Visakhapatnam: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) epigraphists recently uncovered a 16th-century Telugu inscription at the historic Simhachalam temple, dedicated to Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This inscription, found above a statue of Lord Hanuman, provides historical insights into the construction of the Hanuman temple, reportedly funded by Kurma Mudali, son of Tammu Mudali, under the spiritual guidance of Lord Jagannath of Puri.
Led by Dr. MVR Varma from ASI, Mysore, the conservation project also involved explorations in Puri, Odisha, and Jami in Vizianagaram district. The inscription highlights connections between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, indicating that the Mudalis, a potter community from Odisha, collaborated with local artisans to engrave the Telugu text, as observed by INTACH volunteer K Sai Kumar.
Simhachalam, located 300 meters above sea level, stands as one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh and a revered pilgrimage center. The temple’s many Odiya inscriptions reflect its historical link with the Eastern Ganga dynasty, tying it to notable Vaishnavism sites such as Srikurmam and the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This discovery further underscores the cultural exchange between the regions and enriches the historical narrative of the temple.
