the city of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. It is located 70 km from the town of Nellore. Penchalakona is home to the Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is situated at the foot of a hill. Kanva Maharshi is believed to have done his penance here.

The annual temple festival, during the month of April and May, is a major event in Penchalakona. Devotees from near and far distances congregate for Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi with great devotion.

The Kandaleru River, as it is called now, originates from the waterfalls of the western and southern mountain ranges, it had another name Kanvayeru. The river flows through Rapur and empties into the sea of the Bay of Bengal near Krishnapatnam. The port of Krishnapatnam is located on the Kandaleru creek.

History

This is a very old holy place (center of piligrim). Lord Narasimha manifested here as a huge rock in “Yoga Mudra” (In an intertwined contemplative posture) and suddenly acquired the name of “PENUSILA” (Huge Rock) and over time became famous as “PENCHALAKONA” Legend says than after killing the demon Hiranyakashyapu. Lord Narsimha bathed in Penchalakona and withdrew that “Avatara” (Incarnation) from Narasimha, pouring out his anger and ferocity.

The Lord here is known as Somasila Narasimhaswamy and has become one of the Nava Narasimhas (Nine Manifestations). People believe that because the sage Kanva resided in the area in the past, the river that flows here acquired the name of Nadi and with the passage of time it became Kandaleru. It is also known that the temple was renovated in the 10th century.

Another story says that after killing the demon Hiranyakashyapu, Lord Vishnu was wandering through the forest. The goddess Sreedevi (Lakshmi) appeared as a trible Chenchu lady and after calming his anger, she embraced him as they say in thelugu, “Penu Vesukonuta”. Then this temple was called “PENUSILA”.

Transport

By Road:

There is a bus facility from Rapuru to Penchalakona every half an hour, which is a distance around 30 KM, from Nellore to Penchalakona every hour which is a distance of 75 KM. People coming from Tirupati and surroundings can reach here via Venkatagiri and Rapuru, which is at a distance of 115 Kilometers from Tirupati.

By Train:

People from Tamil Nadu Chennai and other southern parts can come till Guduru on train which is at a distance of 65 Kilometers from temple. People coming from Vijayawada and Vizag should take the train route till Nellore. From Nellore, for every hour will be a bus to Penchalakona, which is a distance around 75 Kilometers.there.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Tirupathi International Airport and the distance between airport and Nellore is 125.4 Kilometers. From Nellore, for every hour there will be a bus to Penchalakona, which is at a distance of 75 Kilometers.