29/03/2016
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located at Vedadri in Jaggaiahpeta in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh
The main presiding deity is Yogananda Sri Narasimha Swami. This is one of the Panchanarasimhar Kshetrams in Andhra Pradesh.
The five Panchanarasimhar Kshetrams are Vedadri, Vadapalli, Mattapalli, Mangalagiri and Ketavaram.
In Vedadri, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy exists in 5 different forms known as Pancha Narasimha Moorthies. They are Sri Jwala Narasimha Swamy, who is seen as Swayambu Moorthy on the mountain top; Salagrama Narasimha, who is seen on River Krishnaveni; Yogananda Sri Narasimha Swamy, and Lakshmi Narasimha Swami both are seen inside the temple premises; and Veera Narasimha Swami is seen on Garudadri, which is 5km east of Vedadri.
Legend of the Temple
Sownakadi Muni explains to Sanakadhiyar and to Rishis about Brahmapurana. In this purana it says that, the demon Somakasura took the Vedas from Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma approached his father Lord Sriman Narayana to help him in accruing the Vedas. Sriman Narayanar in the form of Matsya, killed the demon Somakasura and brought the Vedas back intact. As a gesture Vedas thanked Lord Narayanar in human form and requested Him to stay back on their head. Lord agreed to fulfil their wish.
Lord said he would stay here as Pancha Moorthy. He asked Veda Prussia’s to stay here as Saligrahama Mountain, on the bank of the River Krishnaveni. He said he has granted a boon for River Krishnaveni also. She has requested Him, to allow her to pray and worship Him every day. Lord said wishes of Veda Prussia’s and River Krishnaveni will be fulfilled simultaneously. After Hiranya Vadam, Sriman Narayanar stayed back on the Vedadri Sikara as Jwala Narashimar and fulfilled Veda Purusha’s wish.
Brahma requested Jwala Narashimar to stay in Sathya lokam as Saligramha Narashimar. Lord Sriman Narayanar went to Sathya Lokha with Brahma. Even before Lord Brahma offered his worship to Lord in Sathya Lokha, fire took place. So Lord Brahma brought Saligrahma moorthy to the River Krishnaveni and erected the Saligrama Moorthy on Saligrama Mountain Thus the wish of Veda purusha’s and River Krishnaveni was fulfilled simultaneously.
Rishyasrunga Muni and other Rishi’s approached Vyasa Bhagawan, and requested him to show the path of Salvation in Kaliyugam. Vyasa Bhagavan said Nama Sankeerthanam is the easiest way to attain Moksha in Kali Yugam. Rishis went in search of some peaceful place to recite. When they crossed this Veda Sikaram they heard echo of Veda mantra. Here they worshipped Yoga Narashimar and started their penance. They were blessed by Sriman Narayanar as Yogananda Narashimar in this place. Rishyasrungar installed Yogananda Narashimar on this Saligrahma Sikaram.
Landmark: It is situated only 10 km from Chillakallu on the National Highway No.9 from Vijayawada to Hyderabad.
How to reach Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Vedadri
By Bus: Buses are available from all places in Andhra Pradesh to Vedadri to access the temple. It is 5 km away from Jaggaiagpeta.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Madhira Railway Station which is 37 km away from the temple. Local buses run from here to visit the temple.
By Flight: Nearest airport is Vijayawada Airport which is 90 km away from the temple. Bus and taxi services are available to access the temple.
