Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
సింహాచలం శ్రీ వరాహ లక్ష్మీ నృసింహ స్వామి దేవస్థానం
Lord Vishnu as combined Varaha (boar) and Lakshmi Narasimha · Simhachalam Hills, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh
Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (సింహాచలం శ్రీ వరాహ లక్ష్మీ నృసింహ స్వామి దేవస్థానం) is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as combined Varaha (boar) and Lakshmi Narasimha. Located in Simhachalam Hills, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh at 244 metres above sea level on Simhachalam hill. Significance: Unique combined Varaha-Narasimha form found nowhere else. Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested here after slaying Hiranyakashipu, simultaneously honoring both his boar (Varaha) and man-lion (Narasimha) avatars. Famous for the once-a-year Chandanam Yatra revealing the original form.
History & Significance
Believed to be 11th-13th century construction. Renovated by Sri Krishnadevaraya in 1516 CE. The deity covered with sandalwood paste (Chandanam) all year except one day. Devotees rush for Chandana Darshanam on Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya (Akshaya Tritiya day, May).
Unique combined Varaha-Narasimha form found nowhere else. Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested here after slaying Hiranyakashipu, simultaneously honoring both his boar (Varaha) and man-lion (Narasimha) avatars. Famous for the once-a-year Chandanam Yatra revealing the original form.
Darshan & Sevas
Darshan timings: 4:30 AM - 12:30 PM (morning), 1:30 PM - 9:00 PM (afternoon). Special darshan available.
Major sevas: Chandanotsavam, Kalyanotsavam, Sahasranamarchana, Bal Bhog Seva, Sudarshana Homam, Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam.
Festivals
Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya, May — most important; one-day-only view of the original deity form), Brahmotsavam (March), Narasimha Jayanti (May), Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Dec-Jan).
Accommodation
Devasthanam cottages, AP Tourism, private hotels in Visakhapatnam (16 km).
How to Reach
From Visakhapatnam: 16 km. APSRTC buses every 15 minutes. Visakhapatnam railway/airport are major hubs.
Prasadam
Pulihora, Laddu, Daddojanam.
Dress Code
Traditional preferred.
Best Time to Visit
Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya — May); October-February cool weather.
Nearby Attractions
Visakhapatnam beaches; Borra Caves — 90 km; Araku Valley — 110 km; Kailasagiri viewpoint — 18 km.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings at Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
4:30 AM - 12:30 PM (morning), 1:30 PM - 9:00 PM (afternoon). Special darshan available.
How to reach Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
From Visakhapatnam: 16 km. APSRTC buses every 15 minutes. Visakhapatnam railway/airport are major hubs.
What is the dress code at Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
Traditional preferred.
Where to stay near Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
Devasthanam cottages, AP Tourism, private hotels in Visakhapatnam (16 km).
When is the best time to visit Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya — May); October-February cool weather.
What festivals are celebrated at Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple?
Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya, May — most important; one-day-only view of the original deity form), Brahmotsavam (March), Narasimha Jayanti (May), Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Dec-Jan).