Penchalakona

Penchalakona is a village located in the Rapur Mandal of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, India, 70km west of Nellore. It is an ancient sacred place and pilgrim center. Narasimha, one of the legendary avatars of Vishnu, was said to have manifested here as a huge rock in the “Yoga mudra” pose (an entwined contemplative posture). Hence it acquired the name of “Penusila” (huge rock) and in time became known as “Penchalakona." According to the legend, after slaying the demon Hiranya Kashyapa, Lord Narasimha 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).LocationPenchalakona houses the temple of Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy, at the foot of a hill. According to local folklore, Kanva Maharshi did his penance here. The annual festival of the temple is a major event at Penchalakona that takes place during April and May. Devotees from near and far distances congregate for Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi and celebrate the occasion with energy, vigor and devotion.The river Kandaleru as it is now called, originates from the waterfalls of the mountain ranges on the West and the South. The river flows through Rapur and into the Bay of Bengal near Krishnapatnam. Krishnapatnam Port is located on Kandaleru creek.Waterfall, Lake, and DamThe waterfall 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. The lake is named after him as ‘Kanvayeru.' As time passed, the name was changed to ‘Kandaleru’. Kandaleru Dam was constructed downstream of this lake in 1995. The dam supplies irrigation water to many surrounding villages and provides livelihood to many natives.