Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina on Ashada Pournami

Simhachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina is the sacred circumambulation of the Simhachalam hill in Visakhapatnam, performed barefoot by devotees on Ashada Pournami. This spiritual walk covers a distance of about 32 kilometres, starting from Tholi Pavancha.

Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy is the presiding deity of Simhachalam hill and is worshipped with great devotion, faith, and a pure heart His devotees.

To receive the blessings of Lord Varaha Narasimha, devotees walk barefoot with firm faith and a steady mind for eight to ten hours to complete the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina.

Simhachalam Temple is peacefully nestled amidst the scenic Simhachalam hills and is one of the most prominent temples dedicated to Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy in Andhra Pradesh. The temple enshrines the rare and divine Deity of Varaha Narasimha that was worshipped by the great devotee Prahlada in Treta-yuga.

Prahlada was troubled by his father Hiranyakashipu for worshipping Lord Maha Vishnu. He then ordered his soldiers to throw his son into sea being tied to boulders. So, they brough him to the seashore in Vishakhapatnam and was thrown, Lord Narasimha immediately jumped into the ocean and rescued him.

Bhakth Prahlada visited this exact spot after Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu. He offered his sincere prayers to Lord Narasimha and requested to give him darshan in the form combined by form who killed Uncle Hiranyaksha and father Hiranyakshipu.

Pleased by his devotion, lord appeared before him as Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy. Lord posses the face of Varaha, torso region that of human and lion-like tail. The divine combo form reduces the fierceness of Lord Narasimha. Varaha is very peaceful and calm whereas Lord Narasimha is very fiercely, hence balancing both the energies.

The sacred Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina begins at Tholi Pavancha, the traditional starting point at the foothills of Simhachalam Hill. From there, devotees proceed through Old Adavivaram, Mudasarlova, Arilova, Hanumanthawaka, Police Quarters Road, Appughar, Tenneti Park, Lumbini Park Junction, MVP Main Road, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, Seethammadhara, Port Quarters, Madhavadhara, NAD Junction, and Gopalapatnam before returning to the Simhachalam foothills and concluding at Tholi Pavancha near the temple.

Covering a distance of approximately 32 kilometres, the route encircles the entire Simhachalam Hill and passes through several prominent localities of Visakhapatnam. Thousands of devotees undertake this sacred walk every year as an act of faith and devotion to Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Special arrangements, including drinking water, medical aid, and security measures, are usually provided along the route to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.

To Seek Divine Blessings: Devotees perform the pradakshina to receive the grace and protection of Lord Varaha Narasimha Swamy.

For Fulfilment of Wishes: Many devotees undertake the pilgrimage praying for health, prosperity, peace, success, marriage, children, and overall well-being.

As an Act of Devotion and Penance: Walking barefoot for nearly 32 kilometres is considered an expression of humility, dedication, and surrender to the Lord.

To Attain Mental Peace and Spiritual Strength: The sacred journey helps devotees develop patience, faith, discipline, and inner strength.

To Remove Obstacles and Negativity: It is believed that performing the Giri Pradakshina with sincere devotion helps remove difficulties, negative influences, and hardships from life.

To Experience Spiritual Purification: The pilgrimage is considered a path of spiritual cleansing that purifies the mind and soul through prayer, chanting, and devotion.

Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina is a sacred barefoot pilgrimage performed by devotees around the Simhachalam hill in Visakhapatnam on the occasion of Ashada Pournami. The pradakshina is undertaken with devotion and faith to seek the blessings of Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy.

1. Begin with Darshan and Sankalpa

   Devotees usually begin the pilgrimage by offering prayers and taking a sankalpa (spiritual vow) before starting the pradakshina.

2. Start from Tholi Pavancha

   The pradakshina traditionally begins from Tholi Pavancha, the sacred starting point of the yatra.

3. Walk Barefoot Around the Hill

   Devotees walk barefoot around the Simhachalam hill as an act of devotion, humility, and penance. The entire route covers approximately 32 kilometres.

4. Chant the Lord’s Name

   Throughout the journey, devotees chant “Govinda,” “Jai Narasimha,” and other sacred hymns while maintaining devotion and discipline.

5. Maintain Faith and Discipline

   Pilgrims observe spiritual discipline during the walk by remaining calm, focused, and prayerful. Many devotees also observe fasting or consume simple satvik food.

6. Complete the Pradakshina

   The walk generally takes around eight to ten hours to complete, depending on the devotee’s pace and crowd conditions.

7. Offer Final Prayers at the Temple

   After completing the pradakshina, devotees visit the temple and offer prayers to Lord Varaha Narasimha, seeking divine blessings and fulfillment of wishes.

The annual Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina begins at Tholi Pavancha, the traditional starting point at the foothills of the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Devotees perform a coconut-breaking ritual here before starting the sacred circumambulation.

Author: Neethu Under the Guidance of Shri Bhaskara Rao