MANGALAGIRI-PANAKA NAIVEDYAM

Not contented with abhishek - bathing in liquids adorable archamurtis are gratified with Naivedyam in liquid state, of course solid form is a rule in general. This naivedyam is not uniform, it varies from god to god, rather taste to taste. Some presiding deities are satisfied with pongal, sweet or ordinary, but some strangely enough are pleased with bringal naivedyam. And lo! there is a lone example of one god satisfied with paanaka naivedyam Jaggery dissolved in water. Surprise sends thrills, but when probed, you utter how grand! "Where and why" dart from your mouth, aren't they? Then Listen.

This rare, lone, unique occurrence is found in Narasimhaswamy temple at Mangalagiri, a pilgrim town lying 15 km off Vijayawada. The deity's passion for it is indescribable. Hence the nick name of Panakala Narasimhaswamy, and it is quite appropriate; He showers boons of every type, when panakanaivedyam is offered. Marrvellous is the tradition. While swallowing, he makes gurgling sound, and that marks the stage of satiation. The priest stops pouring into the wide open mouth of the icon on hearing it. Then the rest of the jaggery beverage is distributed to the visitors by the sevarthi. As it is conferring solace, peace and progress almost all the worshippers invariably offer this to this august Narasimhaswamy. The origin is quite fascinating. Read for its origin.

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