Description
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam is a Hindu temple located on the Simhachalam Hill Range, which is 300 meters above sea level in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha ( the man-lion). Thousands of devotees from various parts of the world visit the temple in large numbers.
Legend of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Legend says that Vishnu manifested in this form (lion’s head and human body) after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter’s father Hiranyakashipu. Except for Akshaya Tritiya, the idol of Varaha Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which makes it resemble a linga. The only time of the year when the idol is seen by the pilgrims is during the Chandana Visarjana I.e. when the sandalwood paste is removed.
Architecture of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple-
Simhachalam temple resembles a fortress from the outside with five gateways and three outer courtyards. The architecture is a combination of the styles of the Kalinga Architecture, Kakatiyas, Chalukyas, and the Cholas. The temple faces west instead of east, signifying victory. The architecture of this temple has certain similarities to that of the Konark temple. The outer walls depict pictures of royal personalities including King Narasimha in various postures. There is a beautiful structure of a stone chariot drawn by horses in the temple premises which is very famous. The Kalyan Mandap of the temple has 16 pillars that depict the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
There is another unique pillar in the main temple called Kappasthambam. It is believed that the wishes of those devotees will be fulfilled who embrace the pillar with a pure mind. There’s also a belief that childless couples can have children after embracing the pillar. The next beautiful spot is the Gangadhara. It’s a natural and perennial spring that comes from the hills and herbal roots. The pilgrims used to take bath there with good faith for curing their diseases, to forgo their sins, and to fulfill their wishes. There’s also a pond called the Varaha Pushkarini pond which is situated within the sacred premises of the main temple. It’s a place with a lot of religious significance and reverence. It’s said that Lord Venkateshwara himself bathed in this pond with his consorts. In fact, the pond is considered to be as holy and pious as The Ganges.
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