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Appanna’s glittering jewels to dazzle devotees
In a first of its kind, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam of Simhachalam is setting up permanent exhibition showcasing the Lord’s antique jewellery.
Visakhapatnam: In a first of its kind, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam of Simhachalam is setting up permanent exhibition showcasing the Lord’s antique jewellery.
Lord Simhadri Appanna is having huge wealth of diamond, gold and silver ornaments. The gold ornaments alone weigh 3.5 kg. The exhibition is intended to create awareness among devotees on the wealth possessed by the Lord. The devotees are having darshan of the Lord at the temple from a distance of 25 feet.
The presiding deity of Visakhapatnam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy’s main idol incarnation is in three shapes, including lion, man and Varaha. The Lord is having centuries-old diamond and gold jewellery. Several kings including Srikrishnadevarayalu visited the temple and offered good gold and silver ornaments to the Lord.
Except on Akhshaya Tritiya, the main idol is covered with 500 kg of sandal paste. Only on Akshaya Tritiya (mosly falls in May every year), the devotees will have the darshan of original idol of Lord Simhadri Appanna. With the sandal paste the idol resembles a Sivalingam.
There are over 450 inscriptions in Oriya, Kannada and Telugu available with the devasthanam saying particulars of the Lord’s wealth. Several gold necklaces’ with emerald green stones, crowns and other antique ornaments are there in the exchequer.
In November, 1978, dacoits attacked the temple and stole gold and silver ornaments. However, after a six-year long chase, the police recovered some of the loot. The gold and silver ornaments of the Lord are presently in the custody of the district treasury with 24/7 armed forces security.
Some of the devotees also offered several ornaments including golden Jada of Goddess Goda Devi. Through hundis also, devotees are offering some gold and silver items to the Lord. Vizianagaram Maharaja’s Pusapati family gave huge wealth including lands and gold to the Lord.
Devasthanam Chairman and Union Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju instructed to set up a permanent exhibition showcasing the Lords diamond, gold and silver jewellery.
A suitable place for the exhibition, close to the Lord’s main idol, will be selected for the exhibition. Bullet proof glasses, advanced signalling alarms with CCTV cameras besides 24/7 security will be provided. Not only antique ornaments of the Lord, some of the inscriptions and other historical important items including details pertaining to King Sri Krishnadevarayalu’s offerings will be displayed in the exhibition,” Executive Officer of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam K Ramachandra Mohan informed The Hans India.
More details about the architecture, model and other issues will be decided, the EO added. "It is a good decision. We are aware that King Srikrishnadevarayalu presented good number of ornaments to the Lord. But, we never witnessed the ornaments. The permanent exhibition will give an immense satisfaction.
The other temples managements including TTD, Vijayawada Kanakadurga Annavaram Satyanarayana Swami and others should follow Simhachalam temple and set up similar exhibitions," B Saroja, a regular visitor to Simhachalam temple expressed her happiness on the information.
By VKL Gayatri
