Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam
सिंहाचलम मंदिर, विशाखपटनम
The Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, located in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, India, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar. The temple, which is situated on the Simhachalam hill, is renowned for its unique architectural style that blends elements of both Dravidian and Kalinga architecture. The presiding deity, Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha, is portrayed as a combination of the Varaha (boar) and Narasimha (man-lion) avatars of Vishnu. One of the unique aspects of this temple is that the idol is kept covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which is removed only once during the annual Chandanotsavam festival, revealing the deity's form for devotees. The temple's history dates back to the 11th century and has been patronized by various dynasties, including the Eastern Ganga and Vijayanagara empires.
