-
Mangalagiri Narasimha
-
Andhra Pradesh, Guntur -
February 2, 2026
-
-
0.00
February 2, 2026 
Important Days and Dates
- Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavam: The most significant festival, celebrated annually in February/March (Phalguna month). It lasts for 11 days.
- Narasimha Jayanthi: Celebrated in May, marking the incarnation of Lord Narasimha.
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi: Observed in December/January, where the temple’s “Vaikuntha Dwaram” is opened for devotees.
- Sravana Masam: The entire month (August/September) is considered auspicious with special rituals for Goddess Rajya Lakshmi.
How to Reach
From Delhi to Mangalagiri
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Vijayawada Airport (VGA). From the airport, Mangalagiri is approximately 35 km away (45-60 mins by taxi).
- By Train: Take a direct train like the Grand Trunk Express or Tamil Nadu Express from New Delhi to Vijayawada Junction (BZA). Mangalagiri is 12 km from Vijayawada station, accessible via local trains, buses, or taxis.
From Ahmedabad to Mangalagiri
- By Air: Fly from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Vijayawada Airport (VGA) (usually involves a layover in Hyderabad or Bangalore).
- By Train: Take the Navajeevan Express from Ahmedabad Junction to Vijayawada Junction (BZA). The journey takes roughly 24 hours.
About History of the Temple
The temple is one of the eight Mahakshetrams (sacred places) where Lord Vishnu manifested himself.
Legend: It is said that King Pariyatra’s son, Hrasva Srungi, performed penance here. To stay close to the Lord, he took the form of an elephant, which is the shape of the Mangalagiri hill today.
The Deity: Unlike other temples, the main deity on the hill has no physical idol but only a wide-open mouth in the rock.
Historical Patronage: The 11-story Gali Gopuram (temple tower), one of the tallest in South India, was built by Rajah Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu in the early 19th century. Inscriptions from the Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya also exist at the site.
Main Poojas Performed
| Priority | Pooja Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panakam Offering | The most unique ritual. Devotees offer jaggery water (Panakam) into the mouth of the deity. It is said the Lord drinks exactly half of the quantity offered, and a gurgling sound is heard. |
| 2 | Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) | A holy bath performed for the deity at the foot of the hill. It involves chanting Vedic hymns while bathing the idol with milk, curd, honey, and water. |
| 3 | Sahasranamarchana | Chanting the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu/Narasimha to seek divine blessings. |
| 4 | Nitya Kalyanam | A ceremonial wedding of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Rajya Lakshmi performed daily for the well-being of the world. |
| 5 | Shanti Homam | A fire ritual performed to remove obstacles and bring peace to the devotee’s life. |
Attire (Dressing Guidelines)
The temple maintains a traditional environment.
Men:Recommended to wear Dhoti or Panchas with a shirt or angavastram. Formal trousers and shirts are generally allowed, but shorts and lungis are prohibited.
Women:Saree or Churidar with Dupatta (Salwar Kameez). Avoid western outfits like sleeveless tops, short skirts, or ripped jeans.
Official Websites
- Government Portal (AP Temples):
https://aptemples.ap.gov.in/
- Temple Trust Official Page:
https://panakalanarasimhaswamy.org/
Description
Important Days and Dates
- Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavam: The most significant festival, celebrated annually in February/March (Phalguna month). It lasts for 11 days.
- Narasimha Jayanthi: Celebrated in May, marking the incarnation of Lord Narasimha.
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi: Observed in December/January, where the temple’s “Vaikuntha Dwaram” is opened for devotees.
- Sravana Masam: The entire month (August/September) is considered auspicious with special rituals for Goddess Rajya Lakshmi.
How to Reach
From Delhi to Mangalagiri
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Vijayawada Airport (VGA). From the airport, Mangalagiri is approximately 35 km away (45-60 mins by taxi).
- By Train: Take a direct train like the Grand Trunk Express or Tamil Nadu Express from New Delhi to Vijayawada Junction (BZA). Mangalagiri is 12 km from Vijayawada station, accessible via local trains, buses, or taxis.
From Ahmedabad to Mangalagiri
- By Air: Fly from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Vijayawada Airport (VGA) (usually involves a layover in Hyderabad or Bangalore).
- By Train: Take the Navajeevan Express from Ahmedabad Junction to Vijayawada Junction (BZA). The journey takes roughly 24 hours.
About History of the Temple
The temple is one of the eight Mahakshetrams (sacred places) where Lord Vishnu manifested himself.
Legend: It is said that King Pariyatra’s son, Hrasva Srungi, performed penance here. To stay close to the Lord, he took the form of an elephant, which is the shape of the Mangalagiri hill today.
The Deity: Unlike other temples, the main deity on the hill has no physical idol but only a wide-open mouth in the rock.
Historical Patronage: The 11-story Gali Gopuram (temple tower), one of the tallest in South India, was built by Rajah Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu in the early 19th century. Inscriptions from the Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya also exist at the site.
Main Poojas Performed
| Priority | Pooja Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panakam Offering | The most unique ritual. Devotees offer jaggery water (Panakam) into the mouth of the deity. It is said the Lord drinks exactly half of the quantity offered, and a gurgling sound is heard. |
| 2 | Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) | A holy bath performed for the deity at the foot of the hill. It involves chanting Vedic hymns while bathing the idol with milk, curd, honey, and water. |
| 3 | Sahasranamarchana | Chanting the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu/Narasimha to seek divine blessings. |
| 4 | Nitya Kalyanam | A ceremonial wedding of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Rajya Lakshmi performed daily for the well-being of the world. |
| 5 | Shanti Homam | A fire ritual performed to remove obstacles and bring peace to the devotee’s life. |
Attire (Dressing Guidelines)
The temple maintains a traditional environment.
Men:Recommended to wear Dhoti or Panchas with a shirt or angavastram. Formal trousers and shirts are generally allowed, but shorts and lungis are prohibited.
Women:Saree or Churidar with Dupatta (Salwar Kameez). Avoid western outfits like sleeveless tops, short skirts, or ripped jeans.
Official Websites
- Government Portal (AP Temples):
https://aptemples.ap.gov.in/
- Temple Trust Official Page:
https://panakalanarasimhaswamy.org/