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Andhra Pradesh Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple Simhachalam Visakhapatnam
Simhachalam is Hindu temple located in Vishakhapatnam city OF Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in world that dates back to 11th century. The primary deity of the temple is Lord Varah Lakshmi Narsimha who is incarnation of Vishnu. Simhachalam or Simhadri stands for hill of lion which is denoted for lord Narsimha who has body of human and face of lion. Simhachalam is 800 feet above sea level. The image resembles to Shivlinga covered with sandal paste and sandal is removed once in a year during Chandan Visarjan. The Devastanam is maintaining Agama Patasala, Sanskrit High School and one free hostel at Simhachalam and free Students boarding House at Vizianagaram.
Architecture
The temple entrance is based of Dravidian style of architecture and main/central shrine is Oriya style architecture. At the North side of the hill temple of Narsimha swami is located. Temple is located in wooden hallow surrounded by wide circle of higher ground and it gives a look of an Amphitheatre. Stones are arranged in systematic manner on the way to relax provided with trees on either side of the way. On the way to temple there are fields of pineapple, mango, jack and other trees. Proper lights and toranas are built at regular intervals. The temple is one among the best examples of Architecture and sculpture of Rajahs of Vizianagram who endowed for temple. The temple is brought under special scheme of Hindu religious and charitable endowment act.
History And Legends
Shree Varahlakshmi Narsimha Swami is the presiding deity of this temple who is present in his Tribhanga posture with hands and head of lion and body of human. There are inscriptions all around the temple and one among them dates back to 1098 A.D. of Chola reign which clearly depicts tribhanga form of deity. Inscription like queen of Eastern Ganga of Kalinga and inscription of Narsimha Deva (Ganga King of Orissa) makes the temple as historically important place. Inscription of Narsimha Deva of 1267 A.D. shows that temple built by him. The temple was endowed by Krishnadevraya who defeated Gajapati ruler of Orissa and Jewelry like emerald necklace which is still present in temple. Pusapati Gajapati is the trustee of temple since last three centuries.
According to legend demon King Hirankashyap performed austerities to please Brahma and took Vardan of become immortal. But this Vardan was impossible so Brahma has given him boon that no animal or man, neither in the morning nor in the night, by any weapons, neither in sky nor on the earth could kill him. He considered himself as King of world but his son Prahlad was ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Due to this Hirankashyap always tortured by his father and also several attempts were made to kill Prahlad. Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad every time from his father. When he came to save Prahlad he jumped from Garud and his feet buried inside earth and at the same place the temple is constructed by Prahlad.
How To Reach
Waltair and Vishakhapatnam is nearest railway station. From both Railway stations this place can be reached by bus of APSRTC. Gajuwaka and Maddipalem are two bus stands from where bus. Private buses, jeep and lorry are available at nominal rent. Nearest airport is Vishakhaptnam at distance of 16 kms.
Time To Visit
The temple is visited in month of April and June especially on Saturday and Sundays. One can also visit temple during important festivals of annual Kalyanam on Chaitra Suddha Ekadasi in month of March and April.
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