Simhachalam Temple

There is a distinct scent that greets you the moment you step foot into the Simhachalam hill range an earthy mix of old stone, rain-soaked soil, and the overwhelming, divine fragrance of sandalwood (chandan). For the devout Vaishnava, this isn’t just a hill, it is the Kailasa of the South, the playground of Prahlada, and the abode of the fiercest yet most compassionate protector, Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha.

Situated just 16 km from the heart of Vizag, the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Simhachalam stands as a sentinel over the Bay of Bengal. Unlike any other temple in the world, the deity here is kept hidden behind layers of sandalwood paste for 364 days a year, revealing his true form (Nijaroopa) for only 12 hours on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.

Having walked the sacred steps and performed the arduous Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina myself, I invite you on a journey through history, theology, and practical travel advice. This guide covers everything from Simhachalam timings to the nuances of the architecture, ensuring your pilgrimage is as smooth as it is spiritual.

The Legend of the Dual Avatar: Why Varaha and Narasimha?

To understand Simhachalam, one must understand the unique theology of the presiding deity. Usually, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as either Varaha (the Boar) or Narasimha (the Man-Lion). However, Simhachalam presents a rare combination of both.

The Story of Prahlada

Local Puranic tradition holds that this is the exact location where the demon king Hiranyakashipu threw his son, Prahlada, into the sea and placed a mountain over him to crush his devotion to Narayana. However, Lord Vishnu jumped over the hill to rescue his devotee. As he landed, his feet went deep into the earth.

The deity here is Ugra (ferocious). After killing Hiranyakashipu, the Lord’s anger did not subside. To cool his temper, and to protect the devotees from the intensity of his spiritual heat, the deity is covered in mounds of sandalwood paste. This gives the idol the shape of a Shiva Linga, symbolizing the unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

The idol stands in a Tribhanga posture (bent in three places), with the face of a boar (Varaha), the tail of a lion, and the body of a human.

Architectural Marvel: A Fusion of Kalinga and Chalukya

As a historian, walking through the corridors of Simhachalam is like reading a stone book of medieval India. The temple architecture is a robust blend of the Odishan (Kalinga) style evident in the Shikharas—and the Dravidian/Chalukyan styles seen in the intricate pillar carvings.

Key Architectural Highlights

• The Stone Chariot: The temple is designed to look like a chariot drawn by horses, a signature of the Sun Temple influence from Konark.
• Inscriptions: There are over 500 inscriptions on the temple walls, dating back to 1098 AD. They detail donations from the Chola Kings (Kulottunga I) and the great Vijayanagara Emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya, who visited the temple twice (in 1516 and 1519 AD) to celebrate his victory over the Gajapathi rulers of Odisha.
• Kappa Stambham: This is perhaps the most popular spot for lay pilgrims. Located in the Mukhamantapam, this “Tribute Pillar” is believed to have curative powers. Devotees embrace the pillar, believing it cures cattle diseases and infertility. You will often see parents pressing their children against it for blessings.

Simhachalam Hill Range: Sacred Geography

The temple is perched 800 meters above sea level on the Simhachalam hill range, which forms part of the Eastern Ghats. From a distance, the hill appears shaped like a lion sleeping, hence the name Simhachalam (Lion Hill).

The ecosystem here is lush and filled with medicinal herbs, natural springs, and waterfalls, most notably the Gangadhara. It is mandatory for pilgrims to bathe or at least sprinkle water from the Gangadhara spring before entering the main sanctum. The water is believed to flow from the roots of a medicinal tree, possessing healing properties.

Simhachalam Timings and Darshan Guide

Planning your visit requires knowing the specific Simhachalam timings to avoid long waits, especially during weekends.

Daily Schedule

Pro Tip: The best time for a peaceful darshan is usually between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays. On Saturdays (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), the crowd can take 2-3 hours to clear.

Ticket Prices

• General Darshan: Free
• Special Darshan: ₹100 per person
• Antaralaya Darshan (Closest View): ₹300 per person (Highly recommended for seeing the intricate sandalwood layering).

Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina: The Great Walk

If you are looking for the ultimate spiritual experience, you must participate in the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina. This is a 32-kilometer circumambulation of the holy hill.

Significance

Devotees believe that walking around the hill is equivalent to walking around the world. It is usually performed on Ashadha Pournami (Full Moon day in June/July).

The Route

The trek starts from the foothills near the Tolipavancha (first step).

1. Start: Foothills of Simhachalam.
2. Via: Adavivaram, Mudasarlova, Hanumanthuwaka, Visalakshi Nagar, and Jodugullapalem.
3. End: Back to the north side of the hill and climbing the steps to the temple.

Giri Pradakshina Simhachalam 2024 Updates

For the Giri pradakshina Simhachalam 2024 cycle, the administration made significant improvements, including bio-toilets every 2 km and medical camps at Hanumanthuwaka. If you plan to walk in the future, ensure you start by 4:00 PM to avoid the midday sun the next day. The government usually arranges special RTC buses for pilgrims who cannot complete the full walk but wish to visit key spots along the route.

How to Reach Simhachalam

The connectivity to the temple is excellent, blending modern transport with traditional pathways.

Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam Distance

The Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam distance is approximately 16 to 20 km, depending on where you start in the city (RTC Complex or Airport). It takes about 45 minutes by road.

By Train: Simhachalam Railway Station

The Simhachalam railway station (Station Code: SCM) is a satellite station. However, most major express trains stop at Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP).

• From Simhachalam Railway Station: The temple is about 5-6 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw (approx. ₹100-₹150).
• From Visakhapatnam Junction: Take a city bus (Number 6A) or a cab directly to the foothills.

By Road

• Bus: APSRTC runs frequent buses. Look for bus numbers 6A (from RTC Complex) and 28 (from RK Beach).
• Steps: For the devout, there is a pedestrian path consisting of roughly 1,000 steps starting from the foothills. It takes 40–60 minutes to climb.

Annavaram to Simhachalam Distance

Many pilgrims combine a visit to Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple in Annavaram with Simhachalam. The Annavaram to Simhachalam distance is roughly 125 km via NH16. It is a smooth 2.5 to 3-hour drive, making it easy to cover both temples in a single day.

Festivals: Chandanotsavam

The most significant event in the temple calendar is Chandanotsavam (also known as Chandan Yatra), falling on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May).

On this day, the layers of sandalwood applied throughout the year are removed. For 12 hours, devotees can see the Nijaroopa (True Form) of the Lord. The idol appears red-hot and fierce. By evening, the priests apply the first layer of new sandalwood to cool the Lord, and he returns to his Linga-like shape.

Warning: The crowds during Chandanotsavam are massive, often exceeding 100,000 people. VVIP passes are available but sell out instantly.

Photography and The Experience

A common query regards Simhachalam temple photos. Please note:

• Inside the Temple: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main gopuram and sanctum. Security is tight.
• Outside: You can take photos of the stunning exterior architecture, the hill range, and the steps.
• Souvenirs: High-quality printed photos of the deity (both with Chandan and Nijaroopa) are sold by authorized vendors outside the main gate. Buying these supports the local economy.

Nearby Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam

After your darshan, the city of Vizag offers beautiful spots to relax:

1. Kailasagiri: A hilltop park with a massive Shiva-Parvati statue and a ropeway view of the city.
2. RK Beach & Submarine Museum: Perfect for an evening stroll.
3. Rushikonda Beach: Ideal for water sports.

Conclusion

A visit to the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Simhachalam is more than a religious obligation; it is a step back into a time when faith moved mountains. Whether you are trekking the 32 km for the Giri Pradakshina, marveling at the inscriptions of Krishnadevaraya, or simply breathing in the sandalwood-infused air of the Simhachalam hill range, the experience leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

May the protector of Prahlada protect you on your journey. Om Namo Narayanaya.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Simhachalam timings for Darshan?

The temple is generally open for Darshan from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, the temple closes for breaks between 11:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:30 PM–3:30 PM. It is best to check for festival-specific changes.

What is the distance from Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam?

The Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam distance is approximately 16 km from the main city center (RTC Complex). It takes about 45 minutes by bus or taxi.

How long is the Giri Pradakshina Simhachalam?

The Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina covers a circumference of approximately 32 kilometers. It usually takes pilgrims 6 to 9 hours to complete the walk on foot.

Can we take Simhachalam temple photos inside?

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum and the inner prakara. You can take Simhachalam temple photos of the exterior architecture, the Rajagopuram, and the surrounding hill range.

When is the best time to see the deity’s true form?

The deity’s true form (Nijaroopa) is visible only once a year during Chandanotsavam on Akshaya Tritiya (usually in April or May). For the rest of the year, the idol is covered in sandalwood paste.

What is the Annavaram to Simhachalam distance?

The Annavaram to Simhachalam distance is about 125 km. It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to drive via National Highway 16.

Is there a dress code for Simhachalam Temple?

Yes, traditional wear is suggested. Men should wear Dhoti/Pyjama with Kurta or formal shirts (remove shirts for special poojas). Women should wear Sarees or Chudidhars. Jeans and sleeveless tops are discouraged.

Does Simhachalam Railway Station have connectivity to major cities?

Simhachalam Railway Station (SCM) is a smaller station. While some passenger trains stop here, it is better to alight at Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP) for major express trains and take a cab or bus to the temple.