SIMHACHALAM - LINGAKARAVARANARASIMHA SWAMY AALAYAM

This ancient temple of Varahanarasimhaswamy that established an immortal name by etching its august legend on the pages of history was only Sivaalaya in the beginning. Even now the worship is made to Sivalinga, although it is called Varahanarasimha Swamy. This has many exciting legends. When it was under the administration of Gajapathi rulers, once the army of Moghuls invaded and ransacked certain parts. When they attempted to enter the garbha griha by breaking the doors, then occurred an exiting Sivalila that made the iconoclasts take to heels, not due to the power of weapons, but by the mighty winged insects of no importance at all. Two austere priests, named Kurmanatha and Hariharadas, popular as born poets entered the garbha griha and locked it behind. Forthwith they sang in praise of Maheswar in fine lyrics and composed hundred poems in rhapsody. Their extempore poetical devotion pleased the Lord most and sent millions and millions of honey bees that put to rout the religious bigots by harassing them with their sting. Unable to stand their infinite, ever increasing number and particularly poisonous bite, the army ran helter skelter and went back in shame and utter defeat.

Insignificant winged creatures scored a resounding victory over the ruthless bigots. Ah ! How powerful is the ardent devotion ! And how merciful is the Lord !! Tearful appeal never goes in vain, nor Lord Parameswar ever lets down His devotees.

Due to inexplicable reasons, that Saiva kshetra became a Vaishnavate Aalaya by the maneuvers of some vested interests. Yet the self-same Sivalinga is worshipped in the name of Varahanarasimha Swamy and the Lord hastens to the rescue of true devotees at all times, even if He is called by another name. Rose by name smells sweet; isn't it?

It lies 10 Km of Vishakapattanam, the district head quarters town of the same name and it commands transport facilities, like airport, railway junction, bus station in addition to seaport also.

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