WARANGAL: The historic Sri Velpugonda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple began its month-long celebrations (Jathara) on a grand note on Saturday in Zaffergadh mandal of Station Ghanpur constituency, Jangaon district. The celebrations are held exclusively during the sacred month of Sravanam Masam. Zaffergadh lies in a valley between two hills, Chinnagutta and Peddagutta. The hills and the ancient Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu), are now drawing large numbers of devotees not only from across the erstwhile Warangal district but also from neighbouring states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Perched atop Peddagutta hill, the temple is a significant religious site. A serene pond located near the temple adds to its charm. An inscription carved into a rock wall beside the pond states that it was constructed by Shankara Ganda, a chief of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Behind the hill are the ruins of a Trikuta Temple, a Garuda pillar, and a Vishnu Temple, all dating back to the Kakatiya period. Local resident Sanga Kiran told Deccan Chronicle that as one approaches the hills, the air feels fresher and time seems to slow down. “The landscape is filled with vibrant greenery, and the rugged rocks and scattered trees create a picturesque and calming atmosphere,” he said. Devotees who undertake the climb to Peddagutta are rewarded with breathtaking views and the divine darshan of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, with the village below appearing like a peaceful hamlet. Clear skies and a gentle breeze enhance the spiritual and scenic experience. Temple priest P. Venkatacharyulu shared the origin story of the temple. “A village scholar once dreamt that Lord Narasimha Swamy had manifested on the hill and instructed him to inform the villagers of the exact location. Acting on the dream, the villagers discovered the idol and later constructed the temple,” he said. He also recounted a unique daily occurrence: “At noon each day, it is believed that Lord Narasimha Swamy bathes in a nearby pond and performs a sun salutation. Devotees can see his footprints at the spot and even hear the sound of his bathing.” Despite its rich history and spiritual significance, the temple remains relatively unknown outside the region. This is largely due to the absence of a proper path or steps to reach it, making it inaccessible for many. The lack of a formal route has limited wider recognition of this sacred and ancient site.
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