Mangalagiri, a temple town located in Guntur, Seemandhra (Andhra Pradesh). Literally translating to 'The Auspicious Hill', this place is one of the 8 important Mahakshetrams or sacred destinations in India.
Mangalagiri holds huge importance in the Indian culture as it is believed that Lord Vishnu had manifested himself on the very soil of Mangalagiri and Goddess Lakshmi performed penance on the peak of the hill as well. Owing to the legends pertaining to the divine, there is a tremendous footfall of believers here throughout the year.
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Temple Timings
The open hours of the different temples are as follows:-
Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings Opening of the main gates of the temple: 07:00 AM Morning Archana: 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM Special Archana for devotees offering Panakam: 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM Maharnivedana: 1:00 PM Closing of temple gates: 3:00 PM
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings Opening the doors of the temple: 5:00 AM Offering Teertham: 5:30 AM Morning Archana: 6:00 AM Ghoshti or using of the Teerrtham offered: 7:30 AM Archana for devotees: 7:30 AM to 11 AM Maharnivedana: 11:30 AM Closing of temple doors: 12:30 PM Special Archana for the devotees: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Evening Archana, Harathi, Theertha Ghoshti: 7:30 PM CLosing of temple doors: 8:30 PM
Mangalagiri - The Auspicious Hill
Mangalagiri is one of the 8 important Mahakshetrams or sacred places in India where Lord Vishnu manifested himself. There are three Narasimha Swamy temples in Mangalagiri. The temple on the hill is that of Lord Panakala Narasimha Swamy and it is said that the lord has been worshipped since the beginning of the Satya Yug.
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However, this temple in Mangalagiri was formally built by the then Zamindar Sri Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu during the period 1807-1809 and it has completed 200 years of its construction. It was built by the then Zamindar Sri Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu during the period 1807-1809 and it has completed 200 years of its construction.
The Magalagiri Hill itself looks like an elephant and many interesting legends associated with it. The priests at the temple will be more than happy to tell you about them!
History of Mangalgiri
Mangalagiri has a long and illustrious history attached to its name. The city finds a mention in the capture of Kondavidu by Timmarasu around the year 1520. A stone near the Garudalvar has inscriptions which pertain to the reign of Vijayanagara Empire around the year 1538.
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Mangalagiri formed a part of the Golconda Nawab's empire for quite a few years as well and was plundered by Hyder Jung in 1780. As the temple was recovering from this attack, it was looted again in the year 1816 by a gang of Pindaris. Mangalagiri saw peaceful days during the time of Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu who ruled the place from Amaravati.
Places to Visit Around Mangalagiri Hills
Places of interest around Mangalagiri include Chinna Jeeyar Ashram in Seeta Nagaram, Vundavalli Caves, Bhavani Island, Kanakadurga Temple, Jain Temple, Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, and Amaravati. As you move down the hill, you can see another temple dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan Swami here.
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On the right side of the steps (provided to reach the temple), there is a stone inscription by Sri Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar, and a little further up, the footprints of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - a highly revered Hindu mystic - can be seen. Midway up the steps, there is a temple of Lord Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy where there is only the face of the deity with the mouth opened wide.
How To Reach Mangalagiri
Mangalagiri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple is located 12 kilometres from Vijayawada and 25 Kilometres from Guntur. You can reach the temple by steps or through Ghat road. Buses ply from Vijayawada to Mangalagiri as well.
