SRI NARASIMHA DARSHANAM
BY.Sri.JEGANNAATHAN.K.S.
NARASIMHA DARSHANAM - 37
SRI NARASIMHA DARSHANAM 37
PENCHALAKONA
SRI MANTHRA RAAJA PADHA STHOTHRAM
sarvOapi yamm samAsrithya skalam bhadhram asnuthE
SriyA cha BhadhrayA jushtO Yastamm Bhadhram namamyaham (8)
(Meaning): adiyEn prostrates before the auspicious Narasimha BhagavAn who
showers us with all kinds of MangaLams including different kinds of wealth
on those who seek His rakshaNam and surrender themselves unto His sacred
feet .
Courtesy : http://www.sundarasimham.org/ebooks/ebook8.htm
Sri KaamAseekAshtaka StOtram
This is a very ancient sacred place (pilgrim centre). Lord Narasimha manifested
Himself here as a huge of rock in “Yoga mudra” (in an entwined contemplative
posture) and hence it acquired the name of “Penusila” (huge rock) and in course
of time became famous as “Penchalakona”. Legend has it that after slaying the
demon Hiranya Kasipa, Lord Narsimha bathed in Penchalakona and withdrew that
“Avatara”(incarnation) of Narasimha, shedding His anger and ferocity. The Lord
here goes by the name of Somasila Narasimhaswamy and has become one of
the Nava Narasimhas (nine manifestations).
In the prehistoric days Lord Sri Vishnu killed Hiranyakasipa and he was
moving around in the Forest, Goddess Sreedevi came in the disguise of
„Chenchu‟ tribe lady to calm down the anger of Lord Vishnu. She calms him
down and hugs him („Penu chesukonuta‟),so this temple(„kshetra‟) was
named „Penusila‟.Later on, as the days passed by the name changed to
„Penchalakona‟.This temple has lot of fame and is reputed as the ninth
kshetra of Lord Vishnu.
Penchalakona Mountain in Nellore Dt., Madras is the highest point in the eastern ghat
with in that district.
The Temple of Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimaha Swamy is situated at the foot of Hill
of the picturesque Penchalakona Valley. The history of the Temple is buried in a
hoary past and its “STHALAPURANA” indicates that it was a famed place as
“TAPOVAN” of KANVAMAHARSHI who performed penance. The river KANDLERU as it
is now called, originates from the water falls of the mountain ranges on the WEST
and the South, had another name KANVAYERU. The river flows through Rapur Taluk
and empties itself in the Bay of Bengal, Near Krishnapatnam.
The only construction that seems to have been at tempted about 670 years ago was
the Garbhalayam (SANCTUM SANCTORUM) which had gradually been left neglected.
And today it is in a state of virtual collapse. The image of the lord is a self
manifested one. ( SWAYAMBHU) Two stones inter twisted to from a lion‟s Head at55
SRI NARASIMHA DARSHANAM 37
PENCHALAKONA
the top. Hence the Lord is called “PENUSILA LAKSHMI NARASIMAHA SWAMY” I
Telugu “PENU” means twist and “SILA” is stone. After killing Hiranya Kasipa as
NARASIMAHA, Lord Vishnu married Chenchu Lakshmi in BHAIRAVAKONA, a place at
a short distance from Pensusilakona and killed the RAKSHASAS who were torturing
“RISHIS” . The Lord, Vishnu used to visit the lake every Saturday and as an evidence
a Silver Umbrella rose from the Lake. The DEITY is very powerful are renowned as
the saviour of chaste women.
Everyday gollabayadu used to go to the Kona to graze his cattle regularly from
Gonupalli. One day boyadu saw an old man who told him that Penusila Lakshmi
Narasimah Swamy established Himself in Kona. He asked boyadu to straight to the
village head an inform of this miracle. He turned back to see the old man. To his
astonishment the old man transformed himself into a rock.
After some time the village head dreamt of the situation and accepted that the
miracle was true. Then, the village head proceeded to build a temple and appointed
Archakas (PRIESTS) to perform Pooja to the Deity regularly. Sri Penusila Lakshmi
Narasimha Swamy as Penchala Swamy festival is celebrated every year from
viasakaha Sudda Dwadasi to Bahula Padyami (April-May) to five days. Devotees
fulfill their vows and offer hair to the Diety .