Hello everyone, welcome to my blog. Today I want to write about one of the historical divine destinations and pride of Nellore “Penchalakona”. Penchalakona is a small village located in Rapur Mandal of Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh and it is situated in the thick forest of Penchalanakona Valley. 

Penchalakona is a pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Narasimha along with his consorts Adi Lakshmi and Chenchu Lakshmi. According to historical records, this temple was built in Satya-yuga, and the deity inside the temple is Swayambhu(formed on his own).

There is a folklore behind this temple. After killing Hiranyaksha, Lord Narasimha unable to control his anger went to Penchalakona forest there he met tribal head Chenchu Raju's daughter Chenchu Lakshmi who was playing with her friends. Her friends ran away after seeing the fierce looks of Narasimha while Chenchu Lakshmi didn't. Looking at Chenchu's bravery Narasimha married her. After knowing this, Adi Lakshmi got angry, distanced herself from Narasimha, and moved to the riverside.

After many years, a shepherd from Gonupali (Chenchu Lakshmi's birthplace) went to Penchalakona to feed his sheep. Lord Narasimha disguised himself as an old man and asked the shepherd to convey his message to villagers to build a temple in Penchalakona for Lord Narasimha. He advised the shepherd not to look back while going but the shepherd turned back and the Narasimha Swamy(old man) became a statue. The Statue of the deity consists of two rocks one is human and another in animal form. Since these two rocks are joined together the deity is known as “Penusila Narasimha Swamy”. After that, the villagers constructed the temple and shifted the statues inside the temple. They also built a separate temple for Maa Adi Lakshmi in the temple premises.

Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located on the banks of the Kandeluru River with a beautiful atmosphere. Even though the temple is situated in a dense forest no poisonous creatures can harm you. So, God also named “Kondikasulu and VendiKasulu”. People can also see Lord Hanuman temple in front of the main temple. Devotees visit Hanuman Temple after praying at Narasimha Swamy temple.

Every year, during the Vaisakha month an annual festival is held in the temple in the name of Narasimha Jayanti. People from distant places visit the temple to see the festival. 

Penchalakona is still under development. For the past 15 years, the head of the temple authority started providing basic needs and good accommodation for the devotees.

Penchalakona is one of the tourist attractions and pilgrimage centers for people who want to soak in devotion and adventure.

Thanks for reading.