Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, is also known as Simhachalam Temple. It is a sacred Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. it is located on Simhachalam Hills in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers Simhachalam Temple timings for darshan, pooja, aarti, and sevas for a divine pilgrimage.
Simhachalam Temple Darshan Timings:
- Regular Days:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Evening: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Festival Days (Chandanotsavam, Narasimha Jayanti, Kalyanotsavam):
- Extended hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Break: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Free Darshan available for everyone. Special Darshan (₹100) or VIP Darshan (₹1000) to skip long queue. During Chandanotsavam (April-May), arrive by 5:00 AM to avoid 3-4 hour queues.
Pooja Timings:
- Suprabhata Seva: 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM (awakening ritual).
- Pratharadhanam: 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM (morning worship).
- Mahanivedanam (Rajabhogam): 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM (grand offering).
- Swarna Pushparchana: 7:00 AM, Thursdays/Sundays (golden flower offering).
- Sahasranamarchana: 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM (1000-name chant).
Special poojas like Nijabhishekam (₹2000, sacred bath) shine during Narasimha Jayanti (May). Book at counters or via Book via temple office (+91-89290-05636).
Aarti Timings:
- Mangala Aarti: 4:30 AM.
- Maha Aarti: 12:00 PM.
- Dhoop Seva (Evening Aarti): 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Pavalimpu Seva (Ekanta Aarti): 9:00 PM.
The Dhoop Seva at 7:00 PM, is a highlight, arrive by 6:45 PM.
Seva Timings and Offerings:
- Nitya Kalyanam: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (divine marriage, 2 people).
- Saswatha Laksha Tulasi Pooja: Daily (lifelong tulsi offering).
- Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Saturdays (1000-lamp ritual).
- Ashtothara Sathanamarchana: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (108-name chant).
Annadanam feeds 25,000+ during Giripradakshana (June-July).
How to Reach Simhachalam Temple:
- By Road: 16 km from Visakhapatnam.
- By Train: Visakhapatnam Railway Station (18 km).
- By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport (12 km).
Travel Tips:
- Dress Code: Traditional attire (men: dhoti/kurta; women: saree/salwar).
- Best Time: Oct-Mar (20-25°C). Avoid Jun-Sep (monsoons).
- Note: No photography inside. Use free cloakrooms.