SIMHACHALAM

His son Prahlad, who was different from him mentally to speak one, diametrically opposed him, with his inimitable bhakthi and illimitable faith in Lord Mahavishnu. The remorseless asura, puffed up with ago subjected him to a series of tortures, like shutting in a chamber of cobras, trampling by elephants, hurling from the highest peaks etc., but to no effect. Anointed as he was by Sri Hari's vastalya - paternal affection, he came out colourful in every ordeal much to the consternation of his father - tormenter. Failing in all the methods, he ordered his men equally cruel to dip Prahlad in the mid-sea and place a fifty-mile long mountain on his head to perish under its weight. They did. And lo! when Prahlad, uttered 'Hari' at the highest pich; there appeared Sri Mahavishnu, and with a single puff whisked that 50-mile-long mountain and lifted him. The hill that fell at this place is now called Simhachalam, and the sea goes by the name of Visakha. After listening to Prahlad's soulful adulation, Lord sent him home saying-"My dear I have decided to abide in this hill in the form of Varahanarasimha with which your cruel father will be killed. This hill will thrive and become one of my favourite abodes on your settlement during your Vanaprastrasram. The adorers will be blessed with the fulfilment of their desires."

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