Penchalakona
| Penchalakona Arani kona | |
|---|---|
| village | |
 | |
  Penchalakona  Penchalakona Location in Andhra Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates: 14°20′20″N 79°24′45″E / 14.338904°N 79.412613°ECoordinates: 14°20′20″N 79°24′45″E / 14.338904°N 79.412613°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Nellore |
| Named for | Temple |
| Government | |
| • Body | Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Vaari Devasthanam |
| Elevation | 914.4 m (3,000.0 ft) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Vehicle registration | AP |
| Nearest city | Rapur |
| Website | http://www.penchalakona.co.in/ |
Penchalakona 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).
Location
This village is located in Rapur mandal of Nellore city district in Andhra Pradesh. It is 70 km from Nellore city. Penchalakona houses the temple of Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy, which is situated at the foot of a hill. It is believed that Kanva Maharshi did his penance here.
The annual festival[1] of the temple, during the month of April and May, is a major event at Penchalakona. Devotees from near and far distances congregate for Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi with great devotion.
[2] The river Kandaleru 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 and empties itself in to the Bay of Bengal sea near Krishnapatnam. Krishnapatnam Port is located on Kandaleru creek.
Waterfall, lake and dam
The water fall coming from the hill where the Lord lies, flows down in the northward direction. In ancient days a devotee, Maharishi (Saint) by name ‘Kanva’ dwelling was on the banks of this river and used this for his basic needs. So, this lake is named after him as ‘Kanvayeru’. As ages passed, the name was changed to ‘Kandaleru’. A dam was constructed downstream of this lake in 1995. Its name is known by its river as Kandaleru Dam. The dam supplies irrigation water to many surrounding villages and provides livelihood to many natives.
Different routes to reach 'Kona': People from Andhra Pradesh and surrounding areas can come to PenchalaKona enroute Rajampeta – Rapuru. There is a bus facility from Rapuru to Penchalakona every half an hour. Distance around 30 Km. People coming from Vijayawada and Vizag should take the train route till Nellore. From Nellore, there is a bus to Penchalakona every hour. The distance is around 75 Km. People coming from Tirupati and surroundings can reach here via VenkataGiri and Rapuru. Distance from Tirupati is 115 Km. People from Tamil Nadu, Chennai and other southern parts can come till Guduru on train. From there they can come here by bus via Rapuru. Distance from Guduru is 65 Km.
Places to visit
Penchalakona waterfalls
Drive from Nellore to Penchalakona temple
References
- ↑ The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Briefly
- ↑ Page no 849. Vol VII of the Imperial Gazette of India by W.W. Hunter CIE. Director general of statistics to Govt. of India Yr. 1881
http://www.penchalakona.co.in/