NOB- Simhachalam news: Lord Narasimha is typically depicted as a fierce manifestation (Ugra Murti) a form that can inspire awe and even fear. However, in the form of Simhachalam Appanna, the Lord exhibits absolutely no ferocity; instead, He grants darshan (sacred sight) while constantly covered in a coating of sandalwood paste. Once a year, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, when this sandalwood coating is removed, Lord Appanna is revealed in His true form appearing as if He is affectionately cradling Garuda (His divine vehicle) and displaying a deep solicitude for the protection of His devotees. Let us explore some fascinating details regarding the Lord’s *Chandanotsavam* (Sandalwood Festival). Simhachalam Appanna is the “God of Gods” (Devadhideva) who, while keeping His body covered in cooling sandalwood paste, casts a benevolent and soothing gaze upon His devotees. When covered in the sandalwood paste, the Lord appears as a rounded form resembling a Shivalingam standing approximately three feet in height. In reality, the Lord does possess a distinct physical form; however, that entire form remains concealed beneath the thick layer of sandalwood paste. With the sole exception of one day in the entire year Akshaya Tritiya, the Lord remains encased in this sandalwood coating on all other days. This state is referred to as His Nitya Rupam. It is only on that single day of the year Akshaya Tritiya, that He grants darshan in His true, original form (Nija Rupam). In His true form, the Lord appears with the face of a Varaha (Divine Boar), a human torso, and the tail and mane of a lion. He is depicted as using the fingers of His right hand to feed Amrita (the nectar of immortality) to Garuda, while simultaneously adjusting His garments with His left hand. Flanking the Lord on either side are the Goddesses Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, seated in divine attendance. Along the circumambulation path of the Simhadri Appanna Temple, a pillar comes into view; it is known as the Kappa Stambham. It is a customary practice here for devotees, after having the darshan of the Lord, to embrace this pillar. In times past, Sri Hari manifested to protect His devotee, Prahlada. In accordance with Lord Krishna’s pledge “Paritranaya Sadhunam” (I shall come to protect the righteous) the primary objective of a divine incarnation is the protection of the virtuous, while its corollary purpose is the chastisement of the wicked.