Malakonda Narasimha Swamy Temple: Sacred Saturdays on Malyadri Hill

Location

The temple is situated at Malakonda, near Valetivari Palem in Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh. It is approximately 34 km from Kandukuru, accessible via Ongole–Kandukuru route. The temple sits atop the Malyadri hill, surrounded by natural beauty and sacred rivers—River Krishna flows to the north and River Penna to the south.

Main Deities

Presiding Deity: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (in a naturally formed cave at the hilltop)
Consort: Goddess Lakshmi

The temple is revered as a Punya Kshetra, and the deity is believed to be self-manifested. The name Malyadri comes from Mala (flowers) and Adri (hill), referencing the floral and rocky terrain leading to the shrine.

Subshrines and Sacred Spots

Shiva Temple
Lakshmi Temple
Godugu Banda (Umbrella Stone) – a unique rock formation near the temple

Temple Significance

Mythological Origin: Lord Vishnu gave a divine garland to Garuda and asked him to place it on Earth. Garuda chose this hilltop, making it a spiritually charged location.
Spiritual Practices: Performing pradakshina for 5 or 9 Saturdays is believed to remove obstacles and grant blessings.
Utsavams: The temple celebrates Narasimha Jayanthi with grandeur.
Darshan Days: The temple is open only on Saturdays, drawing large crowds for special sevas and rituals.

The temple’s natural cave sanctum, hilltop setting, and association with sacred rivers make it a rare and powerful destination for devotees seeking relief from problems and spiritual upliftment.

History and Legends

Mythological Origin: According to Sthala Puranam, Lord Vishnu once gave a divine garland to Garuda and asked him to place it on Earth at a spiritually suitable location. Garuda chose the hilltop now known as Malyadri (Mala = garland/flowers, Adri = hill), making it a sacred site.
Self-manifested Deity: The main deity, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) and resides in a naturally formed cave at the summit of the hill.
Spiritual Beliefs: Devotees believe that performing pradakshinas (circumambulations) for 5 or 9 Saturdays can relieve them of problems and grant divine blessings. The temple is especially popular among childless couples, who worship here for progeny.

Architectural Features

Hilltop Cave Shrine: The sanctum is located inside a natural cave at the top of the hill, accessible by climbing approximately 970 steps.

Unique Aspects

Open Only on Saturdays: The temple allows darshan exclusively on Saturdays, drawing large crowds for special sevas and rituals.
Narasimha Jayanthi Celebrations: The temple hosts grand festivities during Narasimha Jayanthi, with special abhishekams and cultural events.

Rituals

Saturday Darshan: The temple is open only on Saturdays, making it a spiritually charged day for devotees.
Pradakshina Seva: Performing 5 or 9 Saturdays of pradakshina around the temple is believed to remove obstacles and grant relief from personal and family problems.
Abhishekam to Narasimha Swamy: Devotees offer milk, curd, honey, and water to the deity inside the natural cave shrine.
Lighting Lamps: Lighting ghee lamps and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi is considered auspicious.
Special Offerings: Devotees bring coconuts, flowers, and garlands to seek blessings for health, wealth, and progeny.

Festivals Celebrated

Narasimha Jayanthi: Celebrated with grandeur, including special abhishekams, alankaram, and cultural events. Thousands of devotees gather for darshan on this day.
Karthika Masam Saturdays: These are especially significant, with increased footfall and extended rituals.
Datta Jayanti & Shivaratri: Subshrines for Datta and Shiva also host rituals during respective festivals.

Beliefs and Devotional Power

Progeny Blessings: It is widely believed that childless couples who worship the deity for three consecutive Saturdays with devotion are blessed with children.
Healing and Problem Resolution: Devotees seek relief from chronic issues, family disputes, and emotional distress through regular worship.
Moksha Kshetra: The temple is considered a Punya Kshetra, and worship here is believed to grant liberation from karmic cycles.
Nava Narasimha Connection: Malakonda is one of the nine sacred Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh,Telangana enhancing its spiritual stature.

Temple Hours

Open Only on Saturdays

Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The temple remains closed on other days, making Saturdays especially crowded and spiritually significant.

Getting Here

Location

Malakonda Village, near Valetivari Palem, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
Situated on the Malyadri hill range, surrounded by scenic forested terrain

By Road

From Kandukur: ~34 km via Kandukur–Valetivari Palem Road
From Ongole: ~80 km
From Nellore: ~120 km
Buses and autos are available from Kandukur and Valetivari Palem to the base of the hill.

By Train

Nearest Railway Station: Kandukur or Ongole
From there, take a bus or taxi to Valetivari Palem and proceed to Malakonda.

By Air

Nearest Airport: Vijayawada Airport (~200 km) or Tirupati Airport (~230 km)

Tips

Arrive Early: To avoid long queues and complete pradakshinas before noon.
Carry Essentials: Water bottles, snacks, and a walking stick (for the ~970 steps to the hilltop cave shrine).
Footwear: Comfortable footwear for the climb; leave them at designated areas before entering the sanctum.
Bring Offerings: Coconuts, flowers, ghee lamps, and abhishekam items if you plan to perform sevas.
Spiritual Preparation: Many devotees observe fasting or silence during the climb and chant Om Namo Narayanaya or Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum.
Photography: Allowed in outer premises, but restricted inside the sanctum.
Local Shops: Small stalls at the base sell pooja items, snacks, and prasadam.