Simhachalam Travel Guide – Overview, Attractions & Visiting Timings
ANDHRA PRADESH
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The Simhachalam Temple, located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Perched atop the Simhachalam Hill, this ancient temple combines elements of Chalukya and Kalinga architectural styles and attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. The deity is uniquely worshipped in the form of a lingam covered with sandalwood paste, which is removed only once a year on Akshaya Tritiya, revealing the original idol in a grand celebration called Chandanotsavam.
Timings:
- Temple Opening Time: 4:00 AM
- Suprabhata Seva: 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM
- Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Break Timings: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (subject to change on special days)
Entry Fee:
- Free Darshan: ₹0
- Special Darshan: ₹100
- Quick Darshan (Sheegra Darshan): ₹300
- Seva Tickets: Vary from ₹50 to ₹1000 depending on the seva type
Major Festivals Celebrated:
- Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya) – The biggest annual event where lakhs of devotees visit for the sandalwood paste removal ritual
- Narasimha Jayanti – Celebrating the birth of Lord Narasimha
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Special darshan and religious events
- Karthika Masam and Dhanurmasam – Observed with special poojas and rituals
