Simhachalam

Simhadri or Simhachalam temple is a Hindu temple located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha (the man-lion).

Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy is the presiding deity. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple (after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520 million (references (1)). He gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year and on all the remaining 364 days and 12 hours, the Lord is covered with sandalwood paste. The darshan described as chandana yatra or chandanotsavam which falls every year in Vaisakha masa.

• Artist-  – Album- yamadonga (2007)     

Image via Wikipedia

The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu appears like a Sivalinga when covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso.

The Simhachalam temple faces the West unlike so many others which face the East. An east-facing entrance, according to religious belief, brings prosperity while the west – facing one brings victory.

There are nine main Narasimha deities, collectively known as Navanarasimha:

1. Ugra Narasimha
2. Krodha Narasimha
3. Malola Narasimha
4. Jwala Narasimha
5. Varaha Narasimha
6. Bhargava Narasimha
7. Karanja Narasimha
8. Yoga Narasimha
9. Lakshmi Narasimha
10. Chhatravata Narasimha/Pavana Narasimha/Pamuleti Narasimha

There is also a further deity at the village of Saligrama near Hassan in Karnataka.

Here are few stotra’s

Runa Vimochana Narasimha Stotra:

Devataakaarya-siddhyartham

sabhaastambha-samudbhavam

Sri Narasimham mahaaveeram

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

For achieving the divine mission, He who emerged out of a pillar, in the Court hall (of the demon) to such a greatly valourous Lord Narasimha, I am praying to liquidate my debts.

Lakshmyaalingita-vaamaangam

bhaktaanaam varadaayakam

Sri

Narasimham mahaveeram

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

To the valorous Sri Narasimha , who has embraced the Goddess Lakshmi on the left side of His chest and who fulfills the wishes of the devotees, I am praying to Him to give me relief from my debts.

Aanthramaalaadharam Sankha

Chakraabja aayudhaarinim

Sri

Narasimham mahaaveeram

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

To the greatly valorous Sri Narasimha, who is wearing the intestines (of Hiranyakasipu) as a garland, who carries weapons like Conch and the Discus, I am praying to relieve me from my debts.

Smaranaat sarvapaapagnam

kadrooja visha naasanam

Sri

Narasimham mahaaveeraam

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

To the greatly valorous Sri Narasimha, who rids us of all our sins as soon as we remember Him, to Him who takes away (removes) the poison of the serpents who are the children of Kadru, I am praying to relieve me from my debts.

Prahlaada varadam sreesam

daityesvara-vidaaranam

Sri

Narasimham mahaaveeram

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

To Him, who gave boons to Prahlada, He who is the Lord of Sri, who tore apart and killed the Raakshasa King, to the greatly valorous Sri Narasimha, I pray to relieve me of my debts.

Krooragrahaih peeditaanaam

bhaktaanaam abhayapradam

Sri

Narasimham mahaaveeram

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

To the greatly valorous Sri Narasimha who gives protection to the devotees (confers fearlessness) from the sufferings inflicted by cruel planets, I pray to relieve me of my debts.

Vedavedaanta-yajnesam

Brahma Rudraadi vanditam

Sri

Narasimham mahaaveeram

namaami runamuktaye

Meaning :

To Sri Narasimha who is Master of the Vedas, Vedaantas and sacrifices, to whom salutations are offered by Brahma, Rudra and others, I am praying to relieve me of my debts.

Ya idam pathate nityam runa

mochana samjnitam

Anrunee jaayate sadyo dhanam

sheeghram avaapnuyaat

Meaning :

One who regularly reads this Runa Vimochana Stotra will not be afflicted by debts. Further, very soon he will obtain money and become a wealthy person.