Devotees Celebrate Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina Festival Today; Know Rituals And Significance

The authorities had finalised all preparations for the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina, which is being celebrated today. The ritual circumambulation of the hill, dedicated to Varaha Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy, is a cherished event for the people of North Andhra Pradesh. Scheduled for the 14th day of the month of Ashadha, this grand ritual sees thousands of devotees participating. They walk around the hill, covering a distance of about 32 kilometres. This practice is especially significant for those seeking children, as it is believed that performing this worship with devotion can lead to the deity’s blessings for offspring, according to Subrahmanyam Sharma from Visakhapatnam. Over 4 lakh devotees are expected to take part this year.

The number 32 holds special significance at the Simhachalam temple. It is believed to be tied to the deity’s divine aspects. The temple’s lore recounts that during the slaying of Hiranyakashipu, Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, emerged from a pillar and took on 32 different forms. This is symbolised by the 32 stone pillars in the temple’s mandapam, each depicting a different form of Narasimha. Hence, the 32-kilometre Giri Pradakshina is highly regarded, especially among those praying for children, as part of a traditional practice.

Devotees are encouraged to undertake the 32-kilometre walk around Simhachalam, while continuously recalling the deity and overcoming their fatigue, to receive blessings for progeny. The temple is believed to have many sacred trees that bless couples. On the full moon day, devotees seek to witness the deity in its complete, moon-like form to fulfil their desires. Devotees from all over the country and abroad converge on Simhachalam for the Giri Pradakshina.

Traditionally, the walk starts from the initial base of the hill. From this point, devotees offer a coconut at the deity’s feet and begin their journey around the hill. The route includes passing through various locations such as Old Adavi Varam, Pineapple Colony, Krishna Puram, Mudasarlova, Hanumantwakka, Vishalakshinagar, Appughar, Venkojipalem, Seethammadhara, Narasimhnagar, Madhavadhara, NAD Junction, Gopalapatnam, Prahladapuram, and then returning to the initial base. From there, they ascend via stairs to reach Simhachalam and have a darshan of the deity.