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Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri

Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

The Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu shrine located on the sacred hill of Mangalagiri, near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who appeared as half-lion and half-man to protect his devotee Prahlada and destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu.

॥ उग्रं वीरं महाविष्णुं ज्वलन्तं सर्वतोमुखम् ।
नृसिंहं भीषणं भद्रं मृत्युमृत्युं नमाम्यहम् ॥

Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham |
Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityum Mrityum Namamyaham ||

― Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

The temple is unique because the main offering to the deity is Panakam (a sweet jaggery water drink), which gives the temple its name

Mythological Significance & History

The temple is believed to date back to ancient times, with references in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and other scriptures.
According to legend, after slaying Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha came to Mangalagiri to bless devotees and accepted Panakam as an offering to cool his fierce form.
The hill itself is considered sacred, believed to resemble the shape of an elephant lying down, with the temple located at its mouth.
The temple was supported and renovated by several dynasties, including the Vijayanagara rulers and local kings.

Significance of the Temple

The deity here is worshipped in the form of a wide-open mouth, where devotees directly pour Panakam (jaggery water) as an offering. It is believed that the Lord consumes half of the Panakam, and the rest comes back as prasadam.
Interestingly, even though large quantities of jaggery water are offered daily, no ants or insects are ever found in the sanctum – a divine mystery of the temple.
Devotees believe that offering Panakam removes anger, sins, and ill fortune, and grants peace, health, and prosperity.
This temple is one of the eight important Mahakshetras of Lord Narasimha in India, making it a key pilgrimage site

Architecture of the Temple

The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style, with a grand gopuram (entrance tower) constructed under the patronage of the Vijayanagara rulers.

The sanctum is unique because it features only the mouth of Lord Narasimha.

The temple hill has stone inscriptions, carvings, and small shrines dedicated to other deities along the pathway.

The climb up the hill offers a divine atmosphere with panoramic views of Mangalagiri town and the Krishna River

How to Reach to Temple

By Road: The temple is well-connected by road. It is 12 km from Vijayawada and 25 km from Guntur. Regular buses, autos, and taxis are available.

By Train: The nearest station is Mangalagiri Railway Station (2 km away), with Vijayawada Junction (12 km away) being the major railhead.

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Temple Location

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