Simhachalam Temple

Simhachalam is a temple on a hilltop southwest of Visakhapaturam in Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to the god Narasimha. The complex includes several walled courtyards, multiple entrance gates, and two water tanks, while the central shrine has a square plan and a tower with carefully worked stone reliefs.

Construction of the site began in the late eleventh century and continued over several generations. The main chapel was completed in the second half of the thirteenth century under the rule of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

The name Simhachalam means Lion Hill and refers to the local worship of Narasimha, who appears half human and half lion. Pilgrims climb the steps to the sanctuary and join in the prayers that take place daily in the inner rooms.

The sanctuary opens in the morning and evening with a break in the afternoon, allowing visitors to experience ceremonies at both times of day. The path to the summit follows steps that can be demanding in warm weather.

The main figure remains hidden under a thick layer of sandalwood paste throughout the year and is unveiled only on a single day in spring. On that day tens of thousands of pilgrims flock to see the statue in its original form.