Maddileti Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located at Maddileru (R.S. Rangapuram village) near Betamcherla in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. The temple stands on the banks of the Maddileru canal, surrounded by rocky terrain and peaceful greenery. The divine atmosphere and natural surroundings make the temple a spiritually uplifting destination for devotees.
The exact historical age of the temple is not clearly documented, but based on local legends and long-standing worship traditions, the shrine is considered ancient, with the deity believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested). The present structure has been developed over time by devotees and under temple authorities.
The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, the fierce and protective form of Lord Vishnu. The idol here is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), emerging naturally from an anthill near the canal. Devotees strongly believe that the Lord here is very powerful and answers prayers related to health, protection, wealth, and family welfare.
The temple follows traditional Dravidian style with a beautiful five-tier Rajagopuram. A tall Dwaja Stambham stands majestically before the sanctum. The Garbha Griha houses the Swayambhu Narasimha form, giving the sanctum a naturally divine aura.
Once, Sri Kadiri Narasimha Swamy played a dice game with Goddess Lakshmi. When Lakshmi Devi won, she began teasing the Lord playfully. Feeling uneasy and a little embarrassed, Lord Narasimha left Kadiri and travelled through the Erramala and Nallamala hills searching for a new abode.
During his journey, he met Sri Uma Maheswara Swamy at Yaganti and sought guidance. Lord Shiva compassionately directed Narasimha to the peaceful place near the Maddileru canal, where the Lord finally chose to reside.
Story of King Kanappa Dora & the Divine Lizard
Just 3 km away from the Maddileru canal was Mokshapattanam, ruled by King Kanappa Dora. The king used to go hunting every Saturday.
During one such hunt, he saw a strangely glowing Monster Lizard with unusual colours. Surprised, he ordered his soldiers to capture it.
Despite many attempts, the lizard escaped into an anthill, called Komali. The soldiers dug the anthill but could not find the creature. The king returned to his palace confused.
That night, Lord Narasimha appeared in the king’s dream and revealed:
“The lizard you saw was Me. I entered the anthill to bless this land.”
Realising this, King Kanappa Dora gathered learned Vedic pandits and offered prayers at the anthill.
Pleased with their devotion, Lord Narasimha emerged from the anthill as a divine 10-year-old boy, blessed everyone present—and then disappeared, leaving behind a powerful divine presence.
This sacred spot became the Maddileti Narasimha Swamy Temple.
The temple celebrates several important festivals with great devotion. Narasimha Jayanti is the most significant, attracting thousands of devotees for special poojas and annadanam. Mukkotti Ekadasi Brahmotsavam is another major festival, celebrated grandly with special rituals, alankarams, and vibrant processions.
During Vaikunta Ekadasi, the temple is beautifully decorated, and devotees participate in early morning darshan. Other occasions like Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Rama Navami, Deepavali, and Karthika Masam poojas are also observed with devotion. Every Saturday, special offerings are made to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and Maddileti Swamy, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
