Avanigadda - Sri Lahshminarayana Aalayam

This sacrosanct kshetra enjoyed the special privilege of Mother Sita's training under Kulaguru Vasishta for sometime. According to sthalapurana, Sri Rama with a view to initiating into the mysteries of Nari Dharma and Dharmasravana left his spouse Avanija -the apt name for Sita due to her emergence from the earth under the tutelege of Vasishta. Hence the name Avanijapuram, which in course of time turned out Avanigadda. This holy site lies between two rivulets of Pavana Krishna before joining the sea. The sthalagnas applaud that the present Lakshmi Narasimha temple was built by Sri Rama himself and it is one among many said to have emerged during his return journey after Ravana samhara. Moreover, Vyagra mahamuni did penance here and so, this was called Vyagreswaram, and later became Puligadda, its Telugu equivalent. When the old temple fell into ruins, Kulothunga II of Chola dynasty rebuilt it on a grand scale. And so the Lord goes by another name of Chola Narasimhaswamy. And it is one of the much-visited temples in Krishna district. The temple has a very tall tower measuring about hundred feet adorning the broad mahadwara. It contains in its vast campus all the essential parts and masterly sculptured images at it. An account of extraordinary artistry displayed by the silpacharyas, it bears resemblance to Ellora and Ajanta pictures. Everything both in garbhagriha and outside, splendid life size images keep the viewers spell bound. Agamic puja is offered, and the annual festivals are conducted on a grand scale luring unmanageable crowds due to the presiding deity's liberal grant of boons.

It lies in West Godavari district of A.P. accessible by four wheelers.

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