Simhachalam Temple, also known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on the Simhachalam Hill, about 16 km from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the 18 Narasimha Kshetras in India and is considered to be the second richest temple in Andhra Pradesh after Tirupati.
The temple is famous for its unique ritual of covering the idol of Narasimha with sandalwood paste throughout the year, except on Akshaya Tritiya, when the idol is revealed to the devotees. Visit during One Day Visakhapatnam Sightseeing Trip By Private Cab
Location of Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple is located at Simhachalam Road, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028. It is about 28 km from Visakhapatnam International Airport and 16 km from Visakhapatnam Railway Station. The temple is easily accessible by public transport such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
Timing/Entry Fees Simhachalam Temple
The temple is open from Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The temple remains closed from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for cleaning and maintenance. The entry fee for the temple is Rs. 20 per person for general darshan and Rs. 100 per person for special darshan. There is an additional charge of Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 100 for video camera.
How to Reach Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple can be reached by various modes of transport from different parts of the city. The nearest bus stop is Simhachalam Bus Stop, which is about 1 km from the temple. The nearest railway station is Simhachalam Railway Station, which is about 3 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, which is about 28 km from the temple. One can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from these points to reach the temple.
Things to Do/Must See Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple has a wide range of attractions that appeal to both religious and non-religious visitors. Some of the things to do and must see in the temple are:
- Darshan: Offering darshan or prayers to Lord Narasimha is one of the main activities that devotees do at the temple. They believe that Narasimha grants them protection, health, and prosperity.
- Chandanotsavam: Witnessing the Chandanotsavam or Sandalwood Festival is another activity that devotees do at the temple. It is celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya, which falls in April or May every year. On this day, the sandalwood paste covering the idol of Narasimha is removed and the idol is displayed to the devotees for 12 hours. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple to have a glimpse of the idol, which is believed to be very auspicious.
- Architecture: Admiring the architecture of the temple is another thing that visitors can do at the temple. The temple was built in the 11th century by the Eastern Ganga dynasty and later renovated by various rulers such as Krishnadevaraya and Pusapati Ananda Gajapati Raju. The temple has a Dravidian style of architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine has a pyramidal tower with a golden kalasha on top. The temple complex also has several sub-shrines, mandapas, ponds, and gardens.
- Photography: Taking photographs of the temple and its surroundings is another thing that visitors can do at the temple. The temple offers a panoramic view of the Simhachalam Hill and the Bay of Bengal. However, visitors need to pay an extra charge for using cameras inside the temple.
- Shopping: Buying souvenirs and religious items from the shops near the temple is another thing that visitors can do at the temple. The shops sell various items such as idols, pictures, books, CDs, flowers, incense sticks, prasadam, etc.
Significance of Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Temple is a significant place for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence and power of Lord Narasimha in Visakhapatnam. The temple represents the rich cultural and religious heritage of Andhra Pradesh and its people. The temple also attracts tourists who want to witness the beauty and serenity of this sacred hill shrine.
FAQs
Q1. What are the timings and entry fees for Simhachalam Temple?
A1. The timings for Simhachalam Temple are from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday to Sunday. The temple remains closed from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for cleaning and maintenance. The entry fees are Rs. 20 per person for general darshan and Rs. 100 per person for special darshan. There is an additional charge of Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 100 for video camera.
Q2. How can I reach Simhachalam Temple from Visakhapatnam Railway Station?
A2. You can reach Simhachalam Temple from Visakhapatnam Railway Station by taking a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. The distance is about 16 km and the travel time is about 30 minutes.
Q3. What are the main attractions of Simhachalam Temple?
A3. The main attractions of Simhachalam Temple are darshan, Chandanotsavam, architecture, photography, and shopping.
Q4. Is photography allowed inside Simhachalam Temple?
A4. Yes, photography is allowed inside Simhachalam Temple with an additional charge of Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 100 for video camera.
Q5. Is there any parking facility near Simhachalam Temple?
A5. Yes, there is a parking facility near Simhachalam Temple for visitors.
Conclusion
Simhachalam Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to seek the blessings of Lord Narasimha and enjoy the scenic beauty of Visakhapatnam. The temple is a sacred hill shrine of Narasimha, who is worshipped as the protector and savior of the devotees. The temple is also a tourist attraction for its splendid architecture, serene atmosphere, and picturesque view of the Simhachalam Hill and the Bay of Bengal. Simhachalam Temple is a place of faith, devotion, and joy that will leave you spellbound and enlightened.
