Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple
Location:
Malakonda, Valetivara Palem Mandal, Nellore District, this temple is approximately 34 kilometers from Kandukur, situated on the Pamuru road in the southwestern direction.
History
According to legend, when Lord Vishnu desired to stay on Earth with Goddess Lakshmi, he requested for his "Vanamala" to take the shape of a mountain, which became known as "Malyadri." It is said that Sage Agastya performed penance on this hill, and in recognition of his devotion, the deity manifested in the form of a fiery glow, earning the name Jwala Narasimha.
Another remarkable tale involves Goddess Lakshmi, who, out of love and anger, caused the mountain to split in two to allow her to ascend to its peak. This miraculous division allows devotees to traverse the narrow passage, which seems accessible to even the heaviest of beings. Inside a vast cave formed naturally beneath a single rock, a Shiva Lingam is installed, symbolizing the spiritual unity of Shiva and Keshava. Devotees who visit this sacred hill and seek refuge are truly blessed.
Every year, on the fourteenth day of the bright half of Vaishakha (Vaishakha Shuddha Chaturdashi), the "Narasimha Jayanti" festival is celebrated, typically on a Saturday. The temple is open to devotees only on Saturdays. Worship and rituals are conducted according to the Panchratra Agama.
Temple Significance
This temple is located 34 kilometers from Kandukur in the southwestern direction. There is a strong belief among the local population that women who perform a series of special prayers on three consecutive Saturdays during Jyeshtha month will be blessed with children. Devotees from not only Prakasam District but also from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka visit this temple in large numbers seeking offspring. The temple is renowned for its sacred waters, which include several holy ponds such as Srisimha Teertham, Varuna Teertham, Kapila Teertham, Agastya Teertham, Shankara Teertham, Jyoti Teertham, and Indra Teertham, making it a unique pilgrimage site.
There are no historical records or artistic treasures linked to the temple. The deity is believed to have naturally manifested within the cave atop the mountain. This temple also features installations of the Alwars. There is no concrete evidence supporting these installations. The temple is special in that it is open for devotees only on Saturdays, and all rituals follow the guidelines of the Panchratra Agama.
Sub-Temples within the Complex:
Sri Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Sri Malleshwara Swamy Temple
Sri Parvati Ammavaru Temple
Additionally, there are temples for the marginalized communities (Harijans, Madigas), although there is no record of when these were built. Legal cases regarding the collection of donations at these temples have been filed with the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Religious Endowments Tribunal in Hyderabad.
Daily Rituals:
Morning: 3:00 - 3:30 AM: Melukolupu Suprabhatham
3:30 - 4:30 AM: Panchamrutha Abhishekam
4:30 - 5:00 AM:Alankaram and Thomala Seva, Sahasranama Archana, Harathi
5:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Free darshan, Arjita Ashtottara Nama Archana
12:00 - 12:45 PM: Mahani Vedana
12:45 - 6:00 PM: Free darshan, Arjita Sahasranama Archana, Arjita Ashtottara Nama Archana
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Pradosha Kalapoorna
5:30 PM: Temple cleansing, closure.
How to Reach:
By Road:
Nellore – Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple (111 KM)
Ongole - Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple (78.3 KM)
Kandukuru - Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple (33.7 KM)
Kavali - Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple (56.2 KM)
By Rail:Nearest Railway station:
Nellore Railway station (109 KM)
Kavali Railway station (55.3 KM)
Ongole Railway station (76.8)
By Air:Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (223 KM)and Chennai International Airport (283 KM) and Vijaywada Airport (228 KM)