SIMHACHALAM TEMPLE

June 25, 2021

The High Court of Andhra Pradesh struck down G.O. Ms. Nos 72 and 74, through which Sanchaita Gajapathi Raju was appointed as the hereditary trustee/chairperson of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Vari Devasthanam at Simhachalam and ordered that P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju be reinstated as its chairman.

About:

  • Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam is a Hindu temple situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range, which is 300 metres above the sea level in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. As per the temple's legend, Vishnu manifested in this form (lion's head and human body) after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter's father Hiranyakashipu.

  • Simhachalam temple resembles a fortress from outside with three outer courtyards and five gateways. The architecture is a mixture of the styles of the Kalinga Architecture, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and the Cholas.

  • The temple faces west instead of east, signifying victory.

  • Simhachalam is the second-largest temple, after Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, in terms of income earned.

Source : The Hindu