Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028 Phone: 0891-2979666, 0891-2764949

Diety

Varaha Narasimha (Vishnu) Amman: Simhavalli Thayar (Lakshmi)

Introduction

• The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is situated atop the Simhachalam Hill at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu, worshipped in His dual incarnations as Varaha Narasimha (Dwayavathara). The temple is particularly significant as it combines the Varaha and Narasimha avataras, making it unique. The murti of Varaha Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, except during the festival of Akshaya Trutiya, when the idol is revealed in its true form.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is linked to the legend of Prahalada, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, as well as Hiranyakashipu’s brother, Hiranyaksha. Lord Vishnu, in the form of Varaha, saved the earth by defeating Hiranyaksha, leading to Hiranyakashipu’s quest for revenge. In response to Hiranyakashipu’s tyranny, Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasimha to protect Prahalada and defeat Hiranyakashipu. According to temple tradition, Prahalada built this temple to honor the Lord after being saved on Simhadri Hill.

Beliefs:

• The Simhachalam Temple is revered as the second-largest temple in Andhra Pradesh, after Tirumala. Devotees believe the deity blesses women with progeny and fulfills other wishes. The temple is also known for its natural spring water, believed to have healing properties that can wash away sins, cure diseases, and fulfill desires.

Special Features:

• The Simhachalam Temple faces west, an unusual orientation for Hindu temples. The temple has two tanks: Swami Pushkarini near the temple and Gangadhara at the foot of the hill. The temple’s rituals are based on Vaishnavite traditions prescribed by Ramanuja and the Pancharatra Agama. The temple’s rajagopuram (main tower) has five tiers, and the temple’s vimana is carved in Hoysala style, resembling a stepped pyramid. Sculptures of Indra, Gajalakshmi, and Narasimha slaying Hiranyakashipu adorn the temple walls, showcasing intricate iconography.

Festivals:

• Major festivals celebrated at Simhachalam include Kalyanotsava (celebrating the divine wedding) and Chandanotsava (when the sandalwood paste covering the deity is removed). Other significant festivals include Narasimha Jayanti, Navaratrotsava, and Kamadahana. These festivals reflect the Dravida Sampradaya tradition and draw large numbers of devotees from across the region.

Century/Period/Age

1098-1099 AD

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Simhachalam

Nearest Railway Station

Waltair Station

Nearest Airport

Visakhapatnam

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