Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple

Introduction to the Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple

The Panduranga Swamy Temple is the most famous Temple at Chilakalapudi, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Panduranga Swamy is an incarnation of Vishnu, more precisely, a manifestation of Sri Krishna. The Panduranga Swamy Temple is also known as Keer Pandaripuram, where ‘Keer’ means 'parrot' in Marathi. Parrots used to live here in huge numbers, hence the name.

Legend of the Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple

Teki Narasimham was a great devotee of Panduranga Swamy who performed penance here. Pleased with his prayers, Panduranga self-manifested here.

The Architecture of the Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple

Sri Bhakta Narasimham constructed the Panduranga Swamy Temple in 1929. He received benedictions from Sadguru Mahipathi Maharaj in Pandaripuram to build it. Narasimham had three children. His successors, Shiva and Panduranga Rao are the preachers at this temple. It is India's second most famous temple among other Panduranga Swamy Temples. The Panduranga Swamy Temple features a typical South Indian architectural style.

The Panduranga Swamy Temple lies sprawled on six acres of land. The main entrance has a huge tower welcoming devotees. Panduranga Swamy is the main deity. He graces his devotees from the East direction. A temple of Rukmini, Radha, and Satyabhama is beside the entrance. Panduranga Swamy's idol is three feet high and decorated with heavy dresses and ornaments. A diamond-studded crown adorns his forehead. Rukmini Devi is his consort; she is an incarnation of Lakshmi. He blesses his devotees in the standing posture with his arms resting on the waist. He has a beautiful face. Devotees can touch the idol's feet during worship. His idol resembles the actual appearance of Sri Krishna in his childhood. An idol of Sri Abhayanjaneya Swami, an incarnation of Hanuman, can be seen standing before Panduranga Swamy.

The temple has a large hall where devotees do Bhajans and rituals. Sahasralinga Kailasa Mandap and 1000 Shiva lingams are the key attractions of the Panduranga Swamy Temple. The deity and the sanctum sanctorum are alike in Pandaripur Temple, Maharashtra.

There are 108 small shrines in the Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple complex. Visitors can see the idols of Veerabhadra Swamy, Yamadharma Raja, Markandeya, and Vigneswara here. Sthala Vriksham banyan tree is in the Panduranga Swamy Temple premises. It is said that saints performed penance under this tree for over 350 years. Devotees perform Pradakshinam (circumambulation) for this tree. The Prakaram surrounds three sides of the temple, where visitors can see many alcoves with images of Panduranga. Devotees used to offer Patika Bellam (Rock Candy) to the deity.

Festivals in the Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple

The Panduranga Swamy Temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year. The annual Brahmotsavam is the most significant festival here. The temple is beautifully decorated during Brahmotsavam, and the deities are taken out in processions. Ekadashi, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Rama Navami are other important festivals of the Panduranga Swamy Temple.

A number of devotees visit the temple on Purnima (full moon days), especially on Kartika Purnima and Ashadha Shudda Ekadasi. They come for Samudra Snanalu, a holy dip in the Manginapudi seashore.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Pandu Ranga Swamy Temple

Devotees believe that worshipping Panduranga Swamy at the Panduranga Swamy Temple can bring blessings, fulfill desires, and liberate them from the cycles of birth and death. Couples who seek marital harmony and barren couples desiring progeny worship him.