About
The Deity at this temple is also called Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy who is Swayambhu i.e. self-manifested. Here two shilas are intertwisted thereby forming a lion head over a man’s body. In Telugu, Penu means twisted and Sila means stone which means twisted stone. The temple location is historically famous as the place where Sage Kanva used to perform austerities. The temple is located in the Penchalakona valley.
Apart from Narasimha Jayanthi, the Penchala Swamy festival is popular here which goes on from Vaisakha Shuddha Dwadashi to Bahula Padyami i.e. for a period of 5 days. As in Tirumala, devotees offer their hair during this festival.
Somasila Narasimha Swamy is another name to the Lord here in this temple. This temple is one of the Nine manifestations of Narasimha Swamy.
The Temple Legend:
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 Penu Vesukonuta. Thus the place got the name Penusila, as time passes by the name changed to Penchalakona.
How to reach Temple?
Direct buses are available From Gudur Bus station, Near Railway station To Rapur. From Raipur, one can reach Penchalakona.
Those who are planning from Chennai, South Gudur is the nearest station. From Chennai Central to Nellore, Local sub trains are available with fare Rs. 35 To 40 for 110 Km
Fairs & Festivals at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Penchalakona
Brahmotsavam starts on Vaisaka Sudda Ekadasi and goes for 5 days, the celebration occurs during the months of Apr and May. Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi will be celebrated in a grand. Devotees from Kadapa, Prakasam District, Nellore, Tamil Nadu used to take part during this festival.