Sri Narasimha swamy Temple - Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam

The Historic Temple at the Simhachalam, built in the 11th Century, where the Lord Varaha Narasimha Swami's temple is located, resembles the rich cultural heritage Visakhapatnam holds. Located on the Hill top, at a height of 244 mts, popularly called the Hill of the Lion Lord, is the temple of Lord Vishnu in the avatara of Sri Narasimha Swami varu. This great temple built in the 11th century by the King Sri Krishnadevarayam, is one of its kind in the country. Inscriptions on the temple date back to 1098 AD.

Millions of devotees from round the world visit this temple every year especially during the Chandanotsavam Festival Season. On the annual ritual Chandanotsavam day, the Lord is covered with a new fresh layer of Sandalwood.

History says that Prahlada - a devotee of Lord Vishnu was being tortoured by his father. Lord Vishnu in the avatara of Lord Nrusimha kills Prahlada's father and saves the child.

Dharmapuri Sheshachari wrote the Narasimha Satakam - a collection of poems on the Lord.
Reaching Simhachalam 

One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag. If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab. 

Busses numbered 6A and 40 start from the Dwaraka Bus Station ( APSRTC Complex ). 

If starting from Gajuwaka, you can get Bus numbered 55. And if you want to start from Maddilipalem, get the bus numbered 540. 

If you like to have a more comfortable journey, hiring a cab is always a good idea. 

Reaching the Hill Top 

You can take up the steps path to reach to the Temple. However, if you and also take up a bus. Simhachalam Devasthanam runs Simhadri Bus Service to take you to the hill top from the foothill. Busses will be available for every 10 minutes and ticket costs Rs. 6/- per adult and Rs. 3/- for a child. The fares are nominal and is worth to go on bus if you are not a professional driver since the roads to the hill are narrow and curviest. 
Fares for using Private Vehicles to reach hill top 
Scooter Rs. 5/-
Car Rs. 20/-
Jeep Rs. 25/-
Lorry Rs. 75/- 
Empty Lorry Rs. 50/- 
Empty Van Rs. 30/- 
Loaded Van Rs. 40/- 
Mini Bus Rs. 75/-

Chandanotsavam at Lord Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy Temple, Simhachalam

Simhachalam is one of the best places in India which resembles the rich Culture and Heritage. Simhachalam Hill Ranges are the host for one of the most unique temples of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami is India.

The Chandanotsavam or the Nijaroopa Darshanam Day, is the annual ritual conducted at the temple. It is only on this day that devotees would have a chance to see the actual shape of the lord ( Nirjaroopam ). On normal days, the Lord in the temple is visible with a layer of Chandanam (Sandalwood paste) covered. This process is conducted on the Vaisakha Suddha Tadiya as per the Telugu almanac. It is on the Chandanotsavam day that the Lord's Sandalwood paste is removed and is covered with a fresh layer of Sandalwood paste brought from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. The ceremonial process would take some time and during the process of removal of the sandal paste, the sanctum sanctorum doors will be closed. Abhishekam and special pujas will be performed after the diety is fully uncovered. This happens at around 3:00 PM. Heriditary Trustee of the temple, Ananda Gajapathi Raju will be the first person to have the darshan of the Lord on this day at around 4:00 PM. 

Millions of people from round the world, particular from the coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu vist the Temple to take the darshan of the Lord in his true form.

As like any other Chandanotsavam Day, authorities of the Temple have taken additional steps to make this festival day an easy one for the Devotees. The Executive Officer of the Devasthanam oversees and ensures that all facilities were implemented so that devotees can take the darshan of the Lord easily. Special Queues will be setup for both Tickets and the Prasadam's. An estimated 50 Lakh laadoos will be sold and thus the Devastanam has made arrangements for the production of the same. About 3 Lakh people will be provided with free food (Anna-Danam) on this day alone.

The Visakhapatnam City Police will look at all Security arrangements and Special Police teams will be deployed to make sure no brench of security takes place. APSRTC is running special Buses from many parts of the state. Special City buses will also be run from various parts of Visakhapatnam to Simhachalam.

A representative from the Government of Andhra Pradesh will generally be presenting the slik-woven clothes to the Lord on this day.

On the Chandanotsavam Day, special tickets in the denominations of Rs. 30, Rs. 100, Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 will be sold at the temple premises. Of course, there is always a Dharma Darshanam, or a free Darshan that generally draw huge crowds.
 
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