This ancient town is most famous for the Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha (half man-half lion). Set atop a hill, it is one of the eight chief holy mahakshetrams (holy temples) in the country and invites devotees from all over. Legend has it that when panakam (jaggery water) is poured into the mouth of the deity with a conch, a gurgling sound is clearly heard, leading to the belief that the idol drinks it. Irrespective of the quantity offered to the idol, only half is accepted and the remaining returned. Devotees visiting the temple carry the panakam to their homes in small bottles as prasad. A particular attraction is the annual festival held during the months of August and September.