Divine Grace on the Godavari Hills – Korukonda Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Location

Village: Korukonda, Korukonda Mandal
District: East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Access: Near Rajahmundry (airport, railway station, and bus station)
Setting: Picturesque hill surrounded by lush greenery and the Godavari River view from the summit

Main Deities

Presiding Deity: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy seated with Lakshmi Devi on His lap

Depicted in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection)
Holds Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus)
Adorned with a prominent moustache, expressive eyes, and crowned by Adi Shesha (five-hooded serpent)
Known as Satvika Narasimha—a compassionate form

Utsava Murthis (Processional Deities):

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
Sridevi-Bhudevi Sameta Narasimha Swamy
Padmanabha Swamy
Sri Chakra Perumal
Shayana Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (for nightly Pavalimpu Seva)

Subshrines and Sacred Spots

Two Narasimha Temples:

Hilltop Temple: Houses the Swayambhu (self-manifested) deity, consecrated by Sage Parashara
Base Temple: Also features a deity installed by Sage Parashara

Other Shrines:

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Lakshmi Devi and Goda Devi shrines
Ancient Ranganadha Temple and Shiva Temple in the village

Sacred Tank: Konneru
Cave Temple: Within the complex
Giri Pradakshina Path: Circumambulation around the hill is believed to remove obstacles

Temple Significance

Spiritual Legacy:

Dates back to the 11th–12th century, built during the Eastern Chalukya and Reddy dynasty periods
Sage Parashara Maharshi performed the original prathishta (consecration)

Divine Reputation:

Known as Korukonda—from Telugu “Koru” (wish) and “Konda” (hill), symbolizing the Wish-Fulfilling Hill
Believed to respond swiftly to devotees’ prayers

Pilgrimage Experience:

Devotees climb 615 steps to reach the hilltop temple
Offers panoramic views of the Godavari River
Visited by the Pandavas during their exile

Festivals & Rituals:

Kalyana Utsavam on Phalguna Sukla Ekadasi
Ugadi celebrations
Daily and special poojas for various deities

History

Established around 1302 CE, based on inscriptions and temple records
Built during the Eastern Chalukya (Vengi) period and patronized by the Reddy kings, known for their support of Vaishnavism and temple architecture
The temple has remained a vibrant spiritual hub for centuries, attracting pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh

Legends

Sage Parashara Maharshi is said to have performed the prathishta (consecration) of both the hilltop and base Narasimha temples
The deity is Swayambhu (self-manifested), appearing with Lakshmi Devi on His lap in response to Parashara’s penance
The Pandavas are believed to have worshipped here during their Aranyavasa (forest exile), adding epic resonance to the site
The name Korukonda comes from Telugu: “Koru” (wish) + “Konda” (hill), symbolizing the Wish-Fulfilling Hill

Architecture

Dual Temple Layout:

Hilltop Temple: Houses the 9-inch tall Swayambhu Narasimha deity in a cave-like sanctum
Base Temple: Also features a deity installed by Sage Parashara

Sanctum Features:

Narasimha Swamy seated with Lakshmi Devi in Abhaya Mudra
Flanked by Shankha and Chakra, crowned by Adi Shesha
Expressive eyes, prominent moustache, and heroic aura (Veera Rasa)

Carvings and Design:

Temple walls feature Ramayana-themed carvings, showcasing narrative art
Built in traditional Vaishnava Agama style, with shrines, mandapas, and a sacred tank (Konneru)
Surrounded by lush greenery, enhancing its spiritual and aesthetic appeal

Daily Rituals

Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity with Vedic hymns
Archana & Abhishekam: Regular offerings and sacred bathing of the deity
Nivedana & Harathi: Food offerings followed by ceremonial lamp waving
Pavalimpu Seva: Nightly ritual where the deity is symbolically put to rest
Special Sevas:

Ksheerabhishekam (milk bath)
Sahasranama Archana (chanting 1000 names)
Lakshmi Narasimha Homam (fire ritual for protection and prosperity)

Major Festivals

Phalguna Sukla Ekadasi (Kalyana Utsavam):

Grand celestial wedding of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
Celebrated with music, dance, and processions

Ugadi (Telugu New Year):

Special poojas and temple decorations
Devotees seek blessings for a prosperous year

Vaikunta Ekadasi:

Devotees enter the Vaikunta Dwaram for moksha blessings
Temple sees heavy pilgrim footfall

Narasimha Jayanti (Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi):

Celebrates the avatar of Narasimha
Rituals include Abhishekam, Alankaram, and Annadanam

Brahmotsavam:

Multi-day festival with Dwajarohanam, Vahana Sevas, and Rathotsavam

Beliefs and Devotee Sentiment

Wish-Fulfilling Hill:

Devotees believe that sincere prayers at the hilltop temple are answered
Many perform Giri Pradakshina (circumambulation of the hill) to fulfill vows

Swayambhu Narasimha:

The self-manifested deity is considered highly powerful and protective
Worshipped for relief from fear, illness, and obstacles

Pandava Connection:

Belief that the Pandavas worshipped here during exile adds epic sanctity

Healing and Protection:

Narasimha Swamy is invoked for mental peace, courage, and family welfare
Couples pray for children, students for success, and families for harmony

Temple Hours

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Note: Hilltop temple may close earlier during off-season or rainy days. Best to visit before sunset.

Getting Here

Nearest City: Rajahmundry (approx. 20 km)
By Air: Rajahmundry Airport (daily flights from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru)
By Train: Rajahmundry Railway Station (well-connected to major cities)
By Road:

APSRTC buses to Korukonda village
Autos and taxis available from Rajahmundry
Private vehicles can reach the base temple; hilltop requires a 615-step climb

Tips

Carry water and snacks—no shops on the hill
Start early to avoid heat and crowds
Photography allowed outside sanctum; ask before clicking inside
Giri Pradakshina (circumambulating the hill) is considered spiritually potent
Avoid rainy days—slippery steps and limited access to hilltop