A Vaishnavite Temple
Mangalagiri is one of the eight pious places where Lord Vishnu is believed to have manifested himself in the form of Narasimha. Three Narasimha Swamy temples exist in Mangalagiri.
Suggested Duration - 1 – 2 hours
This temple features an 11-storied gopuram, which is one of the highest in South India. There’s also an ancient temple car, embossed with wood carvings that depict mythological scenes.
The Mangalagiri Temple is located in the town of Mangalagiri, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Mangalagiri, meaning "The Auspicious Hill," is part of the city of Vijayawada, known for its trade and commerce, as well as its rich cultural and religious heritage.
Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the temple dates back to the 1800s. It is famous for its unique ritual where the deity 'drinks' half the quantity of Panakam, a jaggery water offering made by devotees.
Known For | Its unique Panakam ritual and the deity Lord Narasimha. |
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Timings | Open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. |
Entry Fee | No entry fee. |
Tips | Dress modestly and respect the temple customs. |
Required Time | A typical visit lasts for about 1-2 hours. |
Restricted Items | Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and smoking are not allowed. |
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, and during the Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavam festival in February/March.
The temple is located on a hill and requires climbing 320 steps, which offers a panoramic view of the town. The main shrine is a small cave where the deity resides. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the mouth of the deity is so small that a devotee can only offer a small amount of Panakam.
The temple offers regular poojas and rituals. Special services are held during the Brahmotsavam festival.
The temple performs regular aarti rituals as part of daily worship, where light from wicks soaked in ghee is offered to the deity.
Other attractions include the Undavalli Caves and the Prakasam Barrage, both within a short drive from Mangalagiri.
Around Mangalagiri, you'll find local eateries serving traditional Andhra cuisine. Try local dishes like Pesarattu (green gram dosa) and Pulihora (tamarind rice). The town is also famous for its hand-woven cotton sarees, known as Mangalagiri sarees.
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