Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is situated in temple town named Antarvedi of Sakhinetipalle Mandal, located in the East Godavari district of the Andhra Pradesh state in India. The temple is situated at the place where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari, a tributary of the Godavari River, meet.It was built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Shrine’s History
Also known as “Dakshina Kashi , Antarvedi, is an important pilgrim centre in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state in India, situated at the interior part of East coast. Lord Brahma, in order to get freed from the sins he had committed against Lord Sankara, had performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela kantheswara there. As that place was made a stage or “Vedik” to perform the Yagam, it was named as “ANTARVEDI” It is a small village in Sakhinetipalle Mandal which is located close to Narsapur near the Bay of Bengal Coast and Vashishtha River. This river is said to have been brought by Maharishi Vashishtha, one of the Sapthrishis(seven great sages) of Hindu Mythology.
It draws people from far off places throughout the year because of its unique rarity: the confluence or mergence of Bay of Bengal and Vashishtha River, a tributary of River Godavari. The place of confluence where the mighty ocean Bay of Bengal meets the Vashishtha River is called the “Sapta Sagara Sangam Pradesam” and also as “Anna Chelli Gattu”. One can even taste the water here as it is not salty but quite. Unbelievable but true This place is the last and the most important of the seven sacred bathing places. It is popularly believed that the Tretha Yugam episode of Ksheera Sagara Mathanam took place here. The temple is called as an island temple because of its confluence. This temple is among the rarities as the main Deity i.e. Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy who faces towards West instead of East constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries. This is 32 kshetra of 108 Narashima kshetrams.
It is a temple of 5 storeyed Vimana Gopuram. As one enters the temple one can Garuda on one side and Bhaktha Anjaneya on the other side of the temple entrance. While approaching “Garbha Gudi” one can see an adorable “Vatapatra Sayi” on its roof. The idol is made of a single stone. In the Garbha Gudi, one can have a darshan of the magnificent Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy with his Consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi on his lap. After the darshan, one has to go around the sanctum, as there are different deities.
On the east side of the prakaram, is Goddess Rajyalakshmi and Lord Venkateshwara, to the north side is Bhoodevi and Ranganadha Swamy, to the west side of the prakaram is Santhana Gopala Swamy and Keshava Swamy, and finally to the south side of the prakaram is the Acharyas and Alwars sannidhi and Chaturbhuja Anjaneya. Apart from the presiding Deity, Lord Narasimha Swamy, there are also Deities of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. A temple of Neelakanteshwara is also present which is located at the other side, almost nearer to the bank of the Godavari, also called, Vasishta Godavari is a must see. This deity was installed by Lord Sri Rama and is said to be worshipped by Brahma himself.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
There are a number of buses available from Kakinada and Rajahmundry also. Or one can board a bus at Hyderabad to Razole, wherein they can go to Malkipuram and thereto Antarvedi.
By Rail
who travel by train, one can either a board or get down at either Rajahmundry or Narsapur
By Air
The nearest airport is Rajahmundry.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Every year on the day before Bhishma Ekadashi . Dashami, which is observed Magha Shukla Ekadashi in Magha Masam Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Kalyanotsavam is celebrated with much enthusiasm. On the Bhishma Ekadashi, the Rath Yatra is celebrated. Devotees in huge number attend to watch the Celestial Wedding and take the holy dip at the sangamam .During the month of November, throngs of devotees come to the temple premises to witness the Deity of Narasimha Swamy without any of the ornaments, garb, or chandanam that normally adorn the Lord’s Form. In the month of Phalguna , the Lord’s chariot procession is held. Dole pournami celebrations are also held when the Lord is worshipped with panchamrita abhishekam. Sri Venkateswara Swamy kalyanam. Sri Narasimha Jayanthi is the other festivals celebrated here.
