Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam
Also known as: சிம்மாசலம் வராக லட்சுமி நரசிம்மர் கோயில் · సింహాచలం వరాహ లక్ష్మీ నృసింహ ఆలయం · सिंहाचलम वराह लक्ष्मी नृसिंह मंदिर
Andhra Pradesh Vishnu
A hill temple above Visakhapatnam where the deity is covered in sandalwood paste all year, except one day.
- Deity
- Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha (Vishnu), Simhavalli Thayar (Lakshmi)
- Tradition
- Vishnu
- Place
- Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Era
- Present temple built by Narasingha Deva I (Eastern Ganga), consecrated 1268 CE.
Sthala Puranam
Prahlada was a devotee of Vishnu. His father Hiranyakashipu tried to kill him several times. In one attempt Prahlada was thrown from a hill and a mountain was placed on him. Vishnu lifted him out of the sea.
Prahlada asked Vishnu to appear as a joined form of Varaha (boar) and Narasimha (man-lion). After Hiranyakashipu died, Prahlada built a temple for this form here.
The hill is called Simhachalam, the lion's hill.
Speciality
- The idol is covered in sandalwood paste all year. On Akshaya Tritiya (Chandanotsavam), the paste is removed and devotees see the original form for about 12 hours.
- The present temple was built in Kalinga style by Eastern Ganga king Narasingha Deva I and consecrated by his son in 1268 CE.
- Festivals include Kalyanotsavam, Narasimha Jayanti, and Dolotsavam.
Festivals
- Chandanotsavam on Akshaya Tritiya (April–May)
- Narasimha Jayanti
- Kalyanotsavam
- Dolotsavam
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Chandanotsavam is a once-a-year view of the original deity and attracts a very large crowd. Go early.
Prayers for this temple
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