About Panduranga Swami Temple Information-Machilipatnam

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.

Description of the temple:
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.