This temple is located on the Simhachalam Hill Range in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. It is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh and an important center of Vaishnavism in the region.
The temple was built in a mix of Dravidian and Kalingan styles under the guidance of Eastern Ganga king Narasingha Deva I in the 13th century and underwent significant physical changes during his reign. The temple complex has three outer courtyards and five gateways and faces west instead of east. The architecture is a mixture of the styles of the Kalinga Architecture, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and the Great Cholas.
The religious practices and customs of the temple are based on the Satvata Samhita, one of the 108 texts of the Pancharatra Agama, and are formulated by the Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja. The temple is known for its festivals, including Kalyanotsava, Chandanotsava, Narasimha Jayanti, Navaratrotsava, and Kamadahana. Devotees believe that the deity is capable of fulfilling their wishes and giving progeny to women.
Simhachalam is the second-largest temple in Andhra Pradesh in terms of income earned, after Tirumala. The temple has sub-shrines and mandapams and two temple tanks: Swami Pushkarini near the temple and Gangadhara at the bottom of the hill. The temple has been referenced in many literary works, including those by well-known poets, and anonymous writers, which are preserved in the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, Chennai. The temple is currently administered by the Simhachalam Devasthanam Board after coming under the purview of the state government in 1949.
According to legend, the temple was constructed during the 11th century by a Chola king named Kulothunga Chola. The temple is known to have been renovated several times since then, the most recent being in the 20th century. The temple is one of the most revered religious sites in Andhra Pradesh and attracts thousands of devotees every year from across the country.
One of the most unique features of the Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple is the self-manifested idol of Lord Varaha Narasimha. The idol is said to have been discovered by a great saint and poet, Bilvamangala, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The idol is made of black granite and is seen in a unique posture, with one leg folded and the other stretched out.
The architecture of the temple is a beautiful blend of Orissan and Chalukyan styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and pillars. The temple is constructed on a square base with a pyramidal roof, which is adorned with beautifully crafted motifs and sculptures. The entrance of the temple is decorated with beautiful carvings of elephants and lions.
Chandanotsavam
Chandanotsavam is also celebrated at the Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is situated on a hill in the city of Visakhapatnam in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The festival is celebrated in the month of Vaishakha, which falls between April and May.
During the festival, the main deity of Lord Varaha Narasimha is decorated with sandalwood paste and adorned with new clothes and jewellery. The sandalwood paste is considered sacred and is believed to have medicinal properties.
The festival begins with the ‘Ankurarpana’ ritual, in which seeds of various plants are sown in a pot filled with soil. The pot is kept in the temple and watered regularly. It is believed that the seeds will grow into plants, symbolizing the growth and prosperity of the temple and its devotees.
The highlight of the festival is the ‘Chandanotsavam’ ritual, in which sandalwood paste is applied to the idol of Lord Varaha Narasimha. The paste is brought in a procession from a nearby forest and is applied to the deity by the temple priests. The devotees also apply the paste to their foreheads and other parts of their body as a form of blessing.
The festival also includes cultural events, such as music and dance performances, and the distribution of prasadam to the devotees. The festival is a celebration of the divine presence of Lord Varaha Narasimha and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to the devotees.
Kalyanotsavam
One of the most significant festivals celebrated in the Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple is the annual Kalyanotsavam, which is a grand celebration of the wedding of Lord Varaha Narasimha with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The festival takes place in the month of February or March and lasts for ten days. Thousands of devotees from across the country come to witness the divine union and seek the blessings of the Lord.
Apart from the Kalyanotsavam, the temple also celebrates several other festivals throughout the year, including Vaikunta Ekadasi, which is celebrated in the month of December or January, and Narasimha Jayanti, which is celebrated in the month of May.
The Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple is also famous for its prasadam, which is a sacred food offering that is distributed to devotees. The most popular prasadam is the ‘Pulihora’ or tamarind rice, which is believed to have been the favourite dish of Lord Varaha Narasimha.
Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Poojas & Sevas Cost Details, Accommodation
Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Temple Poojas:
1) Ashtottara Sathanamarchana – ₹ 200/-
2) Sahasranamarchana (5:00 PM to 5:45 PM) – ₹ 500/-
3) Ammavaraki Ashtottara Sathanamarchana – ₹ 100/-
4) Kappasthabham Aalinganam – ₹ 25/-
5) Gopooja – ₹ 50/-
6) Nitya Kalyanam (9:30 AM to 10:30 AM) – ₹ 1000/-
7) Garuda Seva – ₹ 500/-
8) Swarnapushparchana (Every Thursday and Sunday at 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM) – ₹ 2116/-
9) Saswatha Laksha Kumkumarchana – ₹ 20000/-
10) Saswatha Laksha Tulasi Pooja – ₹ 20000/-
11) Nityapooja, Bhogakainkaryamu – ₹ 10000/-
12) Saswatha Nitya Kalyanam – ₹ 10000/-
13) Saswatha Garuda Seva – ₹ 5000/-
14) Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva (Every Saturday at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM) – ₹ 250/-
15) Sudarsana Narasimha Yagam (Monthly once on Swathi Nakshathram day) – ₹ 2500/-
16) Sri Lakshmi Narayana Vratham – ₹ 100/-
Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Temple Sevas:
Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Temple Sevas:
Aradhana:
Time Slots: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 200/-
Persons Allowed: Only one person is allowed
Ashtottara Saranamarchana:
Time Slots: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 200/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Ashtottara Satanamarchana A
Time Slots: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 200/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Ashtottara Satanamarchana G
Time Slots: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 200/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Ashtottara Satanamarchana R
Time Slots: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 200/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Kappasthabham Aalinganam
Time Slots: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 25/-
Persons Allowed: Only one person is allowed
Nitya Kalyanam:
Time Slots: 7:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Cost:– ₹ 1000/-
Persons Allowed: Only 4 persons are allowed
Sahasranamarchana Seva:
Time Slots: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Cost:– ₹ 500/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Sri Lakshmi Narayana Vratam
Time Slots: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Cost:– ₹ 100/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Sudarsana Narasimha Yagam:
(Monthly once on Swathi Nakshathram day)
Time Slots: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cost:– ₹ 2500/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Suprabhata Seva
Time Slots: 2:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cost:– ₹ 100/-
Persons Allowed: Only One person is allowed
Swarna Pushparchana:
Time Slots: 5:30 AM – 7:35 AM
Cost:– ₹ 2116/-
Persons Allowed: Only 2 persons are allowed
Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Temple Darsanam:
Seeghradarshanam:
Slots Timings: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cost: ₹ 100.00
Persons Allowed: 9 Persons are allowed
Seeghradarshanam G:
Slots Timings: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cost: ₹ 100.00
Persons Allowed: 9 Persons are allowed
Seeghradarshanam R
Slots Timings: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cost: ₹ 100.00
Persons Allowed: 9 Persons are allowed
Special Darsanam:
Slots Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cost: ₹ 20.00
Persons Allowed: Only one Person allowed
In conclusion, the Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple is not only a place of great religious significance but also a marvel of architectural and cultural heritage. The temple’s rich history, unique features, and grand celebrations make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Visakhapatnam. The temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and serves as a source of inspiration for generations to come..