Simhachalam Temple
- Location
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Deity
- Varaha Narasimha
- Built
- 11th century
- Architecture
- Dravidian (Kalinga)
A hilltop Narasimha temple near Visakhapatnam with a long tradition of annual ritual concealment of the idol.
Official website → Official website
Darshan, Seva & Bookings
Timings, online darshan/booking and donation services are handled by the temple management on their official channels.
We do not list third-party booking or donation links; always use the official source above.
History & Significance
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, is a Hindu temple situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range, which is 300 metres above the sea level in the city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. As per the temple's legend, Vishnu manifested in this form after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter's father Hiranyakashipu. Except on Akshaya Tritiya, the idol of Varaha Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which makes it resemble a linga. The temple was built in Kalingan architecture styles and stands unique in the historical region of Kalinga. The present temple was built by Eastern Ganga dynasty king Narasingha Deva I in the 13th century and consecrated by his son Bhanudeva I in 1268 AD. The temple was built by Akthayi Senapati, on the command of Narasingha Deva I.
Festivals
Festival dates follow the traditional calendar and vary each year — confirm dates with the official website.
Nearby Temples
- Kanaka Durga Temple
- Jagannath Temple
- Surya Temple, Konark
- Lingaraj Temple
- Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
Distances are straight-line approximations from sourced coordinates.
Sources
- Official website Official website
- Wikipedia Reference