Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam

About Simhachalam Temple

Simhachalam Temple A famous temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha and exuding mystical vibrancy, it is the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh and an important place of Hindu faith. The Simhachalam temple has an inscription which pertains to the era of the Chola king Kulothunga. Another inscription shows that the sanctum sanctorum was constructed in the age of 1267 AD.

The magnificent building reflects a combination of Kalinga, Chalukya and Chola styles of architecture. Simhachalam Temple is situated on an excellent hill station with lush greenery everywhere. Another attraction of this temple is the annual festival of Akshaya Tritiya festival which takes place every year in the month of April or May.

Architecture of Simhachalam Temple

Simhachalam Temple is rich in its architectural beauty and sculpture which is a combination of the Sun Temple of Konark and the styles of Chalukyas and Cholas. The main features of the temple are the carved 16-pillared Natya Mandapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana Mandapa.

The Simhachalam temple is beautifully decorated with extremely elaborate stone carvings that make the overall structure even more spectacular. Made of dark granite, the temple has a verandah which is delicately carved with floral embellishments.

Interesting facts about Simhachalam Temple

1. Another attraction of the temple is the annual festival of Akshaya Tritiya festival which takes place every year in the month of April or May.
2. Here you can enjoy a spectacular view from a height of 800 meters above sea level and worship Lord Narasimha, who is considered as another form of Lord Vishnu.
3. The temple looks very impressive due to its stone carvings which display the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans and masons of that era.
4. There are still inscriptions on the walls of the Simhachalam temple which were made during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara.
5. This temple houses several old texts, one of which is an ancient depiction of the Queen of Kalinga.
6. Two ponds in the temple premises: Swami Pushkarini Talab which is near the temple and Gangadhara Talab which is at the bottom of the hill adds to its grandeur.
7. In the verandah of the temple there is a stone car made of stone with stone wheels and horses made of stone.

How to reach Simhachalam Temple