Simhachalam Temple Annadanam Timings Lunch Donate Online
Yes — Simhachalam temple runs a daily free Annadanam (Nityannadanam), and the mid-day lunch prasadam is served to every pilgrim, generally from about 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Annadana Sadanam near the temple. The scheme is run by Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam (Simhachalam), the AP Endowments-administered temple of the deity fondly called Simhadri Appana, near Visakhapatnam. Devotees who wish to support the meal service can sponsor it under the temple’s Nityannadana Pathakam, either at the cash counter on the temple premises or by demand draft / cheque payable to the Executive Officer. Below are the verified serving details, the donation scheme and its benefits, and how to reach the hill temple.
Simhachalam Annadanam: timings, hall and cost at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Meal served | Mid-day lunch (Anna Prasadam), daily |
| Serving timings | Approx. 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (continuous) |
| Venue | Annadana Sadanam / Anna Prasadam centre, on the temple premises near the main shrine |
| Cost to pilgrim | Free — no ticket required |
| Who can eat | All pilgrims, no prior booking |
| Scheme name | Nityannadana Pathakam (perpetual free-meal scheme) |
| Managed by | Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam, Simhachalam (AP Endowments) |
Is the Annadanam really free?
Yes. The daily Annadanam at Simhachalam is entirely free for pilgrims — it is the temple’s hospitality offering, funded by the Devasthanam and by devotee donations, not something you pay for at the point of eating. Pilgrims of all backgrounds are welcomed to sit and take the meal as prasadam of the Lord. No token, no queue ticket and no advance booking is needed to eat; you simply reach the Annadana Sadanam within the serving window and join the line.
What are the serving timings?
The free lunch is generally served daily from about 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, running through the busy mid-day darshan hours so that pilgrims coming down from the shrine can eat without a long wait. Because the temple itself observes short mid-day breaks and the meal window can shift on very heavy festival days (such as Chandanotsavam / Akshaya Tritiya and Kalyanotsavam days), it is sensible to reach a little before the end of the window rather than exactly at 3:00 PM. On major festival days the Devasthanam typically expands meal capacity to feed the far larger crowds.
Where is the dining hall?
The meal is served at the temple’s Annadana Sadanam / Anna Prasadam centre, located on the temple premises close to the main shrine on Simhachalam hill. The hall is built to seat a large number of devotees in batches at the same time, so turnover through the serving window is steady. If you cannot spot it, ask at the temple office or any Devasthanam staff point on the hill; the same premises also house the cash counter where meal sponsorships are accepted.
The Nityannadana donation scheme and its benefits
Devotees who wish to give back can sponsor the free meals through the temple’s Nityannadana Pathakam — a perpetual endowment scheme under which contributions are pooled to fund the daily Annadanam. Contributions are widely reported to be accepted from a minimum of around ₹1,116 upward, either as cash at the counter on the Annadana Sadanam / temple premises, or by demand draft, cheque or money order drawn in favour of the Executive Officer, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam, Simhachalam, marked for the Nityannadana Pathakam. As with most Devasthanam trusts, sponsors are commonly recognised on the day their meal is served, and eligible donations may qualify for income-tax exemption under Section 80G — but the exact current minimum, the receipt process and the 80G status should be confirmed on the official Devasthanam portal or at the temple office before you send money, as scheme figures are revised from time to time.
| Donation detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Nityannadana Pathakam (Simhachalam Devasthanam) |
| Reported minimum | ~₹1,116 and above (confirm current figure officially) |
| How to pay | Cash at temple / Annadana Sadanam counter; or DD / cheque / money order |
| Payable to | Executive Officer, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam, Simhachalam |
| Possible tax benefit | 80G exemption may apply — verify on the official portal |
The Devasthanam has run a formal perpetual free-meal scheme at Simhachalam for decades, and the Annadanam remains one of the temple’s most valued welfare services alongside darshan and the Chandana Yatra festival.
How to reach Simhachalam temple
Simhachalam is on a hill about 16–18 km from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) city and railway station, in the Simhachalam hill range. Options to reach the top:
- By road: A motorable ghat road runs to the hilltop; taxis and autos go up directly, and the Devasthanam operates a Simhadri bus service from the foothill to the temple.
- By city bus: APSRTC city buses connect the RTC Complex and Vizag areas to the Simhachalam foothill; from there take the Devasthanam bus or a shared auto up the hill.
- On foot: A stepped pathway of roughly 1,000 steps climbs from the foothill for pilgrims who wish to walk up (allow 40–60 minutes).
- By train / air: Nearest major railhead is Visakhapatnam Junction; nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport, both well connected to the rest of India.
Click Here to get the Location of the Simhachalam Annadanam Counter On Map
Click here to Know the details about the Simhachalam Temple Kalyanam Online Booking
Frequently asked questions
Is Simhachalam Annadanam free for everyone?
Yes. The daily lunch prasadam is free for all pilgrims, with no ticket or advance booking needed. You simply reach the Annadana Sadanam during the serving hours.
What are the Simhachalam Annadanam timings?
The meal is generally served daily from about 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Timings can shift on heavy festival days, so it is best not to arrive right at closing.
Where is the Annadanam served?
At the Annadana Sadanam / Anna Prasadam centre on the temple premises near the main shrine. Ask at the temple office if you need directions on the hill.
How can I donate to the Simhachalam Annadanam?
Through the Nityannadana Pathakam — pay cash at the counter on the temple premises, or send a DD / cheque / money order in favour of the Executive Officer, Simhachalam Devasthanam, marked for the scheme. Confirm the current minimum and receipt process on the official portal.
Do I get a tax benefit for donating?
Devasthanam trust donations commonly carry 80G income-tax exemption, but you should verify the current 80G status and obtain an official receipt from the temple office or portal.
How do I reach the temple from Vizag?
Simhachalam is about 16–18 km from Visakhapatnam. Take a taxi or auto up the ghat road, an APSRTC bus to the foothill plus the Devasthanam Simhadri bus, or climb the roughly 1,000-step footpath.
Sources & last verified (July 2026)
- Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam (Simhachalam) / AP Endowments — official Devasthanam information
- Reported Nityannadana Pathakam donation details (payable to Executive Officer, Simhachalam Devasthanam)
- Visakhapatnam travel / how-to-reach references (APSRTC Simhadri bus service, ~16–18 km from Vizag)
This site is an independent pilgrim information guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Simhachalam Devasthanam, AP Endowments or TTD. Donation minimums, timings and 80G status can change — always confirm on the official Devasthanam portal or at the temple office before acting.
See also: Sorakaya Swami Narayanavanam Timings Darshan History Puttur
See also: ISKCON Temple Tirupati Food Timings Daily Free Donation Today
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
