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Penchalakona is a hill shrine in the Rapur mandal of the Sri Potti Sriramulu
Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha
Swamy is worshipped as a swayambhu (self-manifested) deity.
For a smooth visit, plan around the temple’s two darshan windows —
roughly 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the
evening — reach the valley from Nellore (about 70 km) or Rapur
(about 30 km) by APSRTC bus or taxi, and arrange any overnight stay through the
temple’s own choultries or through hotels in the surrounding towns. This
guide brings together the verified basics — the shrine, its legend,
timings, how to get there and what to expect — so you can plan the trip
with confidence.

About Penchalakona and Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy

Penchalakona sits at the foot of a hill inside a forested valley in the Eastern
Ghats, in Gonupalli/Penchalakona village of Rapur mandal, Nellore district. The
main deity, Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, is a form of Lord Vishnu as
Narasimha, and the image in the sanctum is revered as swayambhu —
self-manifested rather than carved — described in local tradition as two
entwined stones forming a lion’s head on a human body. The oldest
construction at the site is the Garbhalayam (sanctum sanctorum), traditionally
said to be around 670 years old, while the sthala purana links the surrounding
hills to the penance of Sage Kanva, after whom the local Kandaleru river was
once called Kanva Yeru.

The name “Penusila” comes from the Telugu idea of an embrace. In the
temple legend, after Lord Narasimha slew the demon Hiranyakashipu his anger did
not subside, and Goddess Lakshmi is said to have appeared in the forest as a
tribal woman, Chenchu Lakshmi, and embraced him to calm him — giving the
valley its association with Narasimha and Chenchu Lakshmi. Because of this, the
Lord here is popularly revered as a protector of the devout. Penchalakona is
counted among the well-known Narasimha shrines of the Telugu-speaking region,
and the valley’s streams and seasonal waterfall add to its appeal as a
quiet pilgrimage spot.

Darshan timings

The temple opens for darshan in two sessions each day. The commonly published
timings are set out below. On Fridays, weekends and festival days the shrine
often stays open a little longer and draws bigger crowds, so treat these hours
as the standard schedule and confirm the current timings before you travel.

Some listings give slightly different hours (for example a single 6:00 AM to
8:00 PM span). Because temple schedules can be revised for special events and
seasonal ritual changes, it is worth checking the district or temple channel for
the day you plan to visit.

Festivals and sevas

The temple’s biggest annual event is the Brahmotsavam,
celebrated over roughly five days in the Telugu month of Vaisakha (around
April–May), beginning near Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi/Dwadasi. During these
days thousands of devotees from Nellore and neighbouring districts — and
from other states — visit to fulfil vows. Everyday worship includes
Suprabhatam and regular poojas, and the site is also associated with Annadanam
(free meal offering) and a Goshala. As with the timings, the exact festival
dates shift each year with the Hindu calendar, so verify them on the official
channel before fixing travel.

How to reach Penchalakona

Penchalakona lies in the interior of Rapur mandal, reached through Rapur town.
The nearest big city is Nellore, and the nearest small railway access is at
Rapur; the closest major railway junction for outstation travellers is Nellore.
The table below summarises the practical options.

Many pilgrims combine the visit with nearby Nellore-district sights such as the
Somasila reservoir. If you are driving, start early so you finish the hill
stretch and darshan comfortably within the morning session.

Where to stay

For an overnight visit there are two broad options, described here for planning
only. First, the temple establishment maintains its own choultries and
guest accommodation within or near the temple premises —
typically modest rooms intended for pilgrims on short darshan stays. Allotment,
tariffs, room categories and eligibility (for example valid photo ID at
check-in) are decided by the temple administration and can change, so these
should be confirmed directly through the temple’s official desk or the
Andhra Pradesh Endowments department channels rather than through any third
party. Second, a wider range of hotels and lodges is available in Rapur
and Nellore town, which suits travellers who prefer more amenities or
who are combining Penchalakona with other stops.

Because on-site rooms are limited and are managed by the temple, plan ahead and
rely only on official temple or AP Endowments information for current
availability and rules. This independent guide does not handle rooms, bookings
or allotments of any kind.

Practical tips for your visit

• Reach in the morning session to avoid the midday break and to enjoy the cooler
  hill weather.
• Carry a valid government photo ID, useful for any temple accommodation
  check-in.
• Dress modestly in keeping with temple custom, and carry water and basic
  essentials as the valley is somewhat remote.
• Expect heavier crowds on Fridays, weekends and during the Brahmotsavam.
• Verify timings, festival dates and any accommodation details on the official
  channel before you start.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the main deity at Penchalakona?

The presiding deity is Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, a form of Lord
Vishnu as Narasimha, worshipped here as a swayambhu (self-manifested) image in
the hillside sanctum.

What are the temple darshan timings?

The commonly published timings are about 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the morning and
3:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening, with extended hours on Fridays, weekends and
festival days. Confirm the current schedule before visiting.

How far is Penchalakona from Nellore?

It is roughly 70 km from Nellore city and about 30 km from Rapur. APSRTC buses
and taxis serve the route, with the last leg passing through forested hills.

When is the main festival held?

The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated over about five days in the month of
Vaisakha (around April–May). Exact dates follow the Hindu calendar and
change each year.

Is accommodation available near the temple?

Yes. The temple maintains its own choultries and pilgrim rooms near the shrine,
and additional hotels and lodges are available in Rapur and Nellore. On-site
rooms are limited and managed by the temple, so confirm availability and rules
through official temple or AP Endowments channels.

What is the legend behind the name Penusila?

The name relates to an embrace: tradition holds that Goddess Lakshmi, as the
tribal woman Chenchu Lakshmi, embraced Lord Narasimha in this valley to calm his
anger after he slew Hiranyakashipu.

Sources & last verified (July 2026)

• Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District (official Government of Andhra Pradesh
  portal) —
  https://spsnellore.ap.gov.in/sri-penusila-lakshmi-narasimha-swamy-temple-penchalakona/
• Penchalakona temple information — https://penchalakona.co.in/history/
• Penchalakona — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penchalakona
• Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department (official) —
  https://aptemples.ap.gov.in/

This site (tirumalatirupationline.com) is an independent pilgrim-information
guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Sri
Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, the Andhra Pradesh Endowments
Department, TTD or any government body. Please verify current timings, festival
dates and accommodation details on the official channels before you
travel.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026