Set in Visakhapatnam (Simhachalam), Andhra Pradesh, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Simhachalam honours Lord Vishnu as Varaha Narasimha (with Goddess Lakshmi). It is also known as Simhachalam Temple.
One of the important Narasimha kshetras of Andhra Pradesh and a key centre of Vaishnavism; the sandalwood-covered deity is revealed in its true form only on Akshaya Tritiya (Chandanotsavam). Set on the Simhachalam hill range about 800 m above sea level near Visakhapatnam, the temple honours the Varaha Narasimha avatar of Vishnu who saved his devotee Prahlada.
Andhra Pradesh carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Home to Tirumala, the world's most-visited pilgrimage centre, alongside ancient hill shrines and Shakti Peethas along the Krishna and the Eastern Ghats.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Evening | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Open all days of the week; on Akshaya Tritiya (Chandanotsavam) the sandalwood covering is removed and the original form is visible for about 12 hours
Poojas and daily rituals
Swarna Pushparchana, Sahasranamarchana and daily abhishekam/archana
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya) | April/May | The sandalwood paste on the deity is removed and the nija roopam revealed; the temple's most famous festival |
| Kalyanotsavam | Annual | Celestial wedding celebration of the deity |
| Giri Pradakshina | Annual | Circumambulation of the sacred hill by devotees |
History and architecture
Architecture
Fortress-like complex in dark granite with five gateways and three courtyards, blending Kalinga, Chalukya, Kakatiya and Chola styles; features a 16-pillared mukha mandapam and a 96-pillared natya mandapam
History
Set on the Simhachalam hill range about 800 m above sea level near Visakhapatnam, the temple honours the Varaha Narasimha avatar of Vishnu who saved his devotee Prahlada. The idol is kept covered in sandalwood paste through the year, making it resemble a lingam. Inscriptions record gifts from the 11th century onward and a visit by Sri Krishnadevaraya in 1516 and 1519.
Planning your visit
How to reach
About 20 km from Visakhapatnam city centre; Visakhapatnam Railway Station about 18 km, Visakhapatnam International Airport about 14 km; city buses (e.g. route 6A) and taxis serve the hill.
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Simhachalam in photographs
4 freely-licensed photographs of this temple, from Wikimedia Commons. Each is credited to its photographer.
Where this information comes from
Confidence: High. History, architecture, timings and festivals consistently reported across sources