Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located at Penchalakonda in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity in this shrine is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu along with His consort Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is a Swayambhu in this shrine.
Shrine’s History
Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple is a very ancient sacred place. This temple is built according to Agama Shilpa Sastra. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy also was known as Somasila Narasimhaswamy is manifested Himself on a huge rock in Yoga Mudra or meditative posture. Hence the shrine acquired its name as Penusila as Lord is found on a huge rock. Later it became famous as Penchalakona. This shrine is one of Nava Narasimha Kshetras. Beside the temple, Kandaleru River flows which originate from the waterfalls of the mountain ranges. It is believed that Kanva Maharshi stayed here and did penance upon Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. So the river got its name as Kanvamukhi River.
This river is also known as Kandaleru. This temple has beautiful rajagopuram with images of gods and goddesses carved on it. Lord Narasimha Swamy went to Bhairavakona to kill the demons those who were torturing Rishis. Rishis caught umbrellas for Lord, so this place is called as Chatravata. So Lord is also called as Chatravati Narasimha Swamy. As a reason, Devotees offer silver and gold umbrellas to the Lord Narasimha Swamy.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Lord Vishnu took Narasimha avataram to kill the demon Hiranyakashipa. After killed the demon Lord moved to this forest in Ugra Rupa. In order to cool His anger, Goddess Sridevi came to Him as Chenchu Lakshmi. Cenchu Lakshmi is the daughter of King for Chenchu tribe. Lord married Chenchu Lakshmi and manifested Himself here as the huge rock.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Govt RTC buses are available from all the places in Andhra Pradesh to reach the temple at Penchalakona which is 70 km from Nellore.
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is Gudur Junction which is 63 km away from the temple. Govt RTC buses are available from here to reach the temple.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, Renigunta which is 98 km from the temple. Bus and Taxi services are available from here to access the temple.
Shrine Timings
6.00 am to 7.30 pm
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Apart from regular poojas and abhishekams, special poojas are performed on Dasara, Navratri Utsavalu is celebrated in a grand manner. In Vaisaka Masam Brahmostavams are celebrated for 5 days on the occasion of Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi.
