History: The Yadagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, nestled between Bhongir and Raigiri in Nalgonda district, Telangana, is an ancient shrine with a rich history dating back to the Treta Yuga. An inscription at Kolanupaka Jagaddevuni Narayana Swamy Temple details the historical connection to the Yadagiri Temple. After a victorious battle in Telangana in 1148 CE, King Tribhuvana Malludu established a fort on Ekashila Hillock at Bhongir in honor of his victory and frequently visited Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. In the 15th century, Vijayanagara Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya, seeking divine favor for his military campaigns, visited the temple and prayed to Lord Narasimha. His prayers were answered with the birth of a son, further cementing the temple’s revered status.

Lore: According to legend, Yadarishi the son of the renowned sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi, performed intense penance within a cave on this hill with the blessings of Anjaneya (Hanuman). Pleased with his devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, manifested before him in five divine forms: Sri Jwala Narasimha, Sri Yogananda Narasimha, Sri Gandabherunda Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha, and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. These forms are worshipped in the temple today, collectively known as the Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.

The temple's significance is also recorded in the Skanda Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas. After Yadarishi's attainment of moksha, the shrine witnessed a succession of tribal worshippers. However, due to improper rituals by these tribes, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha is said to have retreated to the hills. He later revealed himself in a dream to a devout tribal woman, guiding her to a cavern where the five forms of the deity were found.

Architecture:

The Yadagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple features a distinctive architectural style, reflecting its ancient origins. The sanctum sanctorum, or Garbha Griha, houses the central deity in five forms, sculpted with intricate detail. A notable feature of the temple is the golden Sudarshana Chakra, measuring about 3 feet by 3 feet, which crowns the temple's peak. This Chakra, symbolizing divine power, is reputed for its mystical qualities, including its movement like a compass to guide devotees and its self-rotation, defying human manipulation.

The temple's cave structure, set within a rocky hill, enhances its spiritual ambiance. The architecture includes finely polished black granite carvings of the Sun God and his consorts, and figures of divine saints and door guardians. The temple’s rituals follow the Pancharatra Agama, with liturgical practices established by Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu, who also composed significant hymns for the temple.