Bheemunipatnam, also called Bhimili, is a historic seaside town in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. The Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple is located near the Pavurallakonda hill, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. In ancient times, this region was believed to be known as Ekachakrapuram. The nearby hills and coastline were places of meditation and divine energy. Over time, this place became associated with the sacred presence of Lord Narasimha.
The Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple at Bheemunipatnam is believed to be around 600–700 years old. Tradition says that the temple was built during the rule of the local Mindi Kings, who were patrons of temple culture and promoted worship of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations in this coastal region. While the temple belongs to the medieval period, the surrounding region, including Pavurallakonda hill has a sacred heritage dating back over 2,000 years, showing that this area was a spiritual and cultural hub since ancient times.
The presiding deity is Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared in a half-man, half-lion form to save his devotee Prahlada. In this temple, the Lord is worshipped in a calm and peaceful form known as Saumya Narasimha. On most days, the idol is covered with sandalwood paste, and devotees believe that Narasimha Swamy here blesses them with courage, protection, peace, and relief from difficulties.
The temple follows traditional South Indian stone temple architecture with a simple yet sacred layout. The sanctum and mandapam are supported by beautifully carved stone pillars. One of the most interesting features here is the “Kappa Stambam” — a sacred stone pillar located near the temple. Local devotees strongly believe that this pillar has healing and protective powers, and people pray near it for relief from health problems and difficulties. The natural surroundings — the hill behind and the sea in front — make the temple spiritually serene and visually beautiful.
According to the local Sthalapurana, after killing the demon Hiranyakashipu to protect Prahlada, Lord Narasimha remained in his fierce form. The sages prayed to him to calm down for the welfare of the world. It is believed that the Lord then travelled along the eastern coast and appeared at Bheemunipatnam, where he transformed into a peaceful and gentle form (Saumya Narasimha). Because of this, the nearby hill is called Soumya Giri — “The Gentle Hill.”
Devotees believe that Narasimha Swamy continues to reside here to protect devotees from fear, negative forces, and hardships, just as he protected Prahlada. People come here seeking courage, inner peace, and blessings for family well-being.
The main festivals of the temple include Chandanotsavam (Chandana Yatra), when the sandalwood paste covering the deity is ceremonially removed and special darshan is given, usually in May. The temple also celebrates Kalyanotsavam, the divine wedding ceremony of the Lord, with great devotion and rituals. Visakha Poornima, special pujas, abhishekams, alankarams, and utsavams are held throughout the year. During festival days, the temple is filled with devotional music, rituals, lamps, flowers, and large gatherings of devotees who come to seek the blessings of Sri Narasimha Swamy.
