Simhachalam - Shaiva or Vaishnava Shrine
The only temple in India that was noted by its sculptor’s name Appann is Simhachalam situated 300 feet above sea level at port city Visakhapatnam. Sri Varaha Laxmi Narasimha Swamy the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu resides in Tribhanga Style covered by sandal paste throughout the year and the pealing of sandal paste celebrated with pomp on auspicious Chandantosva on Akshya Tritiya day to give real shape of the deity to devotees. In the 11th century there was doubt about the idol of Shiva or Vishnu because it appears as Lingam in all the days. Bhagavate Ramanuja Charya argued with Shaiva Pundits and convinced them that this is a Vishnava Idol. The temple faces west instead of east, signifying victory in contrast with other temples.
Inscriptions in many languages
Simhachalam temple is found in many literary references and lyrical works, which are preserved in the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, Chennai. Historians have noticed inscriptions on the walls of temple in Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil and Oriya languages. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is cubical-shaped whose walls feature sculptures carved in Kalinga style. A pillar with its top covered stands quite opposite to adytum as the couple will be having children after hugging that and other individual’s wishes also fulfill after offering special prayers by hugging this pillar.
Transport facilities to the shrine
Simhachalam is 6 km away from Visakhapatnam airport and 12 km from the train station. There are guest houses owned by the endowment department and private owners can be hired by tourists. Vizagites as well as the people from other districts and Odisha would eagerly wait to participate in Giripradakshina which is an annual festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashadha month (July). It is based on the custom that the devotees can receive Narasimha's blessings by circumambulating around the hill on which he is seated. |