Nestled in the serene
landscapes of Singarakonda, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, the Sri
Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple stands as a beacon of devotion and legend.
This temple complex is unique, with Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
enshrined on the upper hill and Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy on the
downhill, offering devotees a rare spiritual experience.
The Divine Presence of
Lord Hanuman
- The idol of Sri Prasanna Anjaneya
Swamy here is Swayambhu (self-manifested).
- A strong belief holds that Sri
Hanuman stayed at Singarakonda for a day on his journey to Lanka in
search of Sita Devi.
- This explains why the idol faces south,
a rare darshan of Hanuman for devotees, symbolizing his mission towards
Lanka.
Architectural Highlights
- The temple features a majestic five-tier
Rajagopuram, showcasing traditional temple architecture.
- According to the temple Sila
Shasan, the shrine was built in the 14th century.
Legends of Singarakonda
- During the 14th century, a devotee
named Singanna, who worshipped Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, lived
near the hill.
- His daughter Narsamma noticed
that one of their cows had stopped giving milk. Curious, Singanna followed
the cow and discovered a miraculous sight:
- A boy emerged from a rock and drank
the cow’s milk before disappearing.
- Singanna believed this divine child
was none other than Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
- With devotion, he built the Sri
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple on the hill, and the place came to be
known as Singarakonda.
The Emergence of Sri
Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy
- Around 210 years ago, during
the inauguration of the Dwaja Stambham at the Lakshmi Narasimha
Swamy temple, thousands of devotees witnessed a miraculous event.
- A yogi appeared, installed the idol
of Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy at the Bhavanasi tank below
the hill, and then disappeared.
- Since then, devotees have worshipped
Hanuman here with deep reverence.
Festivals and
Celebrations
- The temple is renowned for its Teppotsavam
(float festival) celebrated during the Kanuma Festival every
year.
- This grand event draws devotees from
across Andhra Pradesh, adding to the temple’s vibrant spiritual
atmosphere.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening:
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Getting Here
- By Road:
Singarakonda is well connected by road from Ongole (approx. 30 km)
and other towns in Prakasam district. Regular buses and private vehicles
are available.
- By Train:
The nearest railway station is Ongole Railway Station, with good
connectivity to major cities like Vijayawada, Guntur, and Hyderabad.
- By Air:
The closest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (approx. 160
km). From there, taxis and buses can be hired to reach Singarakonda.
Tips for Devotees
- Dress modestly in traditional attire
while visiting the temple.
- Early mornings and evenings are the
best times for darshan, avoiding peak crowds.
- Carry water and light snacks, as
facilities are limited near the hill.
- Participate in the Teppotsavam
during Kanuma for a truly divine experience.
- Combine your visit with nearby
temples in Ongole for a fuller pilgrimage circuit.
Why Visit Singarakonda?
- Rare south-facing Hanuman darshan.
- Blend of Narasimha and Hanuman
worship in one sacred complex.
- Rich legends that connect devotees to
the Ramayana and divine miracles.
- Annual Teppotsavam that
showcases the temple’s cultural grandeur.
The Sri Prasanna
Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Singarakonda is not just a place of worship but a
living testimony to faith, legend, and divine grace. For devotees and travelers
alike, it offers a spiritually enriching journey into Andhra Pradesh’s sacred
heritage.