With the initiative of Minister Nara Lokesh, the renowned Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple in Mangalagiri is set for major development. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared under the Central Government’s PRASAD scheme for the temple’s development.
The proposed works are estimated to cost around ₹140 crore. To oversee the project, the Endowments Department Commissioner has been appointed as the special officer. The DPR is expected to be finalised soon, after which tenders will be invited.
Plans include a ropeway directly to the hilltop, along with parking facilities and parks on the hill. Accommodation facilities for devotees will be constructed at the foothill. A museum highlighting the temple’s significance and historical aspects is also proposed.
Additionally, a new ghat road from the AIIMS road to the hilltop has been proposed as part of the development plan.
Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: Have you ever come across a temple where you can actually hear the sound of the sharbat being consumed by God Himself? Well, the Paanakala Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, is the place you need to visit to catch a miracle beyond the understanding of science itself! In this unique temple, the deity is offered jaggery water or Panakam, and the most interesting fact is that devotees get to listen to the sound of Him drinking the Panakam
The sacred temple of Sri Panakal Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is said to have appeared in the Satya Yuga. Instead of the usual idol form, the face of Lord Narasimha is self-manifested in this shrine, ready to accept the panakam, or a refreshment drink made up of jaggery from the devotees’ hands at all times.
This unique shrine is part of the eight Mahakshetras where the lord self-manifested in the form of Vishnu. Here, the worship is carried out strictly in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama shastra.
The most remarkable miracle in the temple is the ‘offering of panakam to the divine deity idol. When the devotees offer Panakam to the Lord, He takes half of it. Then the other half comes back as prasadam to the devotees. Throughout this process, distinct gulping sounds can be heard coming from the Lord’s throat. The most surprising thing is that in spite of the sweetness of panakam, no ants or flies are found anywhere in the temple.
According to the mythological beliefs, various offerings are said to be made to Lord Narasimha through the ages: in Satya Yuga, the favourite offering was Amrit; in Treta Yuga, it was pure ghee; in Dwapara Yuga, he accepted cow’s milk. Now, in Kali Yuga, his preferred offering is Paanakam. This is why the timeless tradition of presenting the sweet jaggery refreshment drink goes on and on with devotion in this sacred temple.
The stories associated with this temple are also fascinating! It is said that during the Dwapara Yuga, when the Pandavas were in exile, they paid a visit to this sacred hill. At Bhima’s behest, statues of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Rajlakshmi were placed here. There is another legend surrounding King Indradyumna. The sage Agastya cursed the king and turned him into an elephant. He came to this place, performed severe penance, and regained his human form through Lord Narasimha's blessings
The temple functions from 4:30 am with sacred prayers. The famous ritual panakam offering to the deity continues till 3:30 pm. Following that, the doors are closed with a Maha Nivedyam. This ancient practice is still followed today
The temple functions from 4:30 am with sacred prayers. The famous ritual panakam offering to the deity continues till 3:30 pm. Following that, the doors are closed with a Maha Nivedyam. This ancient practice is still followed today
This temple of Mangalgiri is the crossroads of spirituality and science, a mystery that continues to remain a mystery. Who wouldn’t want to see the wonders of a scene where the god himself drinks the sacred offering? If you are eager to see these mysteries of God at a closer glance, this is the place to visit
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