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Temples
Simhachalam Temple
Deity: Lord Narasimha(Vishnu)
Locality: Simhachalam
State/Country: Andhra Pradesh
Simhachalam Temple
Simhadri or Simhachalam Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Visakhapatnam City suburb of Simhachalam in Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is dedicated to Narasimha (the man-lion), an incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu. The architectural style of the central shrine isKalinga architecture.
Simhachalam Temple,Andhra Pradesh
- HISTORY
- LEGEND
- HOW TO REACH
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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The Sthalapuranam of this sthalam is related to Sri Narasimhavathaar and from this, it is evident that this temple is found to be in existence from over of years.
Hiranyakasipu, who thought that the entire world should chant his name as the chief deity and if anyone chants other than his name should be sentenced to death. This was the major order that was proposed by him. Because of fear, all the people started to chant Hiranyakasipu’s name and dedicated poojas towards him instead of doing it to Sriman Narayanan. But, bhaktan Prahaladan, the blessed child of Sriman Narayanan and the real son of Hiranyakasipu, did not chant his father Hiranyakasipu’s name but always expressed his bhakti towards Sri Vishnu. Though his father warned him that he should only follow him as the main deity but not Sriman Narayanan, he didn’t follow and instead he started to follow him very deeply.
This kind of action of Prahaladhan made Hiranyakasipu angry and ordered his soldiers to kill him by throwing him from the top of the mountain. As the order from the king, the soldiers threw Prahaladhan from the top of the mountain and to protect him, the perumal Sriman Narayanan came as Sri Narasimhar and rescued him by moving the mountain and made a small path for Prahaladhan. And, it is said that in the place where the perumal stood to protect Prahaladhan is the place where the temple is built.
Hiranyakasipu was a Rakshasa king and a reincarnation of one of Vishnu’s Dwarapalakas (gatekeepers) in Vaikuntha (heaven). The other palaka was born as his brother Hiranyaaksha. The gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya, were cursed by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathkumara, and Sanathsujatha because the gatekeepers did not allow these four to take darshan of Mahavishnu. As a result, the gatekeepers were reincarnated three times. Hiranyakasipu decided to perform austerities (tapasya) to appease Lord Brahma, which would allow him to become immortal. However, Lord Brahma said that it was not possible.then brahma give a bhoon to hiranyakashaka that was if anybody try to kill you they must be want to kill you without placing on land.so it must become secret.that’s why he become so dare anybody never kill him.
Hiranyakasipu’s son Prahlada was a devotee of Lord Narayana and always expressed his devotion (bhakti) towards him. Hiranyakasipu could not alter Prahlada’s devotion and became infuriated. He made several attempts to have Prahlada killed, including throwing him off a mountain top,putting him in a chamber of snakes and throwing him into a cage of a hungry tiger. Vishnu rescued Prahlada by moving the mountain and creating a small path,burning up the snakes and vanished the tiger . As the avatar Lord Narayana, Vishnu came to rescue Prahlada. When Lord Narayana jumped to save Prahlada, his feet sunk deep into the earth.Therefore, the god’s feet are not shown anywhere at the temple, as it is said that his feet are buried in the earth. The legend says that the Simhachalam temple was built on the exact spot where Vishnu stood to protect Prahlada.
A second legend says that when the Muslims were about to destroy and plunder the temple during an invasion, a poet named Kurmanatha implored Lord Varaha Narasimha to save the temple and the Hindus. In response to these prayers, a huge swarm of copper hornets suddenly appeared and attacked the invading army, driving them out of the city. The swarm then disappeared behind a hillock now known as Tummedala Metta (Tummedala: of hornet; Metta: hillock).
One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag. If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab.
Busses numbered 6A and 40 start from the Dwaraka Bus Station ( APSRTC Complex ).
If starting from Gajuwaka, you can get Bus numbered 55. And if you want to start from Maddilipalem, get the bus numbered 540.
If you like to have a more comfortable journey, hiring a cab is always a good idea.
Reaching the Hill Top:
You can take up the steps path to reach to the Temple. However, if you and also take up a bus. Simhachalam Devasthanam runs Simhadri Bus Service to take you to the hill top from the foothill. Busses will be available for every 10 minutes and ticket costs Rs. 6/- per adult and Rs. 3/- for a child. The fares are nominal and is worth to go on bus if you are not a professional driver since the roads to the hill are narrow and curviest.
Fares for using Private Vehicles to reach hill top
Scooter Rs. 5/-
Car Rs. 20/-
Jeep Rs. 25/-
Lorry Rs. 75/-
Empty Lorry Rs. 50/-
Empty Van Rs. 30/-
Loaded Van Rs. 40/-
Mini Bus Rs. 75/-