Sri Panakaala Narasimha Swamy Devalayam — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

Panakha Narasimha Swami, the Hindu God in lion face and human body form, is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. His temples are mostly located in caves atop hills for example Mangalagiri (giri is mountain), Yadagiri Gutta (gutta means mound), (9) Nava Narasimhas have abode in Ahobilam forest hills. The Narasimha under discussion has his abode in Mangalagiri, is approximately 16kms. away from Vijayawada Junction.Almost all South bound trains pass through Vijayawada Junction. Some trains bound to Guntur Junction from Vijayawada stop at Mangalagiri. The temple:- The train fare as well as bus fare is INR 30 only, from Vijayawada. From Mangalagiri Bus stop, after walking for about 0.75kms. We reach the Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple at the base of the hill, who gives darshan along with his celestial escort “Lakshmi” seated on his lap. The name of Goddess Lakshmi is Chenchu Lakshmi. About 200metres from this temple we have “Share Autos”. They accept from 6 to 8 passengers per trip and charge INR240 for a “to and fro” trip. They give you their telephone numbers so you can call them after darshan. Having reached the hilltop one has to buy a ticket for INR60 for the only parshad that is Panakham (Jaggery in water with a few more ingredients). You may also offer to buy some sugar candies. They give a small picture for you to keep. Pay INR10 at the next counter for those who receive your pot of Panakha parshad distribute to your family members and pack the rest if you carry containers with you. Plastic bottles are also available for purchase in the shops to fill (y)our Panakham prasadam to take home. Earlier when I was a young girl, we used to visit Mangalagiri , Panakham used to be prepared in our presence. We had to order how many litres we wanted to offer to the deity(God). They used to pour the Panakham into the lord’s mouth, until we heard the gulping sound and the remaining panakham wouldn’t go in, indicating that God has had his fill. Rest will be given to us as Prasadam. Legend has it that the Britishers tried to measure the opening (mouth) with a measuring tape and they couldn’t. Nowadays we just have to buy the tickets and they give a Standard measure of fresh Panakham to be offered to God. They didn’t show the gulping sound. Just pour some it into the lord’s mouth. When we come out, volunteers are there who fill our Panakham Prasadam into our personal containers after distributing to our family/team members. Then they will collect the remaining Panakham for giving to those pilgrims who can’t afford to offer Panakham to the God. They will also be given Prasadam without any payment. We can also tip these volunteers. There’s no restriction. When you come out of the temple you are given some porridge or variety rice like tamarind rice and so on, in donas (Organic cup shaped containers). Then you come out and take a look at this beautiful landscape from atop. Call for your auto and return to the base. The temple is open up to...

🕉️ Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri

The Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the most unique and spiritually powerful temples in Mangalagiri. Situated halfway up the Mangalagiri hill, this temple is famous for its unusual ritual of offering Panakam — jaggery water — directly to the deity.

🛕 Temple Specialty This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction here is the unique ritual where Panakam (a sweet jaggery drink) is offered to the deity by pouring it directly into His mouth. Remarkably, only half of the Panakam is consumed — the rest flows out, and is given back as prasadam. It is believed that the Lord accepts only the portion He desires, and stops drinking once satisfied. This centuries-old tradition is followed with great devotion.

📜 Spiritual Belief & History This temple holds immense mythological significance and is believed to have been worshipped by the Pandavas. It’s considered one of the eight important Mahakshetras of Lord Vishnu in India. The temple doesn’t have a conventional idol — only the mouth of the deity is seen and worshipped, which adds to the mystery and divine feel of the place.

📍 Location The temple is located midway on Mangalagiri hill, and visitors either walk up the well-paved steps or drive up by road. It’s a short climb and offers scenic views of the city and the surrounding region. Nearby, you can also visit the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at the foot of the hill and Gandala Narasimha Temple at the hilltop.

🌄 Atmosphere The temple atmosphere is peaceful, breezy, and less crowded in the early mornings. Devotees can sit and relax while taking in the hilltop view. It’s a perfect mix of spirituality and natural beauty.

✅ Quick Tips: • Visit early morning to avoid heat and crowd. • Don’t miss the Panakam offering experience. • Wear traditional attire and remove footwear before entering. • Carry a water bottle and some cash for offerings.

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This temple is a must-visit for devotees of Lord Vishnu and Narasimha Swamy, and offers a truly rare and sacred experience not found...

Narasimha lives in the Mangalagiri hills near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, which can drink pot after pot after pot. It is special to visit him called Panaka Narasimha on Swati Nakshatra.

Namuchi, a demon, engaged in penance and received a boon from Brahma. Accordingly, he is not harmed by wet or dry objects. Because of this, he gave trouble to the gods due to his arrogance. Indra, the leader of the gods, got launched the Chakrayutha by Vishnu, as he surrendered to him. The chakra appeared wet and dry as it sank into the sea and turned into foam. It rushed forward and cut off the monster's head. Even after killing Namuchi, Vishnu's fury did not subside. After that he drank the nectar and became calm. The Ukrashakti that He had at that time reached this mountain and people set the idol of Narasimha and started worship Him here. A drink mixed with jaggery and lemon is prepared daily and offered to Him.

Narasimha has a wide brass mouth. When the priest prepares the potion in a big vessel and pours it into his mouth, the sound of 'madak madak' is heard. After drinking a certain amount, the gurgling sound stops. The rest of the drink is offered as prasad.

Lord Narasimha was worshiped by Ram, as directed by Anjaneya.

At the back is the shrine of Mother Lakshmi. There is an idol of Lord Vishnu in the cave outside the Narasimha shrine. This cave route reaches a place called Undavalli. There is a 25 feet tall Lord Ranganatha. The entrance to the cave is closed for security reasons. Monks have lived here in the past. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located at the foot of the hill. There is a 153 feet tall tower with 11 tiers. Adivara Narasimha was consecrated by Dharma, the eldest of the Pandavas. This Lord wears a garland of 108 salakrama stones and is silk dress.

There is a shrine of Mother...