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.
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.
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.
Meera Subramanian says,
The temple architecture and spiritual energy are amazing. Felt deeply connected.
Lakshmi Narayan says,
Every visit brings inner peace and strength. Jai Shri Ram ????
Suresh Kumar says,
The divine presence here is very powerful. A truly holy Swayambhu temple
Kavya Nair says,
Such a serene and spiritually uplifting temple. Felt calm and blessed.
Arjun Patel says,
A sacred place filled with devotion and history. Highly recommend visiting with family
Ananya Reddy says,
Blessed to have darshan here. The vibrations and positivity are beyond words.
Priya Iyer says,
An unforgettable spiritual experience. The atmosphere is so pure and peaceful.
Rahul Sharma says,
Felt divine energy as soon as I entered the temple. Truly a powerful Swayambhu kshetra. ????
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.
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