Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam

The Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, situated atop the Simhachalam Hill Range in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is venerated in his form as Varaha Narasimha. According to temple legends, this divine manifestation occurred when Vishnu saved his devotee Prahlada from his tyrannical father, Hiranyakashipu. The temple is renowned for its distinctive Kalingan architecture, a style prevalent in the historical Kalinga region, and its unique practice of covering the primary deity's idol with sandalwood paste throughout the year, making it resemble a lingam, except on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

History and Construction

The history of the Simhachalam temple stretches back nearly a thousand years. Epigraphists have uncovered approximately 500 inscriptions within the temple complex, primarily detailing donations and contributions from various rulers, officials, and citizens. Historical consensus, supported by an inscription from Chola king Kulottunga I, places the temple's recognition in the 11th century CE, with the earliest discovered inscription dating to 1087 CE. The current structure of the temple was substantially built during the 13th century by the Eastern Ganga dynasty king Narasingha Deva I, with its consecration by his son Bhanudeva I in 1268 AD. The temple received considerable patronage from successive dynasties, including the Later Cholas, Eastern Gangas, Reddy dynasty, Gajapatis, and the Vijayanagara Empire, evidenced by numerous inscriptions and architectural additions.

Architecture and Features

The temple's architecture is a fusion of Kalingan, Eastern Chalukyan, and Chola styles, presenting an unusual westward-facing sanctum sanctorum. From the exterior, it resembles a fortress with three prakarams (outer courtyards) and five gateways. A notable feature is the five-tier rajagopuram on the western gateway. Inside, the Kalyana mandapa is adorned with 96 pillars, many carved with images of Vishnu, his consort Lakshmi, and the Alvars. The sanctum sanctorum itself is cubical, with walls decorated with Kalinga-style sculptures. The three-tier vimana, akin to the Konark temple, is a stepped pyramid adorned with sculptures, including lion statuettes symbolizing Narasimha. The temple complex also houses several sub-shrines dedicated to deities like Andal and Lakshmi, as well as prominent Vaishnavite acharyas like Ramanuja.

Legends and Significance

The temple's legends are rich, detailing the divine acts of Vishnu and the lineage of its devotees. The practice of covering the idol with sandalwood paste is tied to the legend of King Pururava's renovation, where a divine voice advised him not to worry about the idol's feet and instructed the sandalwood paste tradition. The temple also played a role in the history of Vaishnavism, with Saint Ramanuja intervening in the 11th century to refute claims that the deity was Shiva, thereby establishing its Vaishnavite identity. The presence of numerous water bodies, including temple tanks and natural springs, further adds to the sacred geography of Simhachalam. The temple remains an active place of worship and a significant pilgrimage destination.