Name: Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam
Address: Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530028, IN
Telephone: +91-891-2744331

Introduction & Spiritual Essence

Perched majestically 500 meters above sea level on the Simhachalam hill range in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, stands the ancient Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. This sacred site is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in the state and holds a unique place in the pan-Indian tradition of Vaishnavism. Unlike conventional forms, the presiding deity is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) murti (idol) that embodies the fusion of Varaha (Boar) and Narasimha (Lion), protecting the devotee Prahlada.

Phalaśruti (Spiritual Benefits):
Devotees believe that a visit to this Divya Kshetram (holy place) grants immense blessings. The deity, revered as Simhachalam Nadha, is specifically known to:

Cleanse Ancestral Karma: Performing rites here is believed to liberate ancestors from the cycle of rebirth.
Fulfill Wishes: It is a prime Mannasiddhi sthala for those seeking relief from prolonged ailments.
Bless with Progeny: Childless couples pray here for the boon of childbirth.

Historical Origins & Scriptural Legend

The Legend of Protection

According to the local Sthala Purana, the demon king Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his son, Prahlada, for worshipping Vishnu. When the Lord emerged from a pillar at the nearby Holika Dahan area (modern-day Visakhapatnam), he took the form of a half-boar, half-lion to save his devotee and kill the demon. This form is the Varaha Narasimha Moorthi.

Historical Patronage

According to temple records and historical inscriptions, the temple has a lineage dating back to the 9th century AD. Historians cite an inscription by the Chalukya Chola king Kulottunga I as evidence of its medieval significance.
Tradition holds that the temple complex underwent radical physical changes in the later half of the 13th century during the reign of the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I. It later flourished under the patronage of the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. Notably, the temple experienced a period of religious inactivity from 1564 AD to 1604 AD. In 1949, the temple was brought under the purview of the state government and is currently administered by the Simhachalam Devasthanam Board.

Architectural Marvels

The architecture of Simhachalam is a fascinating syncretic blend of styles. While the primary style is Dravidian, scholars note strong influences of Kalinga (Odishan) architecture, visible in the temple spire (Shikhara).

Orientation: Unusually, the temple faces west (Prathachya), signifying victory over darkness, rather than the east.
Structure: The complex resembles a fortress with three outer courtyards and five gateways.
Mandapas: The interior is adorned with intricately carved pillars and spacious mandapams (halls).
Water Systems: Two sacred temple tanks exist: Swami Pushkarini near the sanctum and Gangadhara at the base of the hill.

The idol of the deity is unique. Except on Akshaya Tritiya, the murti is covered with sandalwood paste (Chandan) throughout the year, giving it the shape and appearance of a Shiva Lingam.

Darshan & Ritual Logistics

The rituals at Simhachalam are formulated by the Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja and are based on the Satvata Samhita, one of the 108 texts of the Pancharatra Agama.

Daily Darshan Timings (2026 Schedule)

Session	Timings	Description
Morning	07:00 AM – 04:00 PM	Regular Darshan (General Public)
Break	04:00 PM – 05:00 PM	Sri Deity Srikara (Closing)
Evening	05:00 PM – 09:00 PM	Regular Darshan & Sevas
Closing	09:00 PM	Final Rituals

Key Sevas & Online Booking

The temple is the second-largest income earner in Andhra Pradesh after Tirumala. Key offerings include:

Chandanotsava: The annual removal of sandalwood paste (usually in May/June).
Kalyanotsavam: Celestial wedding ceremony.
Abhishekam: Ritual bathing of the deity.
Archana: Recitation of holy names.

Bookings for these sevas can be made through the official Simhachalam Devasthanam website. For 2026, devotees are advised to book at least 30 days in advance for festivals.

Major Festivals in 2026

Narasimha Jayanthi: April/May (The birthday of the Lord).
Chandanotsava: May/June (The only day the original form of the deity is visible to the public).
Navaratri: October (Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi).
Kamadahana: April (Festival of lamps).

Practical Visitor Guidance

Dress Code & Etiquette

Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Traditional Indian attire (Dhoti/Saree) is mandatory for darshan inside the sanctum. Men should remove shirts before entering the temple. Western clothing is generally restricted to the outer courtyards.

Crowd Management & Best Time to Visit

Simhachalam attracts massive crowds, especially on weekends and festivals.

Best Hours: Early morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) or late evening (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) to avoid long queues.
Summer (March-June): Visakhapatnam is humid. Carry a water bottle and an umbrella.
Monsoon (July-September): The hill receives heavy rainfall; roads can be slippery.

Facilities

Mobile Lockers: Available at the entrance for electronic devices. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctum.
Accessibility: The temple provides a Doli (palanquin) service for elderly devotees unable to walk up the hill. A ghat road also allows vehicle access up to the main entrance.

Pilgrimage Connectivity

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ), located approximately 18 km from the base of the hill.
By Rail: Visakhapatnam Railway Station (VSKP) is the nearest major railhead, well-connected to all Indian metros.
By Road: The temple is situated on Simhachalam Road. It is accessible via National Highway 16 (NH16), which runs along the coast. City buses and taxis are readily available from Daba Gardens and RTC Complex in Visakhapatnam.

Nearby Sacred Sites

Simhachalam Wildlife Sanctuary: Surrounds the temple, offering nature trails.
Kailasagiri: A nearby hilltop park offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex: Located about 15 km away, an ancient Buddhist site overlooking the sea.

Photo Gallery

images (43), Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh

images (42), Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh

200px-Painting_of_Varaha_Narasimha_Swamy_at_a_Temple_in_Bhadrachalam_(cropped)

sri-simhachalam-temple_1410416814, Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a VIP darshan entry available?

Yes, the Simhachalam Devasthanam offers a special entry darshan (often called Vishesha Darshanam) for a nominal fee. Additionally, donors contributing to specific temple trusts or sevas may be eligible for priority darshan.

2. How do I perform the ritual for ancestors?

The temple is highly revered for Pithru Karma (ancestral rites). You can book a specific Tharpana or Shradhha seva at the counter or online. The priests (Archakas) perform the rites on your behalf.

3. Why is the deity covered in sandalwood paste?

It is believed that Lord Narasimha, after killing the demon Hiranyakashipu, was in a fierce form. The sandalwood paste (Chandan) is applied to cool the deity down. The original form is visible only on Chandanotsava (Akshaya Tritiya).

4. Is the climb to the temple difficult?

There are 500 steps leading to the temple. It is a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels. However, for those with mobility issues, taxis can drive directly to the entrance via the ghat road.

5. Where can I stay in Visakhapatnam for a temple visit?

There are numerous hotels near the Daba Gardens and RTC Complex areas (approx. 10 km from the temple). The temple management also runs guest houses (Choultries) for pilgrims, subject to availability.

Contact Details

Official Address:
Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam,
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028

Phone (Enquiry): +91-891-2744331 (or check official website for updated numbers)

Om Namo Narayanaya!

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