Penchalakona

Penchalakona is in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is famous as a very ancient sacred place and pilgrim centre. Lord Narasimha manifested Himself here in a huge 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”. Penchalkona lies at the foothills of Veligondalu, at a distance of 80 km from Nellore.

Legend has it that after slaying the demon Hiranya Kasipa, Lord Narsimha bathed in the river flowing 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). People belive that because the sage Kanva resided in this area in the past, the river flowing here acquired the name Kanva Nadi and that with efflux of time it became Kandaleru. It is also learnt that the temple was renovated in the 10th century.