Temples   > Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam
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Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam
Narasimha Skhetras,Swayambhu Temples
The presiding deity here is Varaha Lakshminarasimha, combining the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha.
Sthalam

 

The hill temple of Simhachalam canbe seen as one approaches Vishakapatnam from Vizianagaram by train. Simhachalam– the hill of the lion is located at a distance of 18 km from Vishakapatnam.The hill temple is accessed via a motorable road, up the hill. This temple combines the Orissan and Chalukyan features of temple construction, and it attracts scores of pilgrims from both AndhraPradesh and Orissa.

Simhachalam is the second-largest temple, after Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, in terms of income earned. Devotees believe that the deity is capable of giving progeny to women and fulfilling

The presiding deity hereis Varaha Lakshminarasimha,combining the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha. The original shapeof the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion ona human torso.
The image resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandal paste. It is only once a year, during the Chandana Visarjana thatthe sandal paste is removed, and the image is seen by pilgrims. The main deityis covered with sandal paste(Chandanam) throughout the year except on VaishakaSudda Thadiya. On this auspicious day, the main deity givesNijapada Darshan(the true form of God ) for 12hrs only.

Legend has it that the Ugra form of Narasimha ashe killed the demon Hiranyakashipu wasso fierce that the image is kept covered by sandal paste throughout the year.History says that Prahlada – a devotee of Lord Vishnu was being tortoured byhis father. Lord Vishnu in the avatara of Lord Nrusimha kills Prahlada’s fatherand saves the child.

 
Puranam

 

Kulottunga Chola I of Tamilnadu, made endowments to this temple, as evidenced frominscriptions dating back to the year 1087. The Vengi Chalukyas of AndhraPradesh renovated the original shrine in the 11th century. Much of thestructure as it stands to day is the result of renovation by Narasimha I, ofthe Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the second quarter of the 13th century CE.Krishna Deva Raya, the Vijayanagar monarch visited this temple in the year1516, as seen from inscriptions here.

There are as many as 525 inscriptions inthis temple.
This great temple built in the 11th century bythe King Sri Krishnadevarayam, is one of its kind in the country. Inscriptionson the temple date back to 1098 AD.


The artwork here has elements of similarity withthat of Konark. Elephants, flowers and plants are portrayed in plenty. Theouter walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to beKing Narasimha) in various postures.

Simhachalam

This temple boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu. Narasimha, the man lion incarnation of Vishnu is seen in several depictions throughout the temple.
The artwork here has elements of similarity with that of Konark. Elephants, flowers and plants are portrayed in plenty. The outer walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to be King Narasimha) in various postures.

 
Varnam

 

The presiding deity hereis Varaha Lakshminarasimha,combining the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha. The original shapeof the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion ona human torso.The image resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandal paste

 
Highlights

 

#1 This temple is one of the 18 Narasimha kshetras in the country. It houses a beautifully carved 96-pillared kalyana mantapa, and a natya mandapa, among other structures.

#2 The significance here is that the idol represents both the Varaha and Narsimha incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that the temple was built on the exact spot where Lord Vishnu stood to protect Prahalada, as he killed the demon king and Prahalada’s father Hiranyakashyapu, in the Narasimha (half-lion, half-man) avatar.

#3 The idol is perpetually covered with Sandalwood paste which is replaced every year on Akshaya Tritiya

#4 With over 525 inscriptions on the temple walls, the oldest dates back to the Chola King Kulothunga, 1098 AD. There are also references to Sri Krishna Devaraya, who donated ornaments and land to the Lord.

#5 The hills of Simhachalam are rich in medicinal plants, medium-sized shrubs, and evergreen varieties. The native species found here include srigandam, banyan, alli, ankudu, fig-trees, ashoka, and more.

#6 This temple serves its devotees with delicious laddus made with sweet boondi with an additional hint of cardamom and camphor. Also, the holy shrine is renowned for its signature pulihora.

#7 The annual Giri Pradakshina is a 32 km-long walk around the Simhachalam hills that sees the participation of around five lakh people. The pradakshina starts at the foothills of Simhachalam. After completion of the walk, devotees take the steps for the lord’s darshan.

#8 The temple received the prestigious International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. Assessing various factors of the Simhachalam Devasthanam, including the services offered to the devotees, cleanliness, and greenery, the HYM International Certifications issued the honour.

 
Sevas

 

Important Utsavam Celebration:
Millions of devotees from round the world visitthis temple every year especially during the Chandanotsavam Festival Season. Onthe annual ritual Chandanotsavam day, the Lord is covered with anew fresh layer of Sandalwood.

Akshaya Tritiya Day or Chandanotsavam

Only on this day in the whole year, one can have Nijaroopa Darshan of Narasimha Swamy. Nijaroopa Darshan will be available only for 12 hours. During this time, the temple will be heavily crowded with VVIPs.

While clearing the sandal paste for Nijaroopa Darshan, temple doors will be closed. This event will take 1 hour to make the arrangements for Nijaroopa Darshan. This event will be held by the temple priests, after which Ananda Gajapathi dynasty will have the first darshan as they are trustees for this temple.

For all other days in a year, Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will be fully covered with sandal paste.

Giripradakshinam

Walking around Simhachalam and Kailasagiri Hills. The deity will be taken out in a procession around the holy hills. This event will be held on Full moon day in the month of Ashada (Jun/Jul). Giripradakshinam will cover 40 km which takes more than 8 hours to complete one full round.

 

 
Address

Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028, India
Timings

 

  • Morning Hours:  7 am –  4 pm
  • Evening Hours: 6 pm –  9 pm

Temple Timings during Chandanotsavam

Darshan Timings: 4 am  – 7 pm.

After 7 pm, entry to queue line will be stopped. Only devotees who are already there in the line will have Darshan.
Contact

 

0891-2764949
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