Location
The temple is situated in
Mattapalli village, in the Suryapet district of Telangana, India.
It lies on the banks of the Krishna River, offering a serene and sacred
atmosphere. The temple is approximately 140 km from Vijayawada and is
easily accessible via road from Huzurnagar and nearby towns.
Presiding Deities
- Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
– The main deity, a self-manifested (Swayambhu) form of Lord Vishnu as
Narasimha, depicted in a peaceful yogic posture.
- Sri Rajyalakshmi Thayar
– The consort of Narasimha, representing royal grace and prosperity.
- Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thayar
– A tribal form of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing divine compassion and
local cultural integration.
Subshrines and Features
- The temple complex includes subshrines
for other Vaishnava deities, though the focus remains on the Narasimha
Swamy and his consorts.
- The Vimanam (temple tower) is
known as Brahmaanandha Nilaya Vimanam, signifying blissful divine
abode.
- The temple tank is called Krishnaveni
Theertham, sourced from the Krishna River, and is considered sacred
for ritual bathing.
- The site is also a Rishi Aradhana
Kshetram, where Sri Bharadwaja Maharishi is believed to have
worshipped.
Temple Significance
- Mattapalli is one of the Pancha
Narasimha Kshetras, alongside Vedadri, Vadapalli, Mangalagiri, and
Ketavaram, making it a vital pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord
Narasimha.
- The deity is believed to be Swayambhu,
adding to the temple’s spiritual potency and attracting thousands of
devotees seeking divine protection and peace.
- A Goshala (cow shelter) has
been established here, supporting traditional dharmic practices.
- Devotees believe that worshipping
here grants relief from fear, fulfillment of desires, and spiritual
upliftment, especially for those facing obstacles or seeking divine
intervention.
History
The temple is believed to
be over 1000 years old, with its origins tracing back to the early
medieval period. It has long been a center of Vaishnava worship,
particularly for devotees of Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of
Vishnu.
Legends
The presiding deity, Sri
Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, is believed to be Swayambhu
(self-manifested), discovered by a local devotee who felt a divine presence in
the area. The deity is depicted in a peaceful yogic posture, symbolizing
spiritual tranquility and protection. According to legend, Sri Bharadwaja
Maharishi performed penance here, making it a Rishi Aradhana Kshetram.
Architecture
The temple follows Dravidian
architectural style, characterized by:
- A Vimanam (tower) known as Brahmaanandha
Nilaya Vimanam, signifying the blissful abode of the deity
- A sacred temple tank called Krishnaveni
Theertham, sourced from the Krishna River, used for ritual bathing and
purification
- A simple yet spiritually potent
layout, with subshrines for Sri Rajyalakshmi Thayar and Sri Chenchu
Lakshmi Thayar, representing divine grace and tribal devotion
respectively
Rituals
- Daily Sevas
include Suprabhata Seva, Archana, Abhishekam, and Nivedana
to Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
- Swathi Nakshatra Yagnas
are a major ritual tradition here, initiated by Sri Mukkoor Lakshmi
Narasimhachariar, a revered Vaishnava scholar. These yagnas are
performed on days when the Swathi star is prominent, believed to be
auspicious for Lord Narasimha.
- Special Pujas
are conducted on Ekadashi, Pournami, and Amavasya,
with devotees participating in bhajans, recitations, and annadanam.
- Goshala Seva:
The temple maintains a cow shelter, and feeding cows is considered a
sacred act here.
Festivals
- Narasimha Jayanthi:
Celebrated with grandeur, marking the appearance day of Lord Narasimha.
Includes Abhishekam, Alankaram, processions, and cultural
programs.
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi:
A key Vaishnava festival observed with early morning darshan through the Vaikuntha
Dwaram.
- Swathi Nakshatra Days:
Monthly observances with homams, recitations, and devotee
gatherings.
- Krishna Pushkaralu
(when Krishna River Pushkaram occurs): The temple becomes a major
pilgrimage hub with river baths, pujas, and charity
events.
Beliefs
- The deity is Swayambhu
(self-manifested), and worship here is believed to grant freedom from
fear, fulfillment of desires, and spiritual peace.
- Devotees believe that Lord
Narasimha protects them from evil forces, especially those facing
obstacles or mental distress.
- Worshipping Sri Chenchu Lakshmi
Thayar, a tribal form of Lakshmi, is believed to bring compassion
and maternal blessings.
- Bathing in Krishnaveni Theertham
and offering prayers is said to cleanse sins and promote well-being.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening:
4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Daily Pooja Schedule
| Time | Ritual |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Suprabhata Seva (Morning awakening) |
| 6:00 AM | Abhishekam (Holy bath) |
| 7:30 AM | Balabhogam (Morning offering) |
| 10:00 AM | Sahasranama Archana (Chanting of 1000 names) |
| 12:00 PM | Temple closes for the afternoon |
| 4:00 PM | Temple reopens |
| 7:00 PM | Naivedyam (Evening offering) |
| 7:30 PM | Temple closes for the day |
Getting There
- Location:
Mattapalli village, Suryapet district, Telangana –
PIN 508204
- By Road:
- From Hyderabad: ~200 km via
Suryapet → Huzurnagar → Mattapalli
- From Vijayawada: ~140 km via
Kodad → Huzurnagar → Mattapalli
- Nearest Towns:
Huzurnagar (30 km), Kodad (50 km)
- Public Transport:
Buses and autos are available from Huzurnagar. Private vehicles are
recommended for convenience.
- Nearest Railway Station:
Miryalaguda (~70 km)
- Nearest Airport:
Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (~180 km)
Tips
- Temple Access:
The temple is located on the banks of the Krishna River—expect a short
walk from the parking area.
- Accommodation:
Basic lodging is available in Mattapalli and Huzurnagar. Pilgrims often
stay in Vijayawada or Suryapet for better facilities.
- Food:
Annadanam (free meals) is offered at the temple during peak days.
Carry water and light snacks if visiting during off-hours.
- Photography:
Restricted inside the sanctum; permitted in outer areas.
- Festivals: Plan ahead if visiting during Swathi Nakshatra, as the temple gets crowded and accommodation fills quickly.