Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range, approximately 300 Meters above sea level in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Varaha Narasimha, the avatar Vishnu created to save his devotee Prahlad from a murder attempt by his father, King Hiranyakashipu. The idol of Narasimha is covered in sandalwood paste throughout the year, resembling a lingam. The Simhachalam Temple is one of Andhra Pradesh’s 32 Narasimha temples and an important Vaishnavism centre.

Though the precise date of its construction is unknown, the temple has withstood the test of time as dynasties and rulers have changed over the millennium. The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple walls contain inscriptions dating back to the 11th century and have served as a place of worship for rulers and warriors seeking Lord Narasimha’s blessings.

The temple’s earliest inscription dates back to the 11th century CE and records a gift made by a private individual during the reign of Chola king Kulottunga I. During the reign of Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I, the temple complex underwent radical physical changes in the latter half of the 13th century.

Legend of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Sage Diti gave birth to two demon brothers: King Hiranakashyap and King Hiranyaksha. The demon brothers performed severe penances, which prompted Lord Brahma to grant the boon. Once invincible, their atrocities became more frequent, causing concern among people in all three worlds. Hiranyaksha wanted all of his subjects, including his son Prahalad, to chant his name and worship him.

However, as a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, Prahalad refused to chant his father’s name and saw only Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. Hiranyaksha was furious and troubled his son in a variety of ways. He also attempted to kill his son. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasimha and saved Prahalad. Prahalad built a massive temple for Lord Narasimha in Visakhapatnam to pay his tribute.

History of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

An inscription from the Chola king Kuloththunga dating back to 1098 AD gives some indication of its age. Another inscription depicts a Queen of the Eastern Ganga of Kalinga (ancient Orissa) (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold, while a third inscription states that the main/central shrine was built by the Eastern Ganga King of Orissa, Narasimha Deva, in 1267 AD. It is a historically significant monument because it contains over 252 inscriptions in Oriya and Telugu that describe the temple’s history.

Following the Later Cholas, the Eastern Ganga dynasty provided financial support for the temple complex’s promotion and maintenance. Their inscriptions date from 1150 to 1430 CE. During Narasimhadeva I’s reign in the late 13th century, the temple complex underwent radical physical changes. Many additional architectural elements were added to the temple, which had a simple and modest appearance. According to an inscription dated 1293 CE, the Gangas added sub-shrines to the temple dedicated to Vishnu manifestations: Vaikunthanatha, Yagnavaraha, and Madhavadevara. The renovators reused as many of the original slabs as possible, discarding only a few.

Sri Krishna Deva Raya, after defeating the Gajapati ruler of Orissa, Gajapati Prataparudra Dev, paid two visits to the shrine in 1516 AD and 1519 AD, offering numerous villages for the maintenance of bhogam (worship) as well as valuable jewellery, including an emerald necklace that is still in the temple.

The Vizianagaram Royal Family, known as “The Pusapati Gajapathi’s,” has served as the temple’s trustees for the past three centuries. Between 1564 and 1604 CE, the temple experienced 40 years of religious inactivity. The Simhachalam Devasthanam Board now administers the temple, which was taken over by the state government in 1949.

The architecture of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The temple is located on the Simhachalam Hill Range, 800 meters above sea level and ten miles north of Visakhapatnam. Kailasa is the name of a hill range in the Eastern Ghats. It is located on the top of the hill’s northern side in an amphitheatre-like structure. The temple stands nearly 1,500 metres above sea level. A natural valley can be seen running along the northwestern slope of the hill, accounting for nearly half of its height.

From the outside, the Simhachalam Temple resembles a fortress. There are three prakaras (outer courtyards) and five gateways. Narasimhadeva I built the temple in a mix of Orissan, Chalukya, and Chola architectural styles. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram. The temple also has several halls that are supported by pillars and feature magnificent carvings that reflect great craftsmanship.  They are used to hold cultural events, festivals, and celestial weddings for Gods and Goddesses.

The sanctum sanctorum exemplifies the Hoysala style. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Narasimha is smeared with Srivilliputhur-sourced sandalwood paste. The Vimana, or roof of the sanctum sanctorum, is three-tiered, similar to the Konark Temple. There are separate shrines for Goddess Lakshmi, Andal, and Azhwars.

Facts about Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

• Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam is a Lord Vishnu temple located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, on the Simhachalam Hill Range, 300 metres above sea level.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known there as Varaha Narasimha.
• Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is one of Andhra Pradesh’s 32 Narasimha temples, which are important pilgrimage sites.
• The architecture incorporates elements of Kalinga, Chalukya, Kakatiya, and Great Chola styles.
• This Temple was regarded as an important Vaishnavist centre in the mediaeval period, alongside Srikurmam and others.
• The temple’s earliest inscription dates back to the 11th century CE and records a gift made by a private individual during the reign of Chola king Kulottunga I.
• During the reign of Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I, the temple complex underwent radical physical changes in the latter half of the 13th century.
• Narahari Tirtha, a Dvaita philosopher and Eastern Ganga minister transformed the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple temple into a renowned educational institution and Vaishnavist religious centre.
• Between 1564 and 1604 CE, the temple experienced 40 years of religious inactivity.
• This temple received patronage from many royal families, the most notable of which was the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The Simhachalam Devasthanam Board now administers the temple, which was taken over by the state government in 1949.
• In terms of revenue, Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the second-largest temple in Andhra Pradesh, trailing only Tirumala.

Famous Festivals In Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

• Kalyanotsava – Kalyanotsava, Varaha Narasimha’s annual celestial marriage, takes place on the eleventh day of the first quarter of the Indian lunar Chaitra month. This utsava is celebrated over five days. This utsava is not mentioned in any of the temple inscriptions. However, an inscription from 1401 CE mentions the gift of a flagstaff known as the Garudaroha Kamba for celebrating the Divya mahotsavas (sacred key festivals).
• Narasimha Jayanti – Narasimha Jayanti is observed on the fourteenth day of the first half of the Vaisakha month (Vaisakha Suddha Chaturdasi). The celebrations take place in the twilight because Vishnu appeared as Narasimha from a pillar to save Prahlada in the evening on this day.
• Chandanotsava – Chandanotsava (the sandalwood festival), also known as Chandan Yatra, is the temple’s most important festival. It is observed on the festival day of Akshaya Tritiya (April – May), according to the temple’s legend. On this day, the Sandalwood paste, also known as Chandanam, that has covered the moolavar throughout the year is removed. As a result, devotees have the opportunity to see the deity’s idol in its original form for 12 hours once per year.
• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Chitra Poornima is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.

Best Time to Visit Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport is the closest to the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. This airport is both national and international, with good connectivity to cities in India and abroad.

By Rail: The major railway station that connects to this temple is Vishakapatnam Railway Station which is 20 km away from the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. From here you can take either taxi or bus.

By Road: Dwarka Bus Stand is very close to the temple grounds. Vishakapatnam is well connected to other cities and has good bus service around the clock. Other local modes of transportation include automobiles, taxis, and private cabs.

Also Read – Bhadravati Lakshmi Narasimha Temple