Over Two Lakh Devotees Undertake Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina in Visakhapatnam
More than two lakh devotees participated in the annual 32-kilometre Giri Pradakshina of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. A major surge in participation occurred following the departure of the presiding deity’s ceremonial chariot from the temple, with approximately 1.35 lakh pilgrims setting out within a single hour.
What Happened
The annual circumambulation commenced during the early hours at Tholi Pavancha under intermittent drizzle. Pilgrim turnout expanded steadily through the day, rising from roughly 11,000 participants at 10 a.m. to 28,000 by noon, and reaching 2.10 lakh devotees by 5 p.m., according to data recorded at the Command and Control Centre.
Devotees across all demographics, including children, college students in raincoats, women, and the elderly, undertook the journey. The 32-km circuit leads from Tholi Pavancha through Hanumanthawaka Junction, passes Kailasagiri, proceeds through MVP Colony and Seethammadhara, and concludes back at the Simhachalam temple. For devotees unable to complete the full 32-km trek, arrangements were provided to circumambulate the temple atop the hill, an alternative traditionally held to carry equivalent spiritual significance.
Key Highlights
- Massive Turnout: Over 2.10 lakh pilgrims set out on the route by 5 p.m., with 1.35 lakh commencing the walk within one hour after the chariot procession began.
- Administrative Setup: Simhachalam Devasthanam Executive Officer J. Venkat Rao oversaw queue lines, coconut-breaking counters, and overall movement at Tholi Pavancha, while officials monitored crowd flows via surveillance at the Command and Control Centre.
- Route Support: Volunteers established aid stalls providing water, tea, buttermilk, snacks, and foot massages along the path, including services near the Sivalayam at NAD Junction.
- Transport Demand: Packed Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses carried large volumes of pilgrims traveling to Simhachalam.
Why This Matters
The Giri Pradakshina represents one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the region. Many devotees participate annually, holding the faith that completing the circumambulation fulfills personal wishes and brings peace and prosperity.
What to Watch Next
With thousands continuing their walk through the night, temple authorities and local monitoring teams remain stationed at the Command and Control Centre to manage crowd movement and ensure smooth passage until the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total distance of the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina?
The complete Giri Pradakshina route covers a distance of 32 kilometres around Simhachalam hill.
What path does the circumambulation follow?
The route begins at Tholi Pavancha, progresses through Hanumanthawaka Junction, passes Kailasagiri, moves along MVP Colony and Seethammadhara, and returns to the temple.
What alternative is available for pilgrims unable to walk the full 32 km?
Pilgrims who cannot walk the entire distance can perform a circumambulation of the temple atop the hill, which is traditionally viewed as holding equal spiritual value.
Source: The Hindu