Simhachalam Temple, also known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a famous temple located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is considered one of the most important temples of the region. The Temple is situated atop a hill 800 meters above sea level and is dedicated to Bhagwan Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu himself.
Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam Architecture and History:
❀ The presiding deity here is Varaha LakshmiNarasimha, who combines the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha. The basic shape of the deity in tribhanga posture has two arms with a lion's head on a human torso.
❀ The Simhachalam temple is adorned with extremely elaborate stone carvings and designs and can be seen from a distance. This is the only temple in the country where Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy - a combination of the third and fourth incarnations of Bhagwan Vishnu - appears. This temple combines Kalinga and Chalukya architectural constructions.
❀ The legend of the temple is based on the story of Hiranyakashyap and Prahlad. Prahlad built the Simhachalam temple dedicated to Bhagwan Narasimha, which is believed to be the same temple that stands here today.
Famous Festivals of Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam:
Kalyanotsavam
❀ Kalyanotsavam, the annual celestial wedding of Varaha Narasimha, is celebrated on the 11th day of the first quarter of the Indian lunar month Chaitra. This festival is celebrated for five days.
Chandanotsavam
❀ Chandanotsavam (Sandalwood Festival), also known as Chandan Yatra, is the most important festival celebrated in the temple. It is celebrated on the festival day of Akshaya Tritiya (April–May) according to the temple legend.
❀ The image resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandalwood paste. It is only once a year during Chandan Visarjan that the sandalwood paste is removed, and the image is viewed by pilgrims. The main deities are covered with sandalwood paste (Chandanam) throughout the year except Vaishakh Sudda Thadiya. On this auspicious day, the main deity gives nijapada darshan (the real form of the Bhagwan) for 12 hours only.
❀ Legend has it that the fierce form of Narasimha when he killed the demon Hiranyakashipu was so fierce that the image is kept covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year.
❀ In the evening, several bath services are performed starting with Chandanabhishek and Sahasrakalasabhishek. Three different types of 'Prasadam' are offered to Bhagwan Narasimha, which marks the end of the festival.
Narasimha Jayanti, Janmashtami, Diwali are also celebrated in the temple apart from major festivals.
Simhachalam Temple Darshan Timings:
Devotees can visit the temple Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
How to Reach Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam?
Visakhapatnam city is very well connected to other cities of India by roadways, railways and airways. Simhachalam Temple is located only 20 km away from the city center and the temple offers several transportation options for your convenience.
6 AM - 9 PM
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