- Vishnu
Penusila Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple
- Penchalakona,Andhra Pradesh
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Overview
Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is established at Penchalakonda in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. This shrine is considered among one of the Nava Narasimha Kshetras. The temple is believed to be constructed before the 670 years as a sanctum, which had been neglected gradually.
About the temple
Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is an ancient, holy temple. It was built according to Agama Shilpa Shastra. The temple has beautiful raja gopuram with portraits of various gods and goddesses on it. When Lord Narasimha Swamy arrived at Bhairavakona for his wedding with Chenchu Lakshmi, the sages held umbrellas for Lord. Hence, this place is known as Chatravata. And the Lord is also known as Chakravartin Narasimha Swamy. The devotees offer silver and golden umbrellas to the Lord Narasimha Swamy. The temple also has a shrine of Lord Anjaneya Swamy. Kandaleru River flows behind the temple which arises from the waterfalls of the mountain ranges. It is believed that sage Kanva stayed here and did penance. Hence, the river is named for Kanvamukhi River. This river is also known as Kandaleru.
About The Deity
The prime deity in this shrine is Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu along with his consort Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi. The image of the Lord is self formed in which two stones appear to be twisted to from a lion’s head. The Lord is named as the "Penisula Shri Lakshmi Narasimaha Swamy" which in Telugu means 'Penu' - twist and 'Sila' is stone. The idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is also known as Somasila Narasimha Swamy.
Legend and Stories
Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Narasimha Swamy (Body is of Human and Head is of Lion) to kill the demon Hiranyakasyapa. Even after killing the demon, the anger was not controlled and he started roaming the forests. To control his anger, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of tribal lady 'Chenchu Lakshmi' to please Narasimha Swamy. Chenchu Lakshmi hugged Narasimha swamy at this place to control the anger. Hug in Telugu called as Penu Vesukonuta. Thus the place got the name 'Penusila', as time passes by the name changed to Penchalakona. Another version of Penchalakona, Lord after killing demon Hiranya Kasyapa took the bath in Penchalakona to withdraw Narasimha Avatar and shed the anger and fierceness. Lord Narasimha Swamy manifested here in Yoga Mudra. 'Penusila Kona' which means 'Huge Rock Corner'.
Festivals
Apart from regular Pujas and Abhishekams, Special pujas are performed on the occasions of Dasara, Navratri and Utsavalu in a grand manner. In Vaisaka Masa, on the occasion of Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi, Brahmostavams is celebrated for 5 days. The Chenchu tribes are given prime importance in this festival. The first Nivedyam such as fruits and honey are offered by Chenchu tribes to their son-in-law, Lord Narasimha.
How to Reach Penchalakona
The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, Renigunta which is 98 km from the temple. The nearest railway station which is 63 Km far from the temple is Gudur Junction. Government and private transportation are available from here to reach the temple. Buses are available from each and every place in Andhra Pradesh to reach the Penchalakona temple.
Temple Address
Penusila Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple,
Penchalakona, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh,
India, Pincode – 524414.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Fame
- Freedom from diseases
- Wealth
- Courage
- Relief from adverse effects from bad planetary aspects
- Relief from bondage
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.