Indian cricket star Virat Kohli visited the historic Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, accompanied by family members, all-rounder Washington Sundar, and other Team India representatives. The visit followed India’s commanding 9-wicket series-clinching victory over South Africa (2-1) at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on December 6, where Kohli scored an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden ODI century (116*).

Traditional Rituals And Temple Honors

Temple officials received Kohli and his entourage, escorting them for darshan (sacred viewing). The group first participated in the traditional Kappasthambham Alinganam ritual—embracing the sacred pillar—before proceeding to the deity’s sanctum. After darshan, scholars chanted Veda Ashirvachanam (Vedic blessings) to the sound of Nadaswaram (temple music).

Priests honored the visitors with Shesha Vasthram (sacred cloth), presenting the deity’s portrait and prasadam (blessed offerings) on behalf of the Devasthanam (temple administration).

Post-Series Spiritual Visit

A temple official told PTI: “Kohli visited along with family and Team India representatives,” underscoring the team’s spiritual tradition after major victories. Kohli, Player of Series (back-to-back tons in Ranchi-Raipur + 65* in Vizag), embraced local culture during the Visakhapatnam leg.

The Simhachalam temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha (Vishnu’s fierce avatar), holds significance in Andhra Pradesh. Kohli’s visit reflects respect for regional customs amid India’s T20I preparations vs South Africa (starting soon).

Washington Sundar, who played limited role (replaced by Tilak Varma in 3rd ODI), joined spiritual observance.