Penchalakona
| Penchalakona | |
|---|---|
| village | |
 | |
  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 |
| Elevation | 914.4 m (3,000.0 ft) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Nearest city | Rapur |
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).
Located
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 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 and empties itself in the Bay of Bengal, Near [Krishnapatnam].
Waterfalls
Water fallsThe water fall coming from the hill where the Lord lies, flows down in the northward direction. In ancient days a devote, Maharishi (Saint) by name ‘Kanva’ dwelled by this river and used this for his basic needs. This is what people here believe. So, this lake is named after him as ‘Kanvayeru’. As the days passed by the name was changed to ‘Kandaleru’. Government in 1982 constructed a dam In a low level region nearby this lake. They named this dam as ‘Kandaleru dam’. Because of this dam the agriculture of many surrounding lands was fruitful and this dam gave Livelihood to many natives
Route
Different routes to reach kona, People from Andhra Pradesh surrounding areas can come to PenchalaKona by passing the places Rajampeta – Rapuru on the way. There is a bus facility from Rapuru to Penchalakona every half an hour. Distance around 30 Kilometers. People coming from Andhra Pradesh Vijayawada and Vizag should take the train route till Nellore. From Nellore, for every hour there will be a bus to Penchulakona. The distance is around 75 Kilometers. People coming from Andhra Pradesh Tirupati and surroundings can reach here via VenkataGiri and Rapuru. Distance from Tirupati is 115 Kilometers. 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 Kilometers.
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