The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu here. It is believed that Lord Vishnu has come from Kasi to this place to prove that one of his devotees is innocent. Hence, Ponnuru is also called Chinna Kasi. The annual festival to this temple occurs in the month of May, which is celebrated as Tirunalla?.
Shrine’s History
As per the Legends, A Brahmin by the Name Kesavaiah was childless and used to visit holy shrines with his brother-in-law Govindudu. Kesavaiah had promised Govindudu at the premises of Lord Narayana in Kasi that he will give his daughter to Govindudu for marriage. With blessings from Kasi Narayana, Kesavaiah was blessed with a baby girl and named her AkkaLakshmi. When Akkalakshmi attained the age for marriage, Govindudu expressed his interest to Kesavaiah in marrying Akkalakshmi. Kesavaiah discarded his proposal and asked him for the witness. Govindudu went to Kasi and prayed Lord Vishnu to act his witness. Impressed Lord Narayana manifested in Ponnur and acted as the witness for the Kesavaiah’s promise. Hence, the name Sakshi Bhavanarayana Swamy. It is also said that Lord Siva also came along with Narayana as the witness and manifested here. It is believed that Lord Brahma used to take a bath at Brahma Pushkarini while performing penance at Ghostivanam.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Government and Private Bus services are available from all major places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to reach Sri Sakshi Bhava Narayana Swamy Temple.
By Rail
The Nearest railway station to Sri Sakshi Bhava Narayana Swamy Temple is Nidubrolu Railway Station which is 2km away.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Gannavaram Airport which is 78km away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach Sri Sakshi Bhava Narayana Swamy Temple.
