Bhimunipatnam - Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Aalayam 

Its legendary name was Eakachakrapuram. It is an ancient thirtha kshetra. Many pouranic personages, like the redoubtable Pandava prince Bhima had visited and offered prayers to this archamurti specifically expiation of the sin of killing Bakasura - the formidable demon, who not only swallowed the cart loads of food, but also the beasts, cart and carts man that brought food. After offering soulful prayers with rituals due, he experienced the eternal presence of that Karunaikasindu Narasimha here and so caused a temple built. The Lord is infinitely benevolent in fulfilling the desires of the duhkhartis. With the passage of time, the temple grew in size and gained sanctity. Renovations have been made by the devout public from time t6 time and hence a steady stream of asthikas throughout the year.

The Temple And Its Complex:

It is a hill temple built on a hillock of modest dimensions. It contains all the essential parts, like towers, garbhagriha, antarala, pradakshinapatha, dwajasthamba etc. The archamurti is made of stone and holds in His hands-sudarsan and conch. And quite pleasant to look at. River Gosthani joins the sea in its vicinity. Hence doubly famous as a thirtha kshetra. Here are found many holy ponds, like Ramagundam, Sitagundam, Lakshmangundam and Hanumagundam. Yatris bathe in them invariably on listening to the legends connected with them. Offering pindas to manes is deemed very efficacious and devotees worship the Lord after this ritual with utmost devotion. Standing atop the hill, if one stretches his gaze around, colourful Nature feasts his eyes and elevates his spirits.

The Kalyanotsavam is the star attraction and during this annual function several thousands visit and participate in many important ritualistic offerings. This falls on Jyesta suddha navami corresponding to July on the Julian calendar. As it is deemed one of 32 holy Narasimha kshetras, its pull is great.

It lies 20 km off Vijayanagram in AP and accessible by four wheelers from it.

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