Simhachalam Travel Guide – Overview, Attractions & Visiting Timings

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 AMSuprabhata Seva: 4:00 AM to 4:30 AMDarshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PMBreak Timings: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (subject to change on special days)Entry Fee:Free Darshan: ₹0Special Darshan: ₹100Quick Darshan (Sheegra Darshan): ₹300Seva Tickets: Vary from ₹50 to ₹1000 depending on the seva typeMajor Festivals Celebrated:Chandanotsavam (Akshaya Tritiya) – The biggest annual event where lakhs of devotees visit for the sandalwood paste removal ritualNarasimha Jayanti – Celebrating the birth of Lord NarasimhaVaikuntha Ekadashi – Special darshan and religious eventsKarthika Masam and Dhanurmasam – Observed with special poojas and rituals