Visakhapatnam: Epigraphists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently uncovered a 16th-century Telugu inscription during conservation efforts at the historic Simhachalam temple, dedicated to Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The inscription, located above a statue of Lord Hanuman, provides insights into the construction of the Hanuman shrine, funded by Kurma Mudali, son of Tammu Mudali, under the guidance of Lord Jagannath of Puri. 

Dr. M.V.R. Varma from ASI, Mysore led the exploration, also visiting sites in Puri, Odisha, and Jami in Vizianagaram district.

INTACH volunteer K. Sai Kumar noted that the Mudalis, belonging to the potter community of Odisha, likely collaborated with local craftsmen to engrave the Telugu text, as they were not fluent in the language.

Simhachalam, perched 300 meters above sea level, is one of 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh and a prominent pilgrimage destination. Its numerous Odiya inscriptions reflect deep-rooted ties with the Eastern Ganga dynasty, linking it to other Vaishnavism landmarks like Srikurmam and the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

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