Sep 28, 2015 03:50 PM
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Penchalakona is a very ancient sacred place . 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 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 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.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 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.The river Kandaleru 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 to the Bay of Bengal sea near Krishnapatnam. Krishnapatnam Port is located on Kandaleru creek.The water fall coming from the hill where the Lord lies, flows down in the northward direction. In ancient days a devote, Maharishi by name Kanva dwelling was on the banks of this river and used this for his basic needs. So, this lake is named after him as Kanvayeru. As the decages passed, the name was changed to Kandaleru. A dam was constructed downstream of this lake in 1995. Its name is known by its river as Kandaleru Dam.
The dam supplies irrigation water to many surrounding villages and provided livelihood to many natives. 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.