Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

Antarvedi, is an important pilgrim centre in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state in India, situated at the interior part at East coast. Lord Brahma, in order to get freed from the sins he had committed against Lord Sankara, had performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela kantheswara there. As that place was made a stage or "Vedik" to perform the Yagam, it was named as "ANTARVEDI" It is a small village in Sakhinetipalle Mandal which is located close to Narsapur near the Bay of Bengal Coast and Vashishtha River. This river is said to have been brought by Maharishi Vashishtha, one of the Sapthrishis(seven great sages) of Hindu Mythology. It draws people from far off places throughout the year because of its unique rarity: the confluence or mergence of Bay of Bengal and Vashishtha River, a tributary of River Godavari. The place of confluence where the mighty ocean Bay of Bengal meets the Vashishtha River is called the "Sapta Sagara Sangam Pradesam" and also as "Anna Chelli Gattu". One can even taste the water here as it is not salty but quite sweet!!!! Unbelievable but true!!! This place is the last and the most important of the seven sacred bathing places. It is popularly believed that the Tretha Yugam episode of Ksheera Sagara Mathanam took place here.

The temple is called as an island temple because of its confluence. This temple is among the rarities as the main Deity i.e. Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy(one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) who faces towards West instead of East (usual direction of other temples in India) constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries. This is 32 kshetra of 108 Narashima kshetrams. It is a temple of 5 storeyed Vimana Gopuram. As one enters the temple one can Garuda on one side and Bhaktha Anjaneya on the other side of temple entrance. While approaching "Garbha Gudi" (Sanctum Sanctorum) one can see an adorable "Vatapatra Sayi" (Lord Krishna on a palm leaf) on its roof. The idol is made from a single stone. In the Garbha Gudi, one can have a darshan of the magnificient Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy with his Consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi on his lap.

After the darshan, one has to go around the sanctum, as there are different deities. On the east side of the prakaram(wall), is Goddess Rajyalakshmi and Lord Venkateshwara, to the north side is Bhoodevi and Ranganadha Swamy, to the west side of the prakaram is Santhana Gopala Swamy and Keshava Swamy, and finally to the south side of the prakaram is the Acharyas and Alwars sannidhi(small temples) and Chaturbhuja (four-armed) Anjaneya. Apart from the presiding Deity, Lord Narasimha Swamy, there are also Deities of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. A temple of Neelakanteshwara (Lord Shiva) is also present which is located at the other side, almost nearer to the bank of Godavari, also called, Vasishta Godavari is a must see. This deity was installed by Lord Sri Rama and is said to be worshipped by...

This famous temple is located at the place of confluence where Vasistha Godavari joins the Bay of Bengal. This temple was constructed in 15th or 16th centuries by Pallava kings and later Peddapuram Reddy kings. The present structure is said to be built by Kapanati Krishnamma of Agnikula Kshatriya clan in 1823. The temple tower has five storeys depicting various incarnations of Vishnu and sculptures of lions on four sides. Though the temple is not so big it is one of the most primitive thirty-two Narasimha Khestras in A.P. The Lord is seen with His consort Lakshmi beside the banks of holy Vasishta Godavari.

Sage Vasistha brought Godavari and dwelt here in his ashram. He prayed to Lord Narasimha when the demon Rakta Vilochana, son of Hiranyaksha, killed all his hundred sons. Lord Narasimha fought with the demon and killed him using His Sudarshan Chakra. He created Maha Maya, also called Ashwaroodambika or Gurralakka to suck the blood of the demon as he got a boon from Brahma that blood falling from his body would produce another demon of equal strength. After the death of Rakta Vilochana the stream of blood was let out by Maya to form a pond called Rakta Kulya. Lord Narasimha washed His chakra (discus) at a place called Chakra Thirtha. Sage Vasistha prayed to Lord to stay there along with Lakshmi. On the roof of this temple the picture of Vatapatrasai (Krishna sleeping on a floating banyan leaf) is seen. The statue of Lord Narasimha is seen along with Lakshmi seated on His left side.

On the east side of this shrine there is a separate shrine for Rajya Lakshmi and Lord Venkateswara. On the north side there is a shrine for Ranganatha swamy and His consort Bhudevi. On the west side Santana Gopalaswamy’s shrine is seen. On the south side of the main shrine one can see a shrine for Lord Anjaneya with four hands who is the Kshetrapalaka or guardian deity of this temple. The sannidhi of Alwars is also seen here. On the other side of the main temple Lord Neelakanteswra’s temple is seen.This shrine is more primitive than the main temple and Lord Brahma is said to have performed Yagna and installed Shiva Linga here. Hence this place was called Antarvedi which means a place with a sacrificial altar. Later Lord Sri Rama worshipped Neelakanteswara. Arjuna during his pilgrimage is said to have visited this temple. This temple was managed by Peddapuram Rajas during 18th century and later by Mogaltur Rajas in 19th century. Now it is under the management of Religious...

The temple place where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari, a tributary of the Godavari River, meet. It is a beautiful temple located adjacent to the Vasishta Godavari river and nearby the sea coast. The temple premises are kept very clean, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors.

For darshan (sightseeing), entry to the temple is free. However, if you wish to have a closer view from inside the Garbhagudi and perform archana (ritual offerings), there is a ticket price of 100₹ per person.

On the back side of the temple, free meals (prasadam) are served starting from 10:30 AM. The prasadam is a simple vegetarian meal that is satisfying. It is highly recommended not to miss it. If you wish to contribute, you have the option to donate for annadanam (food distribution).

Laddu prasadam is also available at the temple for a price of 15₹ per laddu. The taste of the laddu is known to be great and is popular among visitors.

The temple has adequate paid parking space adjacent to the premises, making it convenient for visitors to park their vehicles. However, it's important to note that food availability outside the temple is very limited, so it is advisable to make necessary arrangements beforehand.

One thing to keep in mind is that public transport options to the temple are limited. There are limited buses available to Razole town. For those coming from the train and Vijayawada side, Narsapur is the nearest rail and major bus station hub. From there, you will need to cross the Vashista Godavari river by ferry to Sakhinetipalli and then take a shared auto to reach the temple, which is a distance of approximately 16 km.

Overall, the temple offers a beautiful location, cleanliness, free darshan, prasadam, and parking facilities. However, it's important to plan your transportation accordingly, considering the limited public...