Visakhapatnam: The Simhachalam Temple reveals the true form of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy during the Grand Chandanotsavam (Sandalwood Festival). Nearly 150,000 devotees are packed with ancient shrines, the rare annual Darshan, which reveals the actual form of the gods after removing the sandalwood paste, the sauce will be covered year-round.
The ceremony coincided with the Vaisakha Shuddha tadiya Parva and started with the Suprabhata Seva at 1:00 am, followed by the special Pujas.
Pusapati Ashok Gajapathiraju, hereditary trustee of the Temple, holds the honor of the first Darshan. General devotees are allowed to enter from around 2:30 am
Tax Minister Satya Prasad proposed silk clothing on behalf of the state government. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) also provides costumes for the deities.
To manage large-scale turnout, temple authorities have performed extensive security, including CCTV surveillance. Access to Simhagiri Hill is restricted and special buses transport the pilgrims. Each devotee receives a free Laddu Prasadam.
As the pilgrims line up from the early morning, the sacred mountain echoes the ode to “Govenda”, and many are considering the special auspiciousness of Dashan. According to the temple tradition, the gods will remain visible until they are covered with about 12 Manugus sandalwood paste again.
