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Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha · Simhachalam · Andhra Pradesh
॥ ॐ नमो नारसिंहाय ॥
On a wooded hill above Visakhapatnam, the lord of Simhachalam is worshipped in a rare double aspect — Varaha Narasimha, joining the boar and the man-lion avatars of Vishnu in a single deity. For all but one day of the year the image is hidden under a thick coat of sandalwood paste; only on Chandanotsavam is the true form revealed. The temple, built in the Kalinga–Dravidian manner, is tied to the boy-devotee Prahlada and was patronised by the Eastern Ganga kings and by Krishnadevaraya.
Varaha Narasimha — two avatars in one
The deity at Simhachalam is unusual in joining two of Vishnu’s descents: Varaha, the boar who lifted the earth, and Narasimha, the man-lion who tore open the demon Hiranyakashipu. Worshipped as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha, the lord combines the strength of both forms, and the legend of Prahlada — the child whose faith summoned Narasimha — runs through the temple’s story.
The hill itself is called Simhachalam, the ‘lion hill’, after the lord, and the shrine sits amid green slopes above the coastal plain, a cool retreat from the city below.
The sandalwood-covered deity and Chandanotsavam
Through most of the year the presiding image is kept entirely concealed beneath a thick casing of sandalwood paste, applied to cool and protect the fierce form of the lord, so that pilgrims see only a smooth sandalwood mound rather than the carved deity. This is the temple’s most distinctive practice.
Only on Chandanotsavam, falling on Akshaya Tritiya, is the sandalwood removed and the lord’s true form — the Nijaroopa — shown to devotees for a single day, before a fresh coat is applied. The brief darshan of the real image draws enormous crowds and is the high point of the temple year.
Kings, Prahlada and Kalinga architecture
Simhachalam was richly patronised by the Eastern Ganga rulers, whose inscriptions and endowments shaped the temple, and later received the attention of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya. The building blends Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a stepped tower, carved mandapas and a sixteen-pillared hall, set within stout enclosure walls.
The temple’s mythology centres on Prahlada, the devotee-prince saved by Narasimha, who is remembered in tradition as having established or restored worship on the hill — binding the shrine firmly to the man-lion legend.
How to reach Simhachalam Temple
- By road: The temple is about 15 km from central Visakhapatnam, reached by city bus, taxi or auto; a ghat road and steps climb the hill to the shrine.
- By train: Visakhapatnam is the main railway station with wide connections, while Simhachalam station lies closer to the hill for local trains.
- By air: Visakhapatnam airport is around 25 km from the temple, linked by taxi and bus to the hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the deity at Simhachalam covered in sandalwood?
The presiding image is kept under a thick coat of sandalwood paste for most of the year to cool and calm the fierce form of the lord. Pilgrims usually see only a smooth sandalwood mound rather than the carved deity.
When can you see the real form of the deity?
The true form, called the Nijaroopa, is revealed only on Chandanotsavam, which falls on Akshaya Tritiya, when the sandalwood is removed for a single day. Huge crowds gather for this rare darshan before a fresh coat is applied.
What form of Vishnu is worshipped at Simhachalam?
The lord is worshipped as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha, a rare deity combining the boar avatar (Varaha) and the man-lion avatar (Narasimha) of Vishnu in a single form.
How is the temple connected to Prahlada?
The temple’s legend centres on Prahlada, the devotee-prince saved by Narasimha from his demon father Hiranyakashipu. Tradition remembers Prahlada as having established or restored worship of the lord on the hill.
Which kings patronised Simhachalam?
The temple was richly endowed by the Eastern Ganga rulers and later received the patronage of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya, whose support shaped its growth and grandeur.
Where is the Simhachalam temple located?
The temple sits on a wooded hill about 15 km from central Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, reached by a ghat road and steps climbing to the hilltop shrine.
॥ जय नृसिंह ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Primary Deity | Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha (boar and man-lion combined) |
| Location | Simhachalam hill, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Distinctive Practice | Deity covered in sandalwood paste year-round |
| True Form Revealed | Only on Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Architecture | Kalinga–Dravidian style |
| Royal Patrons | Eastern Gangas and Krishnadevaraya |