Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Antarvedi

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple  is situated in temple town named Antarvedi  of sakhinetipalle mandal of east godavari district.It is an important piligrim centre in andhra Pradesh.

History :

The temple constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries.In the 18th century, Peddapuram Rajas were the trustees and were responsible for developing the temple. Mogaltur Raja's are the traditional trustees of Antarvedi Temple, with this duty beginning in the 19th century. 

Lord Brahma made this place as "Vedic" to perform Rudra Yaga to get free from his sins it is therefore called Antarvedi. 'Raktavilochana' son of Hiranyakshapu killed one hundred sons of 'Vashista'. Vashista, who was not present at the time of this horror, could witness the scene with his divine power in Brahmaloka. Vashista prayed Lord Narasimha to save further destruction in the hands of Raktavilochana.

Lord Narasimha therefore descended and fought fiercely with the ferocious demon. Since the demon was granted a boon from Lord Siva, assuring that the number of sand particles drenched by the drops of his blood take the form of his body.Lord Narasimha created 'Maya Shakti', which would prevent the blood of the demon falling on the ground, and chopped of the hands of Raktavilochana and ultimately killed him. Joyous Vashista, on an auspicious day, in the presence of all the gods consecrated the image of Lord Narasimha at Antervedi and all sang his glory.Antarvedi became a Jungle, where a cow-heard called "Keshavadas" used to graze his cattle. On one day he found that one of his cows rained his milk at an anthill and returned home dry. To worried Keshavadas, Lord Narasimha appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a temple for him. The cowherd with the assistance of the villagers constructed a temple at the anthill. Temple :Speciality of this  temple is that, the God is facing towards West instead of East (usual direction of other temples in India). According to the local legend, Lord Narasimha manifested himself in an anthill. The idol of Lord Narasimha stands installed in the place where he is supposed to have emerged in the form of the stone. There are many other temples over here too like 'Nilakanteswara', 'Sri Rama, and Anjaneya' etc. This place has glorious past, connected with several 'August Munies' such as 'Brahma' among celestials, Sri Rama among the incarnated and Vasishta among Maharshis. Festivals :The area's religious fair is held on Bheeshma Ekadasi, which is generally in January or February. The annual Kalyanotsavam will begin on the day of Ratha Saptami and concludes on the day of Pournami with Chakra Snanam. Lord Narasimha Swamy's Kalyanam is performed on Dasami and Rath yatra was performed on 'Ekadasi day'. Contact : SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA VARI DEVASTANAM Mobile :8862259313 EMAIL : antarveditemple@rediffmail.com How To Get Here : The nearest railway stations are at Palakollu, Bhimavaram and Narsapur.  Antarvedi can be reached by boat from Narsapur. There are buses from Palkollu, Razole that take pilgrims to this sacred place.