About Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple stands on Simhachalam hill, on the northern side of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here in a unique combined form of Varaha, the boar avatar, and Narasimha, the man-lion avatar. Simhachalam, the hill of the lion, is one of the most important Vaishnava shrines of the Andhra coast. The image is kept covered in a thick layer of sandalwood paste all year, so it looks like a linga-shaped mound; the true form is shown only once a year on Akshaya Tritiya.
According to temple tradition, the young devotee Prahlada was thrown from this hill by his father Hiranyakashipu, and Vishnu saved him. Prahlada is then said to have asked the Lord to appear in the forms in which he had killed both Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, and so the combined Varaha-Narasimha form came to be worshipped here. Inscriptions at the temple go back to about the 11th century, and the main shrine was largely rebuilt in the 13th century under the Eastern Ganga kings of Kalinga. The Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya is recorded to have visited and made gifts in the early 16th century.
The temple faces west and is built of dark stone in the Kalinga style, with a tall curved tower over the sanctum and walls covered in fine carvings. Inside the complex are a pillared kalyana mandapa, the kappa stambham, a pillar believed to grant wishes when embraced, and many inscriptions. A natural spring called Gangadhara flows on the hill. The Chandanotsavam, when the sandal coating is removed for Nija Roopa Darshanam, draws large crowds.
Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatam and morning aradhana | Early morning (approx.) |
| Midday aradhana | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aradhana | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
By air
Visakhapatnam Airport is about 10 km away.
By train
Simhachalam station is about 6 km away; Visakhapatnam Junction is about 16 km away.
By road
City buses run from Visakhapatnam to the foot of the hill, and buses or vehicles take the ghat road up. There is also a long stairway for those who wish to climb.
Festivals at Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
- Chandanotsavam (Nija Roopa Darshanam)Apr/May
- KalyanotsavamMar/Apr
- Narasimha JayantiApr/May
- Giri PradakshinaJun/Jul
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional, modest clothing is expected: dhoti or pyjama-kurta or trousers with shirt for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; paid special darshan tickets are available at the temple counters.
- For Chandanotsavam, book special darshan early and expect long waits.
- Hold the kappa stambham and offer a prayer, as is the local custom.
- Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you plan to climb the steps; you will leave it at the stand near the entrance.
Places to visit near Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
- KailasagiriHilltop park with sea views and a ropeway, about 18 km away
- RK BeachMain city beach of Visakhapatnam, about 16 km away
- INS Kursura Submarine MuseumDecommissioned submarine on the beach, about 16 km away
- Borra CavesLimestone caves in the Araku hills, about 90 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Simhachalam deity covered in sandalwood?
The image is kept covered in sandalwood paste through the year, which tradition says keeps the fierce form cool. It is uncovered only on Akshaya Tritiya.
What is Chandanotsavam at Simhachalam?
It is the annual festival on Akshaya Tritiya when the sandal coating is removed and devotees see the true form of the deity, called Nija Roopa Darshanam.
What are the Simhachalam Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning to evening with an afternoon break. Check locally before visiting.
How far is Simhachalam from Visakhapatnam?
The temple is about 16 km from Visakhapatnam railway station and about 10 km from the airport.
What is the aarti time at Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
Suprabhatam and morning aradhana: Early morning (approx.); Midday aradhana: Around noon (approx.); Evening aradhana: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
Traditional, modest clothing is expected: dhoti or pyjama-kurta or trousers with shirt for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
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