Thread by @bhargavasarma

#SIMHACHALAM - A rare and unique temple of Lord Vishnu;

Deity at this temple Sri VaraAha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy a rare form of Vishnu in a unique combination of
Varaha in the face;
Narasimha on the rear side of the head & in tail that of a lion;
Manushya in the body +

2½ ft crystal clear idol of the Lord appears in a rare standing posture. According to Kshethra Mahaatmya, this temple is believed to be in existence since the days of Krutha Yuga. +

This unique & combined form of Vishnu’s 2 incarnations’ #VaraAha, #Naarasimha (both Krutha Yuga) got manifested at this place as per prayers & request (wanted to have darshan of Sri Vishnu’s dual avataras) of Bhakta Prahlada for whose sake Vishnu incarnated as Lord Narasimha. +

That day of Lord’s manifestation was incidentally (Akshaya Thrutheeya) Vaisakha Sukla Thruteeya.

According to Sthalapurana, Prahlada was the first person to construct a temple for the Deity and conduct rituals. +

In subsequent ages the Lord got manifested (as discovered by King Puruurava) again at this place during the days of King Puruurava (Lunar dynasty) and it was again incidentally on the day of Akshaya Thrutheeya. +

It is a custom since time immemorial to worship Sri Varaha & Sri Narasimha on this sacred day of Akshaya Thrutheeya. At Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, special celebrations R held on this sacred day when a unique ritual called #Chandanotsavam will be held.+

It is only on this particular day in the year, the Lord gives darshan in Nija roopa without any decoration which is otherwise always fully covered with Chandana. +

Once in a yr on the day of Akshaya Thruteeya old Chandana covering on the idol will be peeled off early in the morning & in the evening covered again fully with fresh Chandana. In between time devotees gets an opportunity (12 hours) to witness Nija Roopa darshana of the Lord. +

Chandana paste will be extracted by grinding the sandalwood (Chandana) sticks and the quantity of Chandana used for this ritual would be approx 500 kgs. Peeled off Chandana would be distributed to the devotees as Lord’s Prasada. +

Apart from Akshaya Thrutheeya, Chandana would be applied to Lord’s idol at Simhachalam on 3 more occasions during Vaisakha; Jyeshta & Aashada months in the year. Ritual of Chandanotsavam attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country to get a rare darshan of the Lord. +

Lord Hanuman opposite to Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy at Simhachalam was installed by Madhva Saint Sri Narahari Theertharu (direct disciple of Sri Madhvacharya) +

Simhachalam is located about 15 km from Vizag city in Andhra Pradesh accessible from all parts of the country by road; rail and air.

Nijaroopa darshana of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Simhachalam on the day of Akshaya Trutheeya.