Our History
Simhachalam Temple is located in Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) of Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to Lord
Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple name is derived from "Simha"- a lion
and "Achala"- a hill.
The deity is in the tribhangi posture, with the head of a lion on a human torso. The temple has
16-pillared Natyamandapa and 96-pillared Kalyanamandapa. The idol is covered with sandalwood
throughout the year and is revealed only once a year which is celebrated as Chandanotsavam.
According to the legend of Simhachalam, Hiranyaksha, the brother of Hiranya-Kasyapa intended to
disturb the peace on earth. Lord Vishnu assumed the incarnation of Boar (Varaha Avatara) and
destroyed him, thus rescuing the earth.
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
The Legend of Prahalad
Hiranyakasipu, to avenge the death of his brother
Hiranyaksha, performed austerities to seek immortality from Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma grants him
a boon that he could not be killed by animals or man. Hiranyakasipu then starts troubling gods,
sages, and worshipers of Lord Vishnu.
Hiranyakasipu's son Prahalad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Angered by Prahalad's devotion, Hiranyakasipu orders his servants to drown his son in the sea
and place mount Simhadri over him. However, Lord Narayana rescues Prahalada and places Simhadri
at the rescue site. Lord Narasimha kills Hiranyakasipu, after which Prahalad builts Simhachalam
Temple.
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Legend has it that Pururava, and his wife Urvasi, were drawn to Simhachalam. That is when they
discover the ancient shrine in ruins after many centuries. They rescue the deity and cover it
with sandal paste after they receive a message from heaven. According to the message, the Lord
is only to be worshipped in this form and the original form should only be revealed once per
year. The temple was reconstructed and has remained ever since.
