Simhachalam, also called Simhagiri, is a famous pilgrim center located 16 km north of
Visakhapatnam, in
Andhra Pradesh.
The 11th century Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple located here is visited by pilgrims from all over India. The temple is considered to be the second richest in the country in terms of revenue, after Tirupati. The presiding deity in this west facing temple gives 'nijaroopa darshan' (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year. In the rest 364 days and 12 hours, the image will be smeared with sandal wood paste.
Nearest airport is at Visakhapatnam. Simhachalam has a minor railway station. Visakhapatnam Railway Station, situated on the Chennai–Kolkata line, is the nearest major railhead.
