Simhachalam After Seshachalam: Rs 242 Crore Plan Approved For Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple In Vishakhapatnam

Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam (SVLNSD) authorities have finalised a blueprint for the development of the temple in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The plan will be executed in a series of four phases in 10 years with an estimated cost of Rs 241.71 crore, as reported by The New Indian Express.

“Our exercise to prepare the masterplan for futuristic development of Simhachalam Devasthanam has come to an end,” Executive Officer (EO) K Ramachandra Mohan said.

He further added that very soon the master plan draft will be submitted to Endowments department higher officials for approval. After getting the government’s nod, the plan will be executed in 10 years.

The authorities of SVLNSD also incorporates the suggestions of devasthanam hereditary trustee and Vizianagaram MP P Ashok Gajapathi Raju who suggested few modifications.

The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy Temple is located 500 m high Simhachalam hills in Vishakhapatnam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who manifests here in Varaha Narsimha form.

The temple has been recognised by historians with the help of a 9th-century AD inscription by the Chalukya Chola king Kulottunga I. The temple complex underwent radical physical changes during the reign of the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I in the later half of the 13th century and received patronage from many royal families including Vijayanagara Empire.

The new plan has many modern facilities planned for devotees at the hill shrine and foothill. The first phase of the work began in 2016 and expected to be completed by 2018, which estimates to Rs 50.75 crore.

The first phase includes construction of second Ghat road, expansion of footpath, memorial arch at the start of foot-path, Srinivasa Nagar Kalyana Mandapams, shopping and commercial complex, two schools, repairs to the top Gopuram and much more.

The second phase of work will be completed between 2019-2022 at an estimated Rs 110 crore, the third phase between 2022-2025 with an estimated Rs 56 crore and the last phase will be completed by 2028 with Rs 24 crore.