SIMHACHALAM

THE TEMPLE

Perched atop the hill with tall towers, it is a land mark visible to devotees for scores of miles around. The temple with strong, sturdy walls around, vast court yards, and several minishrines and Kalyanamantap elevate the souls to the highest pinnacle of devotion. There are many little shrines-ChhaturbhujaTayaru temple, besides the grand shrine for the Archamurthi. The image is about four feet in height. It is in standing posture covered with sandal paste from top to toe. A strange feature! And a unique sight!! In the outer prakara there stands a tall pillar called Kappasthambham. As belief goes, it grants santanprapti to the barren women. Hundreds of women worship this with great ardour and fulfill their desire long-felt. Another pillar of importance bearing the inscriptions of Sri Krishna Devaraya's conquest compels leisurely study and acquaints the viewers with the glory of Vijayanagara empire. One more object of infinite attraction and compiling attention is the Kalyana Mandapam - a rare sculptural piece of eternal wonder. The stone cutter's dexterity eludes writer's faculty of imagination. The sculpture on the Nagabhandana Silasthambam is a marvel of marvels. The Vimana too is of another architectural marvel beckoning deep attention. The image of Yoganarasimhamurti is worth-seeing. The grand idols of Virabhairava and Anjaneya, on the flight of steps deserve attention and adoration. The shrines dedicated to Mallikharjuna and Venugopalaswamy situated a little further are extremely grand because of their location and sanctity. The Varaha Puskarini and Gangadhara along with flower garden adjoining the temple are the indispensable places of interest for both feasting the eyes and cleaning the bodies.

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