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.