Simha Chalam
The Hindu pilgrim centre, Simhachalam with enchanting natural beauty is situated about 16 km from Visakhapatnam.
The 11th century temple dedicated to Sri Varaha Narasimha (man lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is situated at the top of the Simhachalam range of hills popularly called the 'Hill of the Lion Lord'.
The temple built by King Sri Krishna Devaraya is a marvel of architecture with a square shrine surmounted on a high tower, a portico in front with a small tower, a beautifully-carved l6-pillared Natya mantapa facing the portico and an enclosed verandah, all made of dark granite.
The shrine has inscriptions on its walls dating back to 1098 AD. Here, the idol of the presiding deity is always kept covered with sandal paste giving the appearance of a sandalwood Shiva Linga.
The actual form of the deity in the tribhanga posture (i.e two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso) can be viewed only during the 'Chandanotsavam' which is also known as 'Chandana Yatra' festival held in March- April,
every year which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. Other festivals celebrated here are the Kalyanam of Varaha Lakshminarasimha (March-April) and Visakha Poornima (May).
The Hindu pilgrim centre, Simhachalam with enchanting natural beauty is situated about 16 km from Visakhapatnam.
The 11th century temple dedicated to Sri Varaha Narasimha (man lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is situated at the top of the Simhachalam range of hills popularly called the 'Hill of the Lion Lord'.
The temple built by King Sri Krishna Devaraya is a marvel of architecture with a square shrine surmounted on a high tower, a portico in front with a small tower, a beautifully-carved l6-pillared Natya mantapa facing the portico and an enclosed verandah, all made of dark granite.
The shrine has inscriptions on its walls dating back to 1098 AD. Here, the idol of the presiding deity is always kept covered with sandal paste giving the appearance of a sandalwood Shiva Linga.
The actual form of the deity in the tribhanga posture (i.e two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso) can be viewed only during the 'Chandanotsavam' which is also known as 'Chandana Yatra' festival held in March- April,
every year which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. Other festivals celebrated here are the Kalyanam of Varaha Lakshminarasimha (March-April) and Visakha Poornima (May).
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