Nestled in the foothill forests of Penchalakona in the Eastern Ghats here, the Sri Penusila Narasimha Swamy temple has become popular as a hill shrine for devotees from across Nellore, Kadapa, and Chittoor districts over the past many decades.
Located in Rapur mandal, about 70 km west of Nellore city, Penchalakona temple has become a thriving pilgrim centre now.
Amid elaborate arrangements, the annual ‘brahmotsavams’ began on a festive note on Tuesday even as the ‘devasthanam’ initiated special efforts for the convenience of pilgrims this year.
The temple premises and entrance arches were well decked up. As devotees arrive in larger numbers on account of the special pujas and prayers offered during this period, the local officials along with the temple administration put in place several facilities like drinking water supply, butter milk kiosks and food. To meet heavy rush, three special queue lines have been formed especially for the use of the aged, children and the physically challenged persons.
Steps were taken to enable all the devotees to have smooth ‘darshan’ of the deity.
The RTC is running nearly 85 special services to meet the pilgrim rush from Nellore, Gudur, Atmakur, Venkatagiri and also from several towns in Kadapa and Chittoor districts. Six tankers have been pressed into service to ensure supply of drinking water throughout the ‘brahmotsavam’ period.
Free ‘prasadam’
T. Nanaji, chairman of the temple trust board, instructed the endowment officials and the temple staff to distribute ‘prasadam’ free of cost to all pilgrims. To avoid any untoward incident, the police made elaborate security cover with five CIs and 29 SIs heading a large force to keep a vigil during the celebrations. About 30 doctors and 35 paramedical staff would render their services.
Additional transformers have been erected to ensure continuous power supply for the illumination at the temple.
