History, Importance, Interesting Facts, Facilities, Festivals, Activities and Travel Guide of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range with lush greenery all around the shrine, approx. 300 mtrs from sea level in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Varaha Narasimha incarnation. This temple is one of the 32 temples of Narsimha and major pilgrimage destination of Andhra Pradesh after the Tirupati Balaji Temple. It is said that this form of Vishnu – lion’s head and human body was adapted to save his devotee Prahlad from his Demon father Hiranya Kashyapa. Except on Akshaya Tritiya, the idol is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which makes it resemble as Lingam. On Akshaya Tritiya festival, sandalwood paste removed from idol and deity comes in its original form for 12 hours, from 4 AM to 4 PM.
As per the legend, the foundation stone of temple is associated with Hiranya Kashyap, Prahlad and Hiranyaksha. Lord Vishnu saved earth from Hiranyaksha with incarnation – Varaha Avatar. Prahlad, son of demon king Hiranya Kashyuapu was the great devotee of Lord Vishnu thus demon king wanted to kill his son. But Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad from his father with incarnation – Narasimha Avatar. It is said that Bhakt Prahlad had established this temple first during Satya Yuga and then during the Treta Yuga king Pururava of Lunar dynasty observed this place and reconstruct the temple.The Simhachalam temple holds the importance from thousands of year, exact dates are not found but it has an inscription that belongs to the era of Chola King Kulothunga of 11th century. The architecture of the temple is a mixture of the styles of the Kalinga, Chalukya and the Cholas. The temple faces west rather than the east, which signifies victory. This temple is the second largest temple after Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, in terms of donations. The hills where the mountain is located contains medical herbs used to cure the diseases of both humans and cattle. At the foot of the hill, two gardens are available where festivals are celebrated.
Temple architecture is impressive which contain a square shrine surmounted by a high tower, sixteen pillared mandapam, enclosing verandah, all made from dark granite richly and delicately carved with conventional and floral ornament and chapter of Vaishnavite puranas. Kappa stambham or 'tribute pillar’ is believed with great powers of curing diseases and granting children attracts devotees. Stone car with stone wheels and prancing stone horses placed in verandah. Natyamandapam is located on the north side of the temple, where the god's marriage is performed during fesitval. This is supported by 96 precisely carved pillars of black stone, arranged in sixteen rows of six each.
The festivals like Kalyanotsava – Marriage celebration of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, Chandanotsava – Chandan Yatra celebration on Akshaya Tritiya, Nrasimha Jayanti, Navaratrosava and Janmashtami are very well celebrated here.
Temple trust manages lots of social and spiritual activities like maintaining Gaushala, Bhojanalaaya for Prasadam, Sanskrit school, Yoga Centre, Naturopathy hospital.
How to reach Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam: It is located at a distance of only 20 km away from the heart of the city centre, railway station and airport of Visakhapatnam. Thus it is very well connected via road, rail and air network. Tourist can get flight from Visakhapatnam airport to all major cities of India and also few international flights are also available. Visakhapatnam Railway Station is well connected with all cities Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata Delhi etc. Devotee can easily reach by road network from all the cities via government buses and private vehicles.
