Panduranga Swamy is widely worshipped in Andhra Pradesh. The
most famous temple dedicated to the deity is located at Chilakalapudi in Machilipatnam
in Andhra Pradesh. Panduranga Swamy is a manifestation of Hindu God Vishnu – the
murti worshipped is similar to Lord Vitthal worshipped at Pandharpur
Temple in Maharashtra .
Panduranga Swamy is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu –
more precisely a manifestation of Bhagvan Sri Krishna.
Legend has it that moved by the devotion of a devotee named
Pundalik towards his parents, Sri Krishna
decided to visit the home of Pundalik.
It is said that Pundalik was so engrossed in his duty
towards his parents that he made Bhagvan Shri Krishna wait. Pundalik gave a
brick for Sri Krishna to stand.
Later when Pundalik came out, he asked the Lord forgiveness
for making Him wait. Lord Krishna blessed him and asked him to ask a
boon.
Pundalik said what more can I ask when the Lord himself
waits for me.
When Lord Krishna insisted that he ask a boon, Pundalik
asked that the Lord should remain on earth and bless and take care of His
devotees.
Sri Krishna thus remained on earth as Vithoba or Vitthal –
the Lord who stands on a brick. Lord Vitthal is also popularly known as
Panduranga Swamy.