Yaganti

Hi……… Have a nice Day….

Today I would like to share information about “Yaganti” which is located in Kurnool district Andhrapradesh. The temple is in the Banaganapalle mandal, 14 km west of Banagapalle (Mandal headquarters) on the Banaganapalle-Peapully road.

History:

This temple was constructed by King Harihara Bukka Rayalu of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite traditions.

One story of the site's origin is as follows: The sage Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the idol got broken. The sage was upset over this and performed a penance for Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva appeared, he said the place suits Shiva better as it resembles Kailash. Agastya then requested Lord Shiva to give the devotees a Parvathi Goddess as Lord Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Lord Shiva obliged.

A second story is as follows: Chitteppa, a devotee of Lord Shiva, was worshiping Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva appeared to him as a tiger. Chitteppa understood that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and shouted Neganti Shivanu ne kanti (meaning: I saw Shiva I saw), and danced with joy. There is a cave called Chitteppa nearby.

The story according to the priests is that when the sage Agastya completed his uttara desha yatra and started dakshina desha yatra he found the beautiful and pleasant place called yaganti( Nekanti-i have seen)and thought to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site . while roaming around caves one of the caves was found to have a very old statue of Lord Vishnu . After all the yagna, homa and pooja he found that the statue really contains a small defect as broken nail on the foot thumb finger. To seek an explanation he prayed to Shiva and Shiva explained that at this place which contains natural springs and nature only I can be worshipped. Then the sage Agastya asked a boon to Shiva to reside in this place for eternity with Mother Parvathi. So this place is called as Umamahesware (Uma: parvathi, Maheswara: shiva) temple. The shrine contains the statue of Shiva and Parvathi on a single stone.

The Uma Maheshwara Temple at Yaganti houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi (Ardhanareeswara) carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in an idol form instead of Shiva Linga. It is believed that Sage Agastya performed penance for Lord Shiva at this place and requested Shiva to appear in Ardhanareeswara form which is worshipped here. Another unique feature of the temple is Nandi statue which has been growing in the size.

Yaganti is located in Yerramala hills that offer immense natural beauty and unique setting to the locality. There are a several natural caves in the hills around the temple which were home for several saints throughout the ages, including that of Great Telugu saint and astrologer Potuluri Veera Brahmam Garu.

An amazing feature of this temple is its Pushkarini with very pure water. No one knows how the water flows into Pushkarini in all the seasons. Devotees consider that a bath in the holy Pushkarini before visiting Shiva is highly beneficial.

You cannot find a crow in Yaganti:

The priest also mentioned that while Sage Agasthya was performing penance here, Kakasura, an asura in the form of a crow, had been disturbing the sage's penance. Angered, the sage cursed him, saying that no crows should exist within Yaganti. Even today, they say that they have never seen a crow within the village. Moreover, since crow is the vahana (vehicle) of Shani Bagavan, they say that Shani does not bother anyone who is within the vicinity of the Uma Maheswara Swamy temple. People come and worship here to be rid of the dosha of Shani.

As per legend, crows do not fly in Yaganti. When Sage Agastya was meditating here, Kakasura, king of crows disturbed him from his meditation so, he cursed the crows not to enter the premises. Thus, Shani also can't enter this place as crow is the vehicle of Shani.

PUSHKARINI :

Pushkarini is the famous temple pond of Yaganti situated about 100 meters before the main temple entrance.

Pushkarini, filled with pure water throughout the year, is a wonderful structure with beautiful gopuras, pillared corridor and wonderfully built a mandapa at the center of the pond. No one knows how the water flows into Pushkarini in all the seasons. The water flows continuously keeping the water in the pond clean all the time. The water flows through a rock entrance with carved figures of Nandi. Devotees usually take bath in the pushkarini before visiting the main temple.

There are wonderful carvings of Lord Shiva, Lingodbhava, Lord Vishnu, Shiva & Parvathi and several other gods below the first step of the temple pond.

Uma Maheshwara Temple:

Built in Dravida style, the temple boasts a large five-story tower built by Vijayanagara rulers. The tower is followed by the main temple structure built with stone which has a large pillared hall followed by the sanctum which houses the deity. The pillars in front of the sanctum have wonderful carvings of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma along with several other gods.

The sancutm houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi (Ardhanareeswra) carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in an idol form instead of Shiva Linga. It is believed that Sage Agastya performed penance for Lord Shiva at this place and requested Shiva to appear in Ardhanareeswara form which is worshipped here.

Nandeeswara Statue (Growing Nandhi)

Another unique feature of the temple is Nandeeswara statue which has been growing in the size. Archeology department has confirmed that the size of Nandi keeps increasing by 1 inch every 20 years. According to Potuluri Veera Brahmam Garu, the Basavanna of Yaganti will continue growing and come out and shout when Kaliyuga ends.

There are several sub-shrines in the temple complex including Veerabhadra Swamy, Viswanadha, Ganesha, etc.

The temple has a large pushkarini (pond) with pure water. Several devotees take bath at pushkarini before visiting the deity.

Veerabadra Swamy:

The Kshetrapalaka at this temple, as in many other temples in this part of India, is Veerabadraswamy. The gigantic Veerabadraswamy with his glittering sword protects the temple and safeguards its sanctity. Hanuman Temple: After crossing Agastya Pushkarini we can find Hanuman temple. After crossing this we can find a steps to Agasthya Guha.

AGASTHYA CAVE / ROKALLA GUHA:

Agasthya Guha (cave), also known as Rokalla Guha is the cave where Sage Agastya performed the Penance for Lord Shiva. It is situated on eastern side of Venkateswara Guha.

While travelling in South India, Sage Agastya came across this place and he wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the deity got broken. Sage Agastya was upset over this and he performed a penance for Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva appeared, he asked the Lord the reason why he could not install Lord Venkateswara statue. Lord Shiva replied that the place suits Shiva better as the hills resemble Kailasha. Agastya then requested Lord Shiva to give the darshan to devotees along with Goddess Parvathi as Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Lord Shiva obliged.

This cave can be reached by climbing very steep steps. There is a Shivalinga at the top of the cave which was believed to be installed by Sage Agasthya for his meditation. The path to cave also provides panoramic view of the temple complex and surrounding hills. The steps are very steep and kids and elders have to be very careful, especially, while climbing down the cave.

Venkateswara Guha (cave)

Venkateswara Guha (cave) has a damaged idol of Lord Venkateswara. This is said to be the idol made by Sage Agastya in order to build Venkateswara temple at this place.

Another story says that, first lord Venkateswara is placed in this cave instead of Tirupati. But as the idol has damaged feet, it could not be worshipped. As per Veera Brahmam Kala Gynanam, whenever people cannot worship god in Tirupati, then this place is going to be alternative instead of Tirupati. Lord Venkateswara is worshipped here and the original idol of the deity can also be seen. This place gets crowded in peak season, Saturdays and Shivaratri season.

This cave can be reached by climbing very steep steps from the gopura of Uma Maheshwara Temple. The cave also boasts enormous natural beauty.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 6:30 PM

SANKARA CAVE:

Sankara Guha is wonderful site on the hillock of Yerramala. With a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the entrance to Sankara Guha can be seen towards the northern side of Pushkarni.

This place is associated with several saints who performance meditation here. The great Telugu saint and astrologer Potuluri Veera Brahmam Garu meditated here for several years. The cave has a narrow entrance following by a small enclosure which houses a Shivalinga. The height of the inner cave is very low and pilgrims have to be careful entering the cave.

Sanakra Guha has a well laid steps (about 100 steps) from the bottom with a wonderfully built Mandapa on the edge of the hill that offers panoramic view of Yaganti and Yerramala Hills. There is also a stone arch welcoming the piligrims.

You find several monkeys in this area and they often grab food and water bottles from the pilgrims. It is advised to be careful and hide any food in the bag.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 6:30 PM

 Agastya Pushkarini:

 Agastya Pushkarini is a small pond situated towards northern side of the sanctum of Uma Maheshwara Temple.

The water is accumulated in Agastya Pushkarini from the surrounding hills before it flows into the main temple Pushkarini. The water source is originated at a place called Mucherla which is about 15 kms from Yagati. The water flows through the hills of Yerramala and reach the Pushkarini here. Sage Agastya wanted to check the source of water and he mixed turmeric and saffron powder at Mucherla and identified that the same water flows into the stream here in Yaganti, this the pond is named after sage Agastya.

The water in the pond are considered sacred and pilgrims should not keep the feet in the pond. There is a small stone mandapa with a gopura at the pond which has nice carvings on the pillars.

Akasha Deepam:

Just behind the Veerabadraswamy temple, on top of the hill, on a ledge which looks so steep and narrow, an Akasha Deepam is lit every evening. This lamp glows from 6 pm to 6 am every day. The priest mentioned that four litres of oil and two metres of wick is used every day to keep this lamp glowing for twelve hours (If you pay 400 rupees this activity is performed on your name and gotram for one day).

It is indeed amazing how the lamp burns in the open air on top of a hill, amid the strong winds blowing. It is equally amazing how the priest is able to climb up every day, with barely any foothold, carrying all these materials to light the lamp, with practically just enough space only to put one of his feet. 

Temple Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 8 PM

Ahobilam (Nava Narasimha) Temple

Ahobilam (Nava Narasimha) Temple

Time: 1-2 Days

Nearest City: Allagadda (25km) /Nandyala (63 km)

Hotels: A V Lodge (Allagadda), Shobha, Tourist, Chanakya

History:

In Krutha Yuga, to Prove the words of devotee Prahalada True and to kill demon Hiranyakasipu, the place of incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu as Narasimha (Nrusimha-Half Lion and Half Man) is AHOBILAM.

Ahobilam is also called as Ahobalam, Obulam, Singavel Kundram,Nava Narasimha Kshetram and Garudatri.

View of  Nava Narasimha Swami Temples in the Forest

Ahobilam is the holy abode of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in man-lion form. According to legend, this is the place where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Though the initial temples were built by Chalukyas in 8th century, most of the current structures were rebuilt by Vijayanagara kings around 15th century.

Situated amidst dense Nallamala Forest, Ahobilam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is also called as Nava Narasimha Kshetra since Lord Narasimha is worshipped in 9 different forms and separate temples exist for all the forms within a radius of 5 km from the main temple. Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Kroda Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yaogananda Narasimha, Chathravata Narasimha and Paavana Narasimha are the nine forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam. Few of these temples have easy access, but most of them have to be reached by difficult treks through thick forest and rocky paths.

The town is divided into two parts, Lower Ahobilam and Upper Ahobilam. Of these nine shrines, Yogananda, Chathravata and Bhargava Narasimha swami shrines are situated in Lower Ahobilam and the remaining six are in upper Ahobilam. There is also another temple of Lord Narasimha Swami in the lower Ahobilam where the idol of the Lord is believed to be installed by Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati.

Lower Ahobilam Temple:

You reaches this place first. This temple is impressive and beautiful 800 years old Prahladavarada Narasimha Temple in the town of Lower Ahobilam is the abode of the Prahladavarada Narasimha, the form of Lord Narasimha blessing Prahlada.

The Lower Ahobilam temple lies in the center of three Praakaras built in Vijayanagara style. The main temple at the lower Ahobilam consists of a Sanctum, a Mukhamantapam and a Rangamantapam all of which are decorated with excellent sculptures on the pillars. The massive composite pillars in the Rangamantapam are carved with figures of Yakshas riding on Yalis and horses with their rear legs mounted on the Makaras. Large figures of musicians, sensuous women, divine figures of Rama and Laxmana are in good shape. The Narasa Nayaka figure of Vijayanagara Empire in the temple is attractive.

In lower Ahobila, Narasimha Swami can be seen in a peaceful form. The sanctum also houses the Utsava idols of Prahlada Varada, Pavana Narasimha and the processional idols of Jwala Narasimha endowed with ten hands and with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on his either side. A small idol of the first Jeeyar, Sri Adivan Satakopa Swami is also kept here.

A shrine dedicated to Sri Venkateswara exists to the south west of this Narasimha temple and provides view to the episode that Lord Venkateswara obtained the blessings of Narasimha just before his marriage with Padmavathi.

There is a tall Jayasthambham erected in the spacious ground outside the temple walls to mark the victory of Krishna Devaraya. The Kakatiya Kings, especially Prathapa Rudra has also contributed towards additional structures and maintenance of this complex. There are also three smaller shrines for Lakshmi, Andal and Azhwars. Near by the temple, there is a drinking water lake called Alwar Koneru.

Timings: 6.30 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 8 PM

UPPER AHOBILAM TEMPLE

Distance (From Lower Ahobilam Bus Station): 8 Km

 

Upper Ahobilam is the abode of main shrine called Ahobaleswar. This is the main temple and the earliest of all nine Narasimha temples in Ahobilam. 

According to legends, Lord Narasimha gave his darshan to Prahlada after killing Hiranyakashipa. His anger was so intense when he finished slaying Hiranyakashipu that none of the Gods including Lord Shiva could calm him down. So they went to Mahalakshmi to seek her help. She came down as a girl from the Chenchu tribes and married him after which his anger got reduced.

The Upper Ahobilam temple consists of mukha mantapa, maha mantapa and faces east but whereas the garbha griha faces north because of the orientation and situation of the natural cave. Adjoining the mukha mantapa, a dwajasthamba and an ornate Bali pith are situated. The sides and eastern gate leads to Malola and Jwala Narasimha shrines.

The main shrine at Upper Ahobilam was carved out of a big egg like rock with mandapas. The sanctum is actually a low-roofed cave and it is believed that the idol here is Swayambhu (self-manifest). The Lord here appears in his fierce form, called Ugra Narasimha, who is also known as Ahobila Narasimha. A shrine dedicated to Chenchulakshmi is built beside the main deity. The exterior of upper Ahobilam is decorated with excellent sculptures. Also, the utsava murthy of Jwala Narasimha is worshipped here every day and Nityaabishekam and Kalyanam are performed here to Jwala Narasimha.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

BHARGAVA NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Distance (From Lower Ahobilam Bus Station): 2 Km

Bhargava Narasimha Temple is located on a hill near a sacred pond known as Bhargava Theertham where Bhargava Rama performed his penance. Hence the Lord of the temple is called Bhaargava Narasimha Swamy. You can be reached by walk from Lower Ahobilam. The path is filled with water during monsoons and bit difficult to reach. There are steep steps to reach the sanctum.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

YOGANANDA NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Distance (From Lower Ahobilam Bus Station): 2 Km

Yogananda Narasimha Temple is the place where Lord Narasimha is appeared in yogic posture.

The legend says that, after killing Hiranyakasipu, Lord Narasimha taught Prahlaada the principles of the ancient spiritual system through several yogic postures. Hence, the Lord at this place is called Yogananda Narasimha. This place can be easily accessed by road from Lower Ahobilam.

CHATHRAVATA NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Distance (From Lower Ahobilam Bus Station): 2 Km

Chathravata Narasimha Temple is shrine where the Lord is found in joyful mood.

The shrine is named after the tree under which it's built, Chatravata, it houses a joyous form of Narasimha. The face of the idol is filled with smile and the left hand is in the position of taala, the rhythm of classical music. The legend says that two Gandharvas once delighted the lord with their soulful music. Pleased with their performance, Lord asked if they had a wish. They requested that their names forever be associated with appreciation of dance and music. And, 'Aaha' and 'Oohu' came to be the exclamations of praise.

This place has an approach road and vehicles can drive up to the temple surroundings.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

KARANJA NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Distance (From Lower Ahobilam Bus Station): 7 Km

This temple is located on the way to Upper Ahobilam Temple. Karanja Narasimha Temple is named after the tree under which the idol is installed.

Here, the idol holds a bow, which in the uniqueness of the idol. According to legend, Lord Hanuman has meditated here and when Narasimha appeared, Hanuman refused to recognize his god in any form but Rama. As per the wish of Hanuman, Narasimha has appeared in Rama's characteristic weapon, the bow.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

KRODA NARASIMHA TEMPLE 

Distance (From Upper Ahobilam Temple): 1 Km

Kroda Narasimha Temple houses the Lord in two different forms called Varaha (another incarnation of Vishnu) and Narasimha in angry form. This temple is also referred as Varaha Narasimha Temple.

The lord is depicted here in the form of a boar carrying Mother Earth. Here the deity is seen along with his consort Lakshmi.

This place has to be reached by trek from the main shrine of Upper Ahobilam. The trek passes through thick forest with wooden bridges built across beautiful tiny streams. Beautiful place and you can enjoy beautiful nature.

This temple is on the trek way to Jwala Narasimha Temple and Ugra Sthamba.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

MALOLA NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Distance (From Upper Ahobilam Temple): 2Km

Malola Narasimha can be found in soumya or graceful form. The word 'Malola' means 'beloved *goddess', and the lord is seen here with his consort Lakshmi on his knee.

This place has to be reached by trek from the main shrine of Upper Ahobilam, the surroundings offer excellent view of Nallamala Range.

Need to take diversion towards left between Upper Ahobilam Temple and Kroda Narasimha Temple (trekking path).

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

JWALA NARASIMHA TEMPLE 

Distance (From Upper Ahobilam Temple): 4 Km

Jwala Narasimha Temple is said to be the place where the actual destruction of the demon Hiranyakashipu took place. The idol here is in fearsome mood with Hiranyakashipu stretched across his lap.

This place can be reached from Upper Ahobila temple by trekking along the Bhavanasini River to the peak of the Achalachaya Meru Hill. The path is filled with gorgeous views of Nallamala Hills and a wonderful waterfall on the way. There is a pond on the way that is filled with dark red water like blood, looks like a place where the Lord must have washed the blood off his hands after killing the demon.

After Kroda Narasimha Temple, need to take diversion towards left on the mid way trek to Ugra Stambham to reach Jwala Narasimha Temple.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

PAAVANA NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Distance (From Upper Ahobilam Temple): 7 Km

Pavana Narasimha Temple is the most difficult shrine to access. This is called Kshetra Ratna (the jewel of pilgrimage). This shrine is accessed through dense forest and local tribal settlements. The Lord here is accompanied with his consort Chenchu Lakshmi and worshipped as per tribal traditions.

There is a motorable road available to reach this temple surroundings, but the road is very bumpy & slippery and often not accessible in monsoon seasons. This temple is located in deep forest, you can enjoy the nature and trecking.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM

UGRA STHAMBHAM

Distance (From Upper Ahobilam Temple): 8 Km

Ugra Sthamham is said to be the place where the Lord has appeared in the form of Narasumha. This cleft of the mountain dividing it into two visible parts can be seen from long distance.

This place has to be trekked from Upper Ahobila temple. The path goes through think forest and the path is very narrow with deep drops by side. The duration of trekking from Upper Ahobilam temple is around 2 hours one way. This trek needs good physical strength.

Need to trek past Kroda Narasimha Temple and go straight at the diversion to Jwala Narasimha Temple (which lies on the left) to reach Ugra Stambha.

IMP: No food/water is available after Upper Ahobilam, so better to carry from Upper Ahobilam itself.

Prahlada Banda:

Distance (From Upper Ahobilam Temple): 2 Km

Prahlada banda is also known as school of prahlada. This place has to be trekked from Upper Ahobila temple. The path goes through think forest and the path is very narrow with deep drops by side. The duration of trekking from Upper Ahobilam temple is around 30 min. You can enjoy nature and a small pond also located on the way, where you can enjoy (pond is little bit depth be careful). 

Important Information:

Ahobilam is a small town and food is available at small hotels and canteens. There is a Brahmana Nitya Annadana Satram in the Upper Ahobilam where food is provided daily for nearly 400 people. In addition, Sri Ahobila Matham has established a trust called Annamacharya Nitya Annadana Trust. Food is provided free of cost to the devotees of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

All the lodging and shops of Ahobilam are located in Lower Ahobilam.

The annual Brahmothsavam performed in February is a great attraction.

Wooden Bridge in the Fore

A last note : Many of these images are sourced from various places in the Internet. Many thanks to the original uploaders and all credit to them . The purpose of this blog and post is only to spread awareness of  tourist places of Rayalaseema region.