Thousands of devotees from across North Andhra took part in the revered ‘Giri Pradakshina’—the circumambulation of the sacred Simhachalam hill housing the ancient Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple—on Wednesday.

A few NGOs set up stalls providing oil massage to help relieve the fatigue of the devotees taking part in Giri Pradakshina in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
V. RAJU

Pilgrims began the spiritual journey as early as 3 a.m., breaking coconuts at ‘Tholi Pavancha’, the foothills of Simhachalam, before setting off on the approximately 32-km-long trek. Braving the intense heat, devotees continued their ritual with undeterred faith. While initial turnout appeared slightly lower compared to previous years, the crowd steadily increased after the temple chariot carrying the deity was ceremonially flagged off. By 6 p.m., hundreds of devotees gathered at Tholi Pavancha, with many beginning the trek after completing their day’s work, conscious of avoiding the peak afternoon heat.

Braving the hot sun, a large number of devotees participating in the annual ‘Giri Pradakshina’ of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy of Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. Deepak

The event drew participation from people of all ages and backgrounds—youth, elderly, and children—chanting “Govinda Govinda” and “Jai Shri Ram” as they made their way around the hill in a spirited show of devotion and unity.

Devotees walking bare foot braving the hot sun, as they participate in the annual ‘Giri Pradakshina’ of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy of Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. Deepak

At Appughar Beach, a customary site for the holy dip, authorities took precautionary steps to ensure public safety. With high tide approaching in the evening, volunteers provided water in buckets and discouraged direct sea entry. Ropes were set up to restrict access to deeper waters, preventing mishaps.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) facilitated the pilgrimage by installing drinking water kiosks at every 200 metres along the route. Bio-toilets with gender-specific access and stationed sanitation workers ensured hygienic conditions throughout the event.

Support poured in from NGOs, resident welfare associations, political party volunteers, and individuals, who distributed refreshments such as buttermilk, pulihora, vegetable pulao, halwa, biscuits, and water bottles. GVMC also set up ‘Rest Arenas’ with medical staff for tired pilgrims. Pain-relief sprays, basic medicines, and even oil massages were offered by volunteers and devotees to ease physical strain.

Public address systems at key junctions helped manage the crowd and facilitate smooth traffic regulation. At busy spots like Hanumanthawaka, traffic police diverted vehicles headed to Health City via Adarsh Nagar Road, as the Hanumanthawaka–Adavivaram route was reserved for pilgrims.

“I have been participating in the circumambulation for the past nine years, seeking blessings for my family. My wishes have always come true. It’s heartening to see young people joining in,” said Mr. Kameswara Rao from Tuni, appreciating the arrangements.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Mallesh, who undertook the trek with his 14-year-old daughter, praised the accessibility of water and sanitation facilities along the way, available every 100 to 200 metres.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, along with officials from various departments, was on the ground supervising the arrangements. Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi also personally monitored the situation to ensure safety and order.

The well-decorated temple chariot, carrying the main deity, was ceremoniously flagged off at around 2 p.m. by hereditary trustee P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Dignitaries including MPs M. Sribharat and K. Appalanaidu, MLAs Ganta Srinivasa Rao and P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), and Simhachalam Devasthanam officials also offered prayers during the occasion.