Why is the deity covered in sandalwood paste?

According to legend, the deity appeared in a fierce form and was cooled by applying sandalwood paste. The paste is removed only once a year during Chandanotsavam on Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) for 12 hours, when devotees can see the true form of the deity.

What is Chandanotsavam at Simhachalam?

Chandanotsavam is the most important festival at Simhachalam, celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya. The sandalwood paste covering the deity is removed, revealing the original idol for just 12 hours before being reapplied.

How to reach Simhachalam from Vizag?

Simhachalam is 16 km from Visakhapatnam city center. Regular city buses, autos, and taxis are available. The temple is on a hill and can be reached by road.

Why is the deity covered in sandalwood paste?

According to legend, the deity appeared in a fierce form and was cooled by applying sandalwood paste. The paste is removed only once a year during Chandanotsavam on Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) for 12 hours, when devotees can see the true form of the deity.

What is Chandanotsavam at Simhachalam?

Chandanotsavam is the most important festival at Simhachalam, celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya. The sandalwood paste covering the deity is removed, revealing the original idol for just 12 hours before being reapplied.

How to reach Simhachalam from Vizag?

Simhachalam is 16 km from Visakhapatnam city center. Regular city buses, autos, and taxis are available. The temple is on a hill and can be reached by road.

Simhachalam Temple

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Main God

Lord Narasimha

Timings

6:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location

Visakhapatnam

Type

MAJOR

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Lord Vishnu

6:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Plan Visit

Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam is dedicated to Lord Narasimha in a unique Varaha-Narasimha form - the body of a boar (Varaha) and the face of a lion (Narasimha). Built in the 11th century by the Chola and Eastern Ganga kings, the temple features magnificent Kalinga and Dravidian architecture. The deity is covered with sandalwood paste (chandanam) throughout the year and revealed only once during the Chandanotsavam festival in Akshaya Tritiya, making it one of the most unique temple traditions in India.

Darshan Guide

Enter through the main entrance and climb the steps to the hill temple

Proceed to the Kappam (sacred thread) counter

Take darshan of Varaha-Lakshmi-Narasimha covered in sandalwood paste

Visit the Andal and Yoga Narasimha shrines

Visit the ancient stone chariot in the courtyard

Location & Directions

Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

By Bus

Regular buses from Vizag city (16 km)

By Air

Visakhapatnam Airport (22 km)

By Rail

Visakhapatnam Station (16 km)

About the Main God

Lord Narasimha

Lord Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared in the form of half-man and half-lion to protect his devotee Prahlada. He is worshipped as the fierce protector who destroys evil and restores dharma. Narasimha temples are found across India, with Yadadri being one of the most prominent.

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Services

Simhachalam Temple

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Annavaram Satyanarayana Temple

About Simhachalam Temple

Darshan Timings

Darshan Guide

Enter through the main entrance and climb the steps to the hill temple

Proceed to the Kappam (sacred thread) counter

Take darshan of Varaha-Lakshmi-Narasimha covered in sandalwood paste

Visit the Andal and Yoga Narasimha shrines

Visit the ancient stone chariot in the courtyard

Location & Directions

How to Reach

About the Main God

Lord Narasimha

Frequently Asked Questions

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