This article is on – Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mattapalli
Lord Narasimha
Lord Narasimha is the most revered God of the people of Andhra. Several famous temples of Lord Narasimha make their presence felt throughout Andhra Pradesh. Of many temples of Narasimha spread all over, the five temples are very important.
5 Divine Temples
The five divine temples are situated at
- Mangalagiri,
- Vedadri,
- Mattapalli,
- Vadapalli, and
- Kethavaram.
These temples which are along the banks of river Krishna are so great that whoever serves, visits, performs adoration and just thinks of them gets their fears, omen from planets, sins from several births removed and they are blessed by the Lord with health, wealth and prosperity.
Mattapalli
Mattapalli is a divine place where the Lord himself incarnated with Dakshinavruta Shankam (Conch turned south). He is popularly known as “Annalayya” as he removes the hunger of people the moment they pray to him.
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In the times of yore, Bharadwaja had visited several places but established an ashram (hut) on the banks of river Krishna and started meditating at this place. Narasimha Swamy appeared by him in the nearby cave and thence, the rishi started offering prayers to him. Lord later appeared in the dreams of one person named Machireddy belonging to Thangedu village and advised him of his presence in the cave.
Machireddy followed by his villagers searched for the Lord as per directions given by the Lord in his dreams. The glowing Lord Narasimha was noticed by them. Those people cleaned the entire area and made arrangements for offering prayers. Thus the story tells that the Lord set his place in Mattapalli Village.
The temple is opposite to Krishna River. A temple has been constructed based on the cave and in the temple Sri Godadevi, Sri Vaikhanasa Maharshi, Mirror Hall have been built. Lord Narasimha with his four hands attributed with Shankam, Chakram and hands blessing and providing peace and wearing a diamond on the chest, seated with Rajyalaxmi devi blesses the devotees. Prahlada is seated nearer to the Lord.
Annalayya
The Dakshinavruta Shankam can also be seen there. A divine sound is generated from this. Those devotees who serve the Lord with devotion will never starve. Even though the place is very small, it is a wonder that there are many food serving centres in this place. The food is served throughout the day and hence the Lord here is called, “Annalayya”.
There is a tunnel in the Sanctum which leads to the river Krishna. When Krishna is flooded, the water flushing through the tunnel touches the holy feet of the Lord. The consort of Lord, Sri Deveri seated nearby receives prayers from the devotees.
Opposite the temple, Sri Anjaneya Swamy is seated and opposite to this is a tree called, “Aare”. Lord offered prayers with the leaves of this tree. There are bathing places named after Prahlada and Markandeya on the banks of the Krishna River.
