Perched atop the lush green hills of the Eastern Ghats near Visakhapatnam, the Simhachalam Temple is a beacon of spiritual serenity. Dedicated to Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, this architectural marvel draws millions of devotees seeking blessings and peace.
Knowing exactly when the temple opens, when special poojas occur, and when the breaks happen can save you hours of waiting in line. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist traveling from afar, understanding the schedule is key to a smooth darshan experience.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Simhachalam Temple timings, including daily schedules, special festival hours like Chandanotsavam, and essential travel information.
Daily Opening and Closing Timings
The temple operates on a strict schedule to accommodate various rituals and the thousands of pilgrims who visit daily. Generally, the temple is open for darshan from early morning until night, with specific breaks for rituals where the sanctum sanctorum is closed to the public.
Morning Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Evening Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
While these are the general public hours, the temple activity begins much earlier. The doors open as early as 4:00 AM for specific sevas (services).
Detailed Schedule: Poojas and Darshan
For devotees interested in specific rituals or looking to avoid peak crowds, a minute-by-minute breakdown of the day is essential. Here is the detailed schedule for daily rituals and darshan availability.
Early Morning Rituals (4:00 AM – 6:30 AM)
The day begins before dawn with sacred awakening rituals.
- 04:00 AM: Temple Opening
- 04:00 AM – 04:10 AM: Melkolupu (Awakening the Deity)
- 04:10 AM – 04:30 AM: Suprabhatha Seva
- 04:30 AM – 04:45 AM: Suprabhatha Darshan
- 04:45 AM – 05:00 AM: Antharalaya Sammarjanamu (Cleansing ritual)
- 05:00 AM – 06:30 AM: Prathararadhanamu
- 05:30 AM – 09:30 AM: Purana Patanamu
- 05:30 AM – 06:30 AM: Aaradhana Ticket Darshan
Morning and Afternoon Darshan (6:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
This is typically the busiest time for general visitors.
- 06:30 AM – 11:30 AM: General Darshan
- 09:30 AM Onwards: Kalyanotsavam (Marriage ceremony of the Lord)
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Mahanivedana (Food offering)
- 12:00 PM – 02:30 PM: Darshan continues
- 02:30 PM – 03:00 PM: Break Time (Temple remains closed)
Evening Darshan and Closing (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
The temple reopens in the mid-afternoon for the final stretch of the day.
- 03:00 PM: Temple reopens
- 03:00 PM – 07:00 PM: Darshan
- 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM: Veda Parayanamu
- 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM: Ratri Aaradhanamu (Night worship)
- 07:30 PM – 08:30 PM: Aaradhana Ticket Darshan
- 08:30 PM – 09:00 PM: Final Darshan
- After 09:00 PM: Ekanta Seva and Temple Closing
Weekend Timings: Saturday and Sunday
Simhachalam Temple sees a significant surge in footfall on weekends. Saturdays are considered particularly auspicious for Lord Narasimha Swamy. While the ritual timings generally follow the weekday schedule, expect longer waiting times for darshan.
On Sundays and Saturdays, it is advisable to reach the temple early—preferably during the morning hours between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM—to complete your visit before the afternoon rush intensifies.
Special Events: Chandanotsavam and Akshaya Tritiya
The most significant festival at Simhachalam is Chandanotsavam, which usually falls on Akshaya Tritiya (April or May). This is the only day of the entire year when devotees can view the Nijaroopa Darshan (the true form) of the deity.
For the rest of the year, the idol of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is covered in layers of sandalwood paste. On Chandanotsavam, this paste is removed.
Chandanotsavam Schedule:
- Removal of Sandal Paste: The process takes about one hour. Temple doors are closed during this time.
- First Darshan: Following the removal, the hereditary trustees of the Ananda Gajapathi dynasty have the first view of the deity.
- Public Darshan: 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Please note that Nijaroopa Darshan is available for only 12 hours. The temple becomes extremely crowded with VVIPs and general devotees. The queue line entry usually stops strictly after 7:00 PM, meaning only those already in line will be allowed darshan.
Giripradakshinam: The Sacred Walk
Another major event is Giripradakshinam, held on the full moon day of the Ashada month (typically June or July). Devotees undertake a spiritual trek walking around the Simhachalam and Kailasagiri hills.
- Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers (roughly 32 km via the short route).
- Duration: It takes more than 8 hours to complete one full round.
- Procession: The deity is taken out in a procession around the holy hills.
How to Reach Simhachalam
Located in the city of Visakhapatnam (Vizag), the temple is well-connected by various modes of transport.
- Distance from City Center: The temple is approximately 19 km from the Visakhapatnam Bus Station.
- From Railway Station: It is about 16 km from the Visakhapatnam Railway Station.
- Transport Options: There is a high frequency of buses running from all parts of Vizag to the foothills of Simhachalam. From the foothills, you can take temple-run buses or private transport to reach the hilltop.
Simhachalam Temple FAQ
What is the break time for Simhachalam Temple?
The main break time during the day is from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. During this 30-minute window, the temple remains closed.
Can I book darshan online?
Yes, Simhachalam Temple Online Booking is available for various sevas and special darshan tickets. It is highly recommended to check the official temple website for booking slots, especially during weekends and festivals.
Is the temple open tomorrow?
Unless there is a specific solar or lunar eclipse or a rare administrative closure, the temple is open every day of the week following the schedule detailed above.
What is the best time to visit?
To avoid long queues, the best time to visit is early morning for the 6:30 AM darshan or immediately after the afternoon break at 3:00 PM.
How long does darshan take?
On normal weekdays, darshan might take 1 to 2 hours. On Saturdays, Sundays, and festivals, it can take 3 to 5 hours or more.
Plan Your Spiritual Journey
Visiting Simhachalam is a deeply moving experience that connects you with centuries of history and devotion. By keeping these timings in mind, you can focus less on the clock and more on the spiritual significance of your visit. Whether you are trekking the 40 km during Giripradakshinam or simply going for a quiet Tuesday morning darshan, Lord Narasimha Swamy awaits.