Swamivari Chandanotsavam at Simhadri Appanna Swamy Temple: A Divine Vision for Devotees

The Simhadri Appanna Swamy Temple, located in Visakhapatnam district, witnessed a huge influx of devotees during the Chandanotsavam ceremony. Devotees eagerly lined up in long queues to witness the divine vision of Lord Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy. From Tuesday night, devotees began gathering in large numbers for the special darshan. The early morning hours saw the temple performing the Suprabhatam, waking the deity with sacred prayers.

Following the Suprabhatam, the sacred sandalwood paste applied to the deity was delicately removed using silver vessels. This act marked the beginning of the significant rituals, including special abhishekas for the idol. Once the Vedic rituals were completed, the temple’s hereditary trustee, Pusapati Ashok Gajapati Raju, along with his family members, received the divine vision of the deity in its true form. During this ceremony, the family presented the first sandalwood paste to the deity.

Later, on behalf of the state government, Revenue Minister Anagani Satyaprasad presented pattu vastras (silk cloth) to the deity. The temple also arranged for special darshans for devotees between 3 AM and 6 AM, allowing them to pay their respects in an orderly manner. Despite the smooth operations, a tragic incident occurred at the ticket counter on the previous night, where eight devotees lost their lives due to an unfortunate accident. The temple authorities have since implemented additional safety measures to ensure the well-being of all visitors.