Panduranga Swamy Temple, Machilipatnam

Panduranga Swamy Temple (Telugu: శ్రీ పాండురంగస్వామి దేవస్థానము) is a famous temple in Machilipatnam, within the state of Andhra Pradesh. The founder of this temple is Sri Bhakta Narasimham. He was born in Veskhapatnam District at Bobili Mandalam, and had three children. His eldest son's sons, named Pandurangarao and Shiva, are the preachers at this temple. It is located in Chilakalapudi, Machilipatnam, Krishna District, Andhrapradesh. It has a spiritual significance among the people of Machiliptnam

The deity and the garbhagriha of the temple are very similar to Pandaripur Temple. Every year during the Kartika Month there will be a festival at this temple The temple of Sri Panduranga Swami, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is located at Chilakalapudi near the suburbs of Machilipatnam in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. It is the only temple in the state which is dedicated to Lord Panduranga Vithal. The temple is built in line of the famous temple of Vithoba at Pandharpur in the state of Maharashtra.

The temple has a very large premise covering an area of six acres which is thrown away from the Bandar city in a remote location. The main entrance has a huge tower welcoming you into the temple. But, as you enter the temple from west, the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord faces the east which is very rare. People from all castes and communities visit the temple for the blessings of the Lord and they are allowed to enter the main sanctum sanctorum of Lord and touch the feet of the Idol. The idol of Sri Panduranga Vithal measures about 3 feet in height with astounding charm and allure. He is in a standing posture with akimbo (arms resting on the waist) and with powerful smiling looks. The Idol resembles the actual appearance of Lord Krishna in his childhood. He wears a beautiful diamond studded crown, ornaments and namams (designs) adorned all over the body. The diamond in the crown that comes onto his forehead glows and sparkles in such a way the devotees waiting for Darshan can clearly notice it first, despite the sanctum sanctorum being dark. In front of the sanctum sanctorum a vast hall is situated which houses the devotees for Darshans, bhajans etc.

An idol of Sri Abhayanjaneya Swami (an incarnation of Lord Hanuman) is installed in front of the Lord. The temple is surrounded on three sides by a Prakaram on which several alcoves are built that hold the images of devotees of Sri Panduranga Vithal. Also, there is a small temple adjacent to the entrance that has the idols of Radha, Rukmini and Satyabhama who all are the consorts of Sri Panduranga Vithal Swami. The temple has a tank which is not in use presently and is in need of some repairs. The temple receives a number of devotees on Pournamis (full moon days) especially on Karthika Pournami on which people come for Samudra Snanalu (holy dip in the sea) and also on Ashadha Shudda Ekadasi.

The temple is still maintained by the successors of Bhaktha Narasimham, who refused to hand it over to the Endowments Department of Government.

How to reach:

From Vijayawada:
Take the NH9 (National Highway Road) towards Machilipatnam (Bundar) and go straight crossing the villages of Poranki, Edupugallu and Kankipadu. You need not take any turn and just stick on to NH9 and go straight crossing the towns of Vuyyur, Pamarru and from there you can easily reach Machilipatnam in a few minutes.

To reach the temple:
The temple is located at Chilakalapudi on Tallapalem road, near the warehouses of FCI (Food Corporation of India). Once you reach the town, many local buses and private vehicles are available to reach Chilakalapudi.

The city has a railway station which is a terminus. Several trains connect the city with all major cities and towns in the state. Apparently, two National Highway roads NH9 and NH214A intersect the heart of the city and connecting it with other districts. The nearest domestic airport is at Gannavaram, Vijayawada and the nearest international airport is at Shamshabad, Hyderabad.

Accommodation:
Machilipatnam has quite a good number of hotels and lodges that have good facilities. Alternatively, you can also choose your stay at the nearest city of Vijayawada where you can find some of the best hotels with better accommodation facilities.