Simhachalam Temple, also known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Nestled on the Simhachalam hill, this temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Renowned for its Dravidian architectural style, the temple holds a unique place in the hearts of devotees due to its practice of covering the main deity with sandalwood paste year-round, revealing the deity's true form only during the Chandanotsavam festival.
Simhachalam Temple, also known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is renowned for its Dravidian architectural style. The temple is situated on the Simhachalam hill, approximately 800 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The deity is usually covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, revealing the actual form only on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
Temple Specialty: The unique aspect of Simhachalam Temple is its main deity, which is covered with sandalwood paste year-round, symbolizing the cooling effect for the fierce form of Narasimha. The temple is one of the eighteen "Narasimha Kshetras" and is highly revered for its spiritual significance. The Chandanotsavam festival, where the sandalwood paste is removed, attracts thousands of devotees annually.
Temple Address: Simhachalam Temple, Simhachalam Hill Range, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028, India
Temple Location (Longitude and Latitude): 17.7786° N, 83.2734° E
Temple Timings:
- 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Temple Sevas:
- Suprabhata Seva
- Nitya Kalyanotsavam
- Kumkumarchana
- Arjita Brahmotsavam
- Sahasranamarchana
- Abhishekam
Traveling Facilities:
- By Road: Well-connected by local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
- By Rail: Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the nearest major railway station.
- By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport is the closest airport.
Food Facilities: There are several eateries and restaurants around the temple premises offering vegetarian food. The temple also provides "Prasadam" to devotees.
Stay Facilities:
- Temple guest houses are available for pilgrims.
- Numerous hotels and lodges are available in Visakhapatnam city catering to various budget ranges.
Nearby Railway Station:
- Visakhapatnam Railway Station (Approx. 18 km from the temple)
Nearby Airport:
- Visakhapatnam Airport (Approx. 20 km from the temple)
Nearby Bus Station:
- Visakhapatnam RTC Complex (Approx. 16 km from the temple)
Bus Routes to Temple: Local buses run by APSRTC connect various parts of Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam. Bus numbers and routes vary, so checking with local transport authorities is advisable.
Train Routes to Temple: Several trains from major cities in India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Delhi, halt at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. From there, taxis and local buses can be taken to reach Simhachalam.
Airways to Temple: Visakhapatnam Airport is well-connected with major cities in India. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Simhachalam.
Nearby Cities to Temple:
- Vizianagaram (60 km)
- Srikakulam (112 km)
- Rajahmundry (200 km)
- Vijayawada (340 km)
Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places:
- Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple
- Sri Venkateswara Temple
- Rama Krishna Beach
- Kailasagiri Hill Park
- Araku Valley
Shopping Famous For: Visakhapatnam is famous for traditional handicrafts, Kondapalli toys, and local spices. The temple area has shops selling religious items, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
This detailed guide should help visitors plan their trip to Simhachalam Temple effectively.
Simhachalam Temple stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Visakhapatnam, drawing devotees and tourists alike. Its unique traditions, combined with its historical and architectural grandeur, make it a must-visit destination. With ample facilities for travel, food, and stay, visitors can comfortably explore the temple and its surroundings, making their pilgrimage or visit a memorable experience.
