With Chandanotsavam at Sri Varanrasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam of Vishakapatnam round the corner, the temple priests started extracting sandalwood paste from sandal sticks. This ceremony that started on Tuesday will conclude after three days.

The sandalwood paste that’s being removed will be applied on the deity during the annual ritual of the temple— Chandanotsavam. It has to be mentioned here that the deity will be covered with sandal paste year long except on Chandanotsavam festival. This day devotees get a chance to have a glimpse of the original form of the deity (also known as nijarupadarshanam).

It may be noted that the sandalwoods were purchased from Tamilnadu forest. The sandalwood paste, which is now on the deity in sanctum sanctorum, will be removed in the wee hours of Chandonotsavam. After allowing public for having a glimpse of original form of deity, the idol will be covered with the sandal paste in the late night.

Notably, Chandanotsavam is falling on April 24 this year. The legend of this temple has it that the normal people will not have the capability to witness the aggressive original form of the deity due to the heat emitted except on Chandanotsavam.

A sea of people throng Simhachalam temple on this festive day. Even famous personalities from different walks of life visit this temple on Chandanotsavam. (Phani)