Latest news with #VarahaLakshmiNarasimhaSwamyTemple
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- The Hindu
Sea of Humanity circumambulates Simhachalam in a grand spiritual sojourn
Thousands of devotees from across North Andhra took part in the revered 'Giri Pradakshina'—the circumambulation of the sacred Simhachalam hill housing the ancient Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple—on Wednesday. Pilgrims began the spiritual journey as early as 3 a.m., breaking coconuts at 'Tholi Pavancha', the foothills of Simhachalam, before setting off on the approximately 32-km-long trek. Braving the intense heat, devotees continued their ritual with undeterred faith. While initial turnout appeared slightly lower compared to previous years, the crowd steadily increased after the temple chariot carrying the deity was ceremonially flagged off. By 6 p.m., hundreds of devotees gathered at Tholi Pavancha, with many beginning the trek after completing their day's work, conscious of avoiding the peak afternoon heat. The event drew participation from people of all ages and backgrounds—youth, elderly, and children—chanting 'Govinda Govinda' and 'Jai Shri Ram' as they made their way around the hill in a spirited show of devotion and unity. At Appughar Beach, a customary site for the holy dip, authorities took precautionary steps to ensure public safety. With high tide approaching in the evening, volunteers provided water in buckets and discouraged direct sea entry. Ropes were set up to restrict access to deeper waters, preventing mishaps. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) facilitated the pilgrimage by installing drinking water kiosks at every 200 metres along the route. Bio-toilets with gender-specific access and stationed sanitation workers ensured hygienic conditions throughout the event. Support poured in from NGOs, resident welfare associations, political party volunteers, and individuals, who distributed refreshments such as buttermilk, pulihora, vegetable pulao, halwa, biscuits, and water bottles. GVMC also set up 'Rest Arenas' with medical staff for tired pilgrims. Pain-relief sprays, basic medicines, and even oil massages were offered by volunteers and devotees to ease physical strain. Public address systems at key junctions helped manage the crowd and facilitate smooth traffic regulation. At busy spots like Hanumanthawaka, traffic police diverted vehicles headed to Health City via Adarsh Nagar Road, as the Hanumanthawaka–Adavivaram route was reserved for pilgrims. 'I have been participating in the circumambulation for the past nine years, seeking blessings for my family. My wishes have always come true. It's heartening to see young people joining in,' said Mr. Kameswara Rao from Tuni, appreciating the arrangements. Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Mallesh, who undertook the trek with his 14-year-old daughter, praised the accessibility of water and sanitation facilities along the way, available every 100 to 200 metres. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, along with officials from various departments, was on the ground supervising the arrangements. Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi also personally monitored the situation to ensure safety and order. The well-decorated temple chariot, carrying the main deity, was ceremoniously flagged off at around 2 p.m. by hereditary trustee P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Dignitaries including MPs M. Sribharat and K. Appalanaidu, MLAs Ganta Srinivasa Rao and P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), and Simhachalam Devasthanam officials also offered prayers during the occasion.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
8 killed as wall collapses at temple in Andhra Pradesh's Simhachalam
At least eight people were killed and four others injured when a wall adjacent to a queue line collapsed on the devotees at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Simhachalam in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said. The incident took place at around 2:30 am when devotees were waiting in line for 'Nijaroopa' darshan of the deity on the occasion of the annual Chandanotsavam festival. Following the collapse, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local officials, launched immediate rescue and relief operations. Soon after, state home minister Vangalapudi Anitha rushed to the spot of the incident. She told reporters that according to preliminary reports, the newly-built temple wall was soaked with water due to previous night's heavy rainfall, adding that pressure from the devotees led to the wall's collapse. 'They were standing in the queue line for special darshan after paying ₹300 per ticket. The wall is adjacent to a shopping complex on the way from Simhagiri Bus Stand—suddenly gave way and collapsed due to loosening of soil because of heavy rains in the area,' she said. Apart from Anitha, Visakhapatnam District Collector Harendhira Prasad, and Commissioner of Police Shankha Brata Bagchi also arrived at the temple to oversee the rescue efforts. Prasad said the victims included three women and they were yet to be identified. 'The bodies of the victims and injured were shifted to King George Hospital, Visakkhapatnam,' he added. Every year, during the Chandanotsavam festival, deity Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is revealed to devotees in his true form (Nijaroopa), without the usual sandalwood paste that typically covers the idol throughout the year. Thousands of devotees had already gathered at Simhachalam for the rare sight. The deity was ceremoniously awakened at 1:00 am with a Suprabhata Seva. Following this, the sandalwood paste was carefully removed from the idol using special silver scrapers. Devotees then witnessed the deity's Nijaroopa Darshanam, after which special Abhishekam rituals were performed. Following the Vedic rituals, hereditary temple trustee Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and his family were given the first darshan of the deity and had the honor of offering the initial sandalwood paste. Later, Minister for Revenue Anagani Satya Prasad presented traditional silk garments to the deity on behalf of the state government.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
7 killed in wall collapse at temple in Andhra Pradesh's Simhachalam
VIJAYAWADA: At least seven people died and several others were injured after a wall at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam collapsed early Wednesday following heavy rains and strong winds, officials said. According to Andhra Pradesh home minister V Anitha, preliminary assessments suggest that the downpour, which began around 2.30 am and lasted for nearly 30 minutes, loosened the soil, leading to the structure's collapse. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities at the site. The incident occurred just before hereditary trustee Poosapati Ashok Gajapati Raju entered the temple for the first darshan of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Reacting to the tragedy, BJP former MLC Madhav expressed his sorrow over the timing and nature of the collapse, especially as it coincided with a significant religious occasion. "This is an unfortunate incident that has taken place on the occasion of Akshaya took place at 2.30 am in government will investigate the incident and will compensate the victims," he said.
