Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu, located on Simhachalam Hill about 16 km from central Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Renowned for its unique deity covered year-round in sandalwood paste, the temple blends Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles. It is an important pilgrimage centre attracting devotees year-round and is noted for its hilltop setting, historic inscriptions and annual Chandanotsavam festival.

Visitors can expect a hilltop temple complex accessed via ghat road or stepped pathway, with ornate stone architecture, carved pillars, gopurams and mandapas. The main sanctum houses the deity covered in sandalwood paste, visible to devotees during darshan. The complex includes outer courtyards, shrines, temple tanks and shops selling prasadam. Expect queues, especially during festivals and weekends, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Visakhapatnam city from the hilltop.