Ahobilam Temple Sitting posture in chakrasana facing east main temple Perumal Lord shiva. Ahobilam located in Nallamala forest, near to Allagadda town in Kurnool district. This is the only place having 9 (nava)temples for lord Narasimha 9 Avataras. Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats. Ahobilam, one among 108 Divyadesa Kshetras stands as pre-eminent as the place of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha in one of His Avatars. in addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain.

Ahobilam Temple Timings History Images Tour Map

Ahobilam Temple History, Timings Nine shrines Jwala Nrisimha, Malola Nrisimha, Kroda Nrisimha, Karanja Nrisimha, Bhargava Nrisimha, Yaogananda Nrisimha, Kshatravata Nrisimha, Pavana Nrisimha situated in temple. Due to security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple. The whole complex is in two parts – one called Eguva Ahobilam (Upper Ahobilam) with 6 Narasimha shrines and the other called Diguva Ahobilam (Lower Ahobilam) with a 3 shrines.

This is one of the popular pilgrimage centres in South India and is one among the 108 divya-deshams. It is also known as Thiru Singavel Kundram. many peoples from andhra pradesh, telangana and chennai visited daily. as per histroy lord narasimha form of the avathara by Garuda wished for vision. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. that is reason for calling as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.

On his seven hoods lays TTD Tirupati, on stomach Ahobilam and on its tail lays Sri Shailam. The Brahmanda Purana states that Ahobilam was the dwelling of the demon king Hiranyakashipu who was killed by the Lord. Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord. story behind Ahobilam name, means greatest cave. Garuda meditated on one of the mountains in the Nallamallai hills range for thousands of years. He worshipped the Lord with the selected verses and after having darshan of the Lord and having worshipped Him, Garuda considered himself blessed and thus this place came to be known as Ahobilam.

Sri Ahobila Muth, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India. performed srirama navami, maha shivaratri performed special poojas all over 9 Temples. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Ahobilam is divided into Lower Ahobilam (Diguva Ahobilam) and Upper Ahobilam (Eguva Ahobilam). Upper Ahobilam is around ten kilometres from Lower Ahobilam.

Many devotees believe that the nine planets got their powers after worshipping these nine forms of the Lord and anyone who worships these nine forms can overcome the ill effect of the respective planet. The Eastern Ghats are likened to the great serpent Adhisesha (Mahaabhiseka) basking in the sun with its head at TTD Tirumala, its middle at Ahobilam and its tail- end portion at Srisailam – all the three with famous temples on them. The subject we have before us is Ahobilam. Of course, Thirupathi and Srisailam are also frequented pilgrimage centres. Ahobilam because of this special issue.

Before visiting these nine shrines, let us see how we approach the place. Situated in the Nallamalai Hills, Ahobilam is about 24 Kms. Every month on Swathi Nakshatram (star) Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) is performed for all the nine Nrisimhas (Nava Nrisimhas) of Ahobilam.

Lower Ahobilam Sri Prahlada Varada Swami Temple ( Diguva )

This is the main temple in Lower Ahobilam. The principal deity is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha with His consort, Amirthavalli. Those who pray at this shrine with devotion would obtain the grace of the Lord and the Goddess. Around the main shrine there are also shrines for Lord Rama and Lord Balaji.

This temple has an excellent architecture of Vijayanagar style. The front Mantapam of Sri Prahladavasradan and Thayar, Andal Sannadhis contain beautiful stone pillars each displaying in sculptures an event at Ahobilam from the Narasimha Avatara to Chenchu Lakshmi marrying the Lord.

Many festivals are held here throughout the year. Swati festival which falls every month on the swati Nakshatram day (birth star of Lord Narasimhan) is a very popular in Sri Prahladavaradan Sannidhi apart from Sri Ahobila Narasimhan sannidhi in Upper Ahobilam. Brahmotsavam is held here with all fervour and festivities. Lord Prahladavaradan also goes on Paruvettai (visiting surrounding villages) for 40 days.

Bhashyakarar Sannidhi (Sri Ramanujar Sannidhi) is located in a large compound, adjoining Sri Prahladavaradan Sannidhi. Temple pushkarini is located opposite Bhashyakarar Sannidhi. There is a small shrine for Hanuman located at the end of the sannidhi street in front of Sri Prahladavaradan Sannidhi.

Sri Ahobila Narasimha

This shaligrama form of Ahobila Narasimha is fierce (Ugra) and is in the sukhasana pose. He is seen tearing apart the chest of Hiranyakashipu. In front of the Lord is Prahlada. The temple, situated on the Upper Ahobilam, at a distance of eight kilometres from the Lower Ahobilam. It is firmly believed the Lord Narasimha was ‘Svayambhu’ (self-manifest) here.

Garudadri guhagehe gajakhundasarittate
hiranyasthaanvahankaarhaari simhaya mangalam

Sri Kroda Narasimha

Sri Kroda Narasimha also glorified by devotees as Varaha Narasimha is a very special form of the Lord with the face of a boar. The temple of this Lord is one kilometre away from the main temple of Ahobila Nrisimha Swamy on the Upper Ahobilam. Along with Sri Kroda Narasimha, one can also have darshan of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in this temple. Lord Narasimha is seen as though He is trying to gently pacify Lakshmidevi.

varahkundey medhinyai varaahaarthapradhaayiney
dhanthalagna hiranyaksh dhamshtra simhaaya mangalam

Sri Malola Narasimha

The word ‘Malola’ means beloved to Lakshmi (Ma=Lakshmi, Lola= beloved). It is said that the ‘utsavamoorthi’ of the Lord appeared to Srimath Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar, the first Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt. The Supreme Lord Narasimha is the beloved of mother Lakshmi and hence is glorified as Malola Narasimha. This place is also known as Markonda Lakshmi Kshetra.. Nearly two kilometres from the main temple of Upper Ahobilam, is the famous shrine of Malola Narasimha Swamy.

vaarijaavaaritha bhayay vaneepathi mukhaiswarai
mahithaaya mahodhaara malolyasthu mangalam

Sri Jwala Narasimha

The temple of Jwala Nrisimha Swamy, lies higher up the above temple, on a hill called, ‘Achalachaya Meru’. The temple of Sri Jwala Narasimha lies on a hill called as Achalachaya Meru and is on the base of Ugra Stambha. The Deity of Lord Narasimha here is seen tearing Hiranyakashipu with His radiant nails. There are other two forms of the Lord – Sthanu Narasimha (emerging out of the pillar) and Veera Narasimha (fighting with Hiranyakashipu).

hiranyashtambha sambhuthiprakhyat paramaatamaney
prahladhaarthimushey jwaala narsimhaya mangalam

Sri Yogananda Nagasimha Swamy

This temple is to the south-east of Lower Ahobilam at a distance of 2 kilometres. The popular legend is that after killing Hiranyakasipu, Lord Narasimha taught Prahlada several yogic postures. After killing Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimhadev here taught Prahlada few yogic postures to practice. This form of the Lord is seated in a padmasana with yogapatta around His legs. Once Lord Brahma visited this place when he was agitated and he returned after attaining peace by practicing devotion unto Lord Narasimha.

chathuranana chetobja chitrabhaanu svaroopine
vedadri gahavarasthaaya yogaanandaaya mangalam

Sri chatravatha Narasimha

About three kilometres from lower Ahobilam, the image of the deity is installed under a peepal tree, surrounded by thorny bushes. Hence, the Lord is called as Chatravata Narasimha Swamy.He is famous as Chatravatha Narasimha. The left hand of the Lord is in the tala mudra. This tala mudra is not seen in any other form of the Lord in any other place. This temple is also known as Devata-aradhana kshetra.

haahaa hoohoo vakya gandharva nrittageetha hritaatmaney
bhavahantritat chathravataimhaya mangalam

Sri Pavana Narasimha

Nearby the above temple, is the shrine of Pavana Narasimha, on the banks of the river, Pavana and it is about six kilometres from the Upper Ahobilam temple. Hence the Lord of the shrine is known as Pavana Narasimha Swamy.This is the most peaceful form of the Lord amongst the nine Narasimha temples. He is also known as Pamuleti Narasimha Swamy.

bharadwaja mahayogi mahapaathaka haariney
thaapaneeya rahasyartha paavanayasthu mangalam

Sri Bhargava Narasimha

The Bhargava Narasimha Swamy is situated at a distance of two kilometres from the Lower Ahobilam, on a hill, near the sacred pond, known as ‘Bhargava Theertham’, where Bhargava Rama performed his penance. Hence the Lord of the temple is known as Bhargava Narasimha Swamy.This is one of the most ferocious forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam. This temple is located on the banks of Akshaya Tirtha which is considered on par with the sacred Pushkara Tirtha.

bharagavakhya tapasveesa bhaavanaa bhaavithathmaney
akshaya theera theerthastu bhargavayaasthu mangalam

Sri Karanja Narasimha

This shrine is situated at a distance of one kilometre from the Upper Ahobilam and one furlong from the road leading to Lower Ahobilam. The image of the deity is installed under a tree, called ‘Karanja Vruksham’. Hence this Lord is called Karanja Narasimha Swamy.Once Hanuman was performing austerities in Ahobilam and was continuously chanting the holy name of Lord Rama. Immediately Lord Narasimha appeared, between convo like
Narasimha: Yes you called me?
Hanuman: You are disturbing me. Please go away
Narasimha: I am Rama. Because you called Me, I have come.
Hanuman: How can you be Rama? You don’t have a form like that of Rama.
Lord Narasimha manifested Himself like Rama with bow in one hand and Sudarshana in the other hand. Hanuman got convinced and from then on started to worship the form of Sri Karanja Narasimha.

karanjamoole maatharaste yathra
saarangaschakra dhrutham
gobhoo hiranya nirvinna gobila
gnyanadhayiney prabanjan sunaaseera
kaaranchaayasthu mangalm

source: Ahobilam Narasimha Swami Prayers

Important Points: King Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar also said to have visited this Ahobilam temple on his return from the victory of Kalinga. He is also said to have made offerings of a diamond necklace, wristlet, a gold plate and gold coins here.

Ahobilam Brahmothsavam:

From Krishna Paksha Panchami till full moon (Paurnami) Brahmotsavam. On Panchami day Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) is held at Upper Ahobilam and the next day at Lower Ahobilam. On Pournami day morning Chariot festival at lower Ahobilam and same night Sri Garuda vahana seva at Upper Ahobilam are held. Next day at Lower Ahobilam Garuda vahana seva is performed.

Theppotswavam for three days follows the Brahmotsavam for Sri Prahlada Varadan in Lower Ahobilam pushkarini. check Brahmotsavam dates.

Booking of Arjitha sevas : Ubhayam amount can be paid by cash or Cheque favouring ‘Sri Lakshminarasimhaswami Devasthanams, Ahobilam’ and handed over to the Devasthanam Office and Receipts obtained. Cheuqes can also be deposited in/or money transferred to Account No. A/C NO: 002010011001555 – Andhra Bank, Ahobilam IFSC Code: ANDB0001862.

Donations for Seva:

Executive Officer
SLNS Devasthanams,
Ahobilam – 518545 (Andhra Pradesh)
Tele Phone Nos.: 08519-252025, 08519-252024
Email: [email protected]

Arjitha seva, Swati, and donation for other Seva purposes:
Cheque favouring “Sri Lakshminarasimhaswamy Devasthanams”, Ahobilam. to be deposited in
Account No. A/C NO: 002010011001555 – Andhra Bank, Ahobilam IFSC Code: ANDB0001862.

Donations for Annadanam:
Cheque favouring “Sri Ahobila Mutt Paramparadheena SLNS Devasthanam Annadanam”, Ahobilam. to be deposited in
Account No. A/C NO: 186210100021231 – Andhra Bank, Ahobilam IFSC Code: ANDB0001862.

Donations for Renovation & Samprokshanam:
Cheque favouring “S L N S Devasthanams Renovation Account”, Ahobilam. to be deposited in
A/c No. 186210100034545, Andhra Bank, Ahobilam. IFSC Code: ANDB0001862

Immediately on deposit or money transfer, Devasthanam Office be advised by email or letter giving Ubhayadhr’s name and address with phone number, seva for which paid, date of seva etc.

Temples & Places to Visit At Ahobilam Temple:

Jwala Narasimha Swamy
Ahobila Narasimha Swamy
Malola Narasimha Swamy
Krodakara (Varaha) Narasimha Swamy
Karanja Narasimha Swamy
Bhargava Narasimha Swamy
Yogananda Narasimha Swamy
Chathravatha Narasimha Swamy
Pavana Narasimha Swamy
Ugra Sthambham
Bhavanashini stream
Prahlada Mettu (cave)
Prahlada Narasimha Swamy
Raktha Kundam
Bhargava Theertha
Pavana river

Ahobilam Temple Timings:

The temples in upper Ahobilam and lower Ahobilam are opened from 7 am to 5 pm with a gap of lunch for an hour in the afternoon. Rainy season is the best time to visit because apart from the holy temples, you can enjoy the nature of the Nallamala forest at it’s best with greenary and waterfalls everywhere. Avoid summer because it is hard to trek as weather will be hot.

Ahobilam Waterfalls
Ahobilam Trekking Route map, Trip Plan

Ahobilam Accommodation

good accommodation on pilgrim tour is key to a great devotional experience. Sri Ahobila Mutt maintains a Guest House called Malola Guest House. There are a total of 14 rooms, 4 single rooms, 6 double rooms, and 4 triple rooms. The Haritha hotel’s restaurant also is an option. Of these, two double rooms and two triple rooms are air-conditioned. In addition, there are 10 dormitory type rooms. At this point we are unable to take online reservations. For reservations please call Badri Narayanan
PH:-08519-252045/252024 / 9490515284

How to Reach:

400 Kms from Chennai, 363 km from Hyderabad, 320 Kms from Bangalore, 262 km. from Tirupati and 74 km from Nandyal (Kurnool dist).
flight: Hyderabad & Tirupati are the nearest airports.
Train: Nandyal town (74 km. on Guntur-Hubli line) and Cuddapah ( 118 km. on Madras-Bombay line) are the convenient railheads.
Bus: 24 km. from Allagadda, which is connected by state buses from Hyderabad, Tirupati, Chittoor, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Nellore and Chennai.

Hyderabad to Ahobilam
The distance between Hyderabad and Ahobilam is about 380 KM. By train, take Thungabadra Express from Hyderabad (Kacheguda) to Kurnool.

Ahobilam Pooja Entry tickets price: Free

for More information follow our blog TTD Seva Online provides more info about All temples in India.

The post Ahobilam Temple Timings, History, Tour trip appeared first on TTD Seva.