Devasthanam officials presenting the Swami Vari Sesha Vastram and a portrait of the presiding deity to Team India star batter Virat Kohli during his visit to the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
A day after India clinching the One Day International (ODI) Cricket series against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, team India star batter Virat Kohli visited Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam and offered prayers to the deity on Sunday. He was accompanied by all-rounder Washington Sundar, fielding coach T. Dilip and staff from Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).
Deputy Executive Officer of Simhachalam Devasthanam S Radha, assistant executive officer K Tirumaleswara Rao welcomed the former India captain along with other members. Kohli embraced the ‘Kappa Sthamba’ (sacred pillar) and then took darshan of the presiding deity, where he offered special prayers. After the darshan, Vedic scholars blessed the visitors with ‘Veda Ashirvachanam’, accompanied by ‘Nadaswaram’ and ‘Vedic chants’. On behalf of the Simhachalam Devasthanam, Virat was honoured with ‘Swami Vari Sesha Vastram’, as well as the deity’s portrait and prasadam.
A number of devotees who saw Kohli on the temple premises were taken by a surprise. Fans captured him on their mobile phones. The videos of Kohli at Simhachalam have gone viral on the social media.
Published – December 07, 2025 03:41 pm IST
