India /Andhra Pradesh /Vishakapatnam /Simhachalam
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Simhachalam placed on a hillock, about 18 km from Visakhapatnam. Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha or Vishnu in the aspect of a lion is built on the top of a hill which is about 800 feet above the sea level. One of the pillars in the Mukhamantapa of the temple is named Kappam Stambham or the pillar of tribute. This attracts large number of pilgrims, since the popular belief is that pillar has the power of curing cattle disease and barrenness among women. The image of the deity in the shrine is overcovered with a thick coating of sandal paste, which is said to have appeased the fury of the Lord after the destruction of Hiranyakasipu. This coating is removed only once a year, on the Visaka day in May, and that day is considered to be specially sacred, and people visit the shrine to have Darshan of the Lord on the day. Lord Siva assumed the shape of bird or Sarabha and pacified Lord Narasimha. The consecration of this image of the Lord in this form is said to be destroy enemies, secure success in battles, cure all ailments and procure every good.
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam
HistoryEdit
Representing a blend of Orissan and Chalukyan architectural styles, the temple is believed to have been constructed in 1098 by the famous Chola king, Kuloththunga. The queen of ancient Orissa covered the image with gold, between 1137 and 1156. Furthermore, Narasimha Deva, the king of the Eastern Ganga Kingdom in Orissa, constructed the central shrine in 1267. The shrine was visited twice by Sri Krishna Deva Raya in 1516 and 1519, after defeating Gajapati Prataparudra Dev, a Gajapati ruler of Orissa. He offered jewellery to the deity, along with a huge bhogam, out of which a beautiful necklace is still preserved in the temple. The temple activities are managed by the Pusapati Gajapatis, since the past three centuries.
Must SeeEdit
Must See
Visiting TimeEdit
It is one of the eighteen “Naarasimha Kshetras” i.e. shrines of Lord Narasimha in India. The main deity inside the temple sanctorum gives “nijaroopa darshan” (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year i.e. on Akshaya Tritiya day, the rest of the time the deity is covered with Sandalwood paste. The darshan described as ‘Chandana yatra’ or ‘Chandanotsavam’ falls every year in Vaisakha masa (May).
Closed OnEdit
N.A.
Best Season to VisitEdit
October and March.
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning, Afternoon, Evening.
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
1 to 2 hours.
Ticket Required : No Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.
Video Camera Rs. : N.A.
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : Several private cab services operate in the city.
Bus : State Road Transport Corporation buses are also available to Simhachalam from other cities in the state.
Train : Travelling by railways can board trains to Simhachalam Railway Station, located at a distance of 7.2 kilometres. However, the major railhead serving the destination is Vishakapatnam Railway Station, located at a distance of 17.6 kilometres from Simhachalam.
Air : Vishakapatnam Airport, located at a distance of 17.6 kilometres, is the nearest airport serving Simhachalam.
Others : Autorickshaws are available for transportation within the city.
Things to CarryEdit
- Carry Camera & Plenty of Water.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Before purchasing any product confirm price from Local.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Local police : 100
- Fire service : 101
- Emergency response : 108
