2025 Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina Date, Distance, Route Map, Darshan Timings
What is Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina?
Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina is an annual event celebrated every year on the full moon day of Ashadha Purnima at Simhachalam, dedicated to Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
On the day of Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina, thousands of devotees participate in a 32–34 kilometer walk around the Simhachalam and Kailasagiri hills. The journey begins at the foothills of the Simhachalam Temple (Tholi Pavancha) and follows a clockwise path around the hills.
This Year(2025), the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina will take place on Wednesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 10. Devotees will begin the Giri Pradakshina on the afternoon of July 9, and it will end the next morning on July 10.
When is Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina in 2025?
Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina for 2025 will be held on July 9 and 10, which falls on the auspicious full moon day of Ashadha Purnima.
In 2024, the event was held on Sunday, July 21, and in 2023, it took place on Sunday, July 2. Thousands of devotees participated in the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina around the Simhachalam Hills over the past two years.
Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina Distance in Kilometers
The Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina distance is approximately 32–34 kilometers, covering a clockwise circular route around the Simhachalam and Kailasagiri hills.
Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina Route Map
The journey of the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina begins at the foothills of the Simhachalam Temple (known as Tholi Pavancha or the Simhachalam Devasthanam Steps Starting Point) and follows a clockwise path around the hills. It passes through various areas of Visakhapatnam, including Adavivaram, Mudasarlova, Hanumanthawaka, Police Quarters Road, Tenneti Park, MVP Main Road, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, Seethammadhara, Port Quarters, Madhavadhara, NAD, and Gopalapatnam, and ends at the starting point at Tholi Pavancha.
The Simhachalam Devasthanam organizes the Giri Pradakshina, and the entire route is crowded with lakhs and thousands of devotees. Along the way, there are medical camps and drinking water facilities available.
The Devasthanam requests that devotees carry their own food and water, as there may be long queues at the stalls along the route. Additionally, the Simhachalam Devasthanam has made arrangements for parking and other facilities to enhance the convenience of devotees.
If you plan to attend the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina, remember to:
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Carry food, water and necessary medicines if required.
- Bring Power banks for mobile charging.
- Pack a raincoat—it’s almost a tradition! It has rained during the Giri Pradakshina for the past 30-40 years.
Simhachalam Temple Darshan Timings on Giri Pradakshina Day
On Giri Pradakshina Day 2025, Simhachalam Temple darshan timings are from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Know about Simhachalam Temple (Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple)
The Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on the Simhachalam Hill Range, about 300 meters above sea level, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
The word Simhachalam means “Lion Hill.” The temple is dedicated to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, a unique form of Lord Vishnu that combines two of his avatars—Varaha (the boar) and Narasimha (the lion-man).
At this temple, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in the form of Varaha Narasimha, who is shown with four arms, the body of a lion, and the head of a man.
According to legend, Prahlada, the devoted son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was the first to worship the deity here. Later, King Pururava rediscovered the idol, which was hidden under a thick layer of sandalwood paste, after receiving a divine vision.
Even today, the idol remains covered in sandalwood paste throughout the year—except for 12 hours during the Chandanotsavam festival, when devotees get a rare chance to see the deity’s original form, known as Nijaroopa Darshanam.
Related Article 👉 Simhachalam Chandanotsavam 2025: Nijaroopa Darshanam of Appanna Swamy
The temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year and is also a major tourist attraction, known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.
