Giri Pradakshina is an important ritual undertaken by devotees at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam in Andhra Pradesh. It is observed on Ashada Purnima day. Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina 2024 date is July 21. During the ritual devotees go around the Simhadri Mountain or Simhachalam hill – they perform pradakshinam.
People undertake fast on the day and cover the entire distance of 34 kms by walking. Those who are unable to undertake the journey go around the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple 108 times. Staunch devotees break the fast only after completing the circumambulation or pradakshina.
Thousands of devotees participate in this unique ritual.
Narasimha avatar of Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu appeared on Simhadri Mountain to annihilate Hiranyakasipu and rescue young Prahlada. Bhagavan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi also gave darshan to young Prahlada in the form of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy form on the hill.