Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swami vari devasthanam

Simhachalam Temple, located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most sacred and powerful temples in South India. Dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha (a combined form of Lord Vishnu), this temple holds great religious and historical significance. It is believed that the temple has existed since the 11th century and was rebuilt multiple times by the Eastern Ganga kings and the Vijayanagara Empire. Ancient inscriptions found here date back to 1098 AD, making it a site of great cultural value.

The temple stands on the Simhachalam Hill, about 800 meters above sea level. Its name literally means “Lion Hill” in Sanskrit—‘Simha’ meaning lion and ‘Achala’ meaning hill. The architecture of Simhachalam Temple is a mix of Chalukya, Kalinga, and Dravidian styles. The main deity is covered in sandalwood paste throughout the year and is revealed only once during the Chandanotsavam festival, a grand celebration that draws lakhs of devotees.

For those planning a trip down south, Simhachalam Temple is a must-visit spiritual spot. It’s also a great addition to South India tour packages, especially for people who want to explore religious sites along with scenic beauty and culture.

Timings & Entry Fees of Simhachalam Temple

Temple Timings:

1. Morning: 7:00 am to 11:30 am
2. Afternoon Break: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
3. Evening: 12:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Note: Timings may vary slightly on festival days, especially during Chandanotsavam and Ekadasi.

Entry Fee:

1. There’s no entry fee required to visit Simhachalam Temple.
2. Tickets for special darshans can be purchased at the temple counter or booked online.