Ahobilam Narashimha Swamy temple

Andhra Pradesh , Kurnool, Hyderabad

In Ahobilam, amidst forests and wilderness, the nine shrines are dedicated to the nine forms of Lord Narasimha. Among them the prominent one is the Ahobilam Narashimha Swamy temple. Lord Rama and Garuda are believed to have worshipped the Lord here. A revered place for the Vaishnavites, the shrine as been praised in the hymns of Azhvar saints. The Lord here is present in his fierce aspect, the Ugra Narasimha. King Vikramaditya VI of the Western Chalukya and King Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara are said to have worshipped the Lord of this temple.

Legend

When the demon king Hirnyakashipu tried to kill his son Prahalad as the young boy was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, the Lord took the incarnation of Narasimha. The half-man, half-lion form of Vishnu ripped the evil King and saved the boy. The place where Narasimha annihilated the demon is believed to be in Ahobilam where stand the nine shrines of Narasimha Swamy.

This temple is a part of famous Ahobilam Nava Narasimha Temple Yatra.

Architecture

Between the mountains and forests stands the Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy temple. Built in Dravidian style, the shrine has a tiered gopuram etched with beautiful carvings. The deity here is self manifested. Ahobila Narasimha is seen in an Ugra(fierce) Posture with Prahalada standing opposite to him. Srimati Chenchu Lakshmi, is the Lord's consort here.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

The temple is open from 5:30 AM till 8:30 PM.
In Upper Ahobilam, there are lots of wild animals are found because of this, devotees are allowed to go to Upper Ahobilam only in groups along with proper guides. Devotees are also advised to return back to lower Ahobilam in the noon, itself.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

February/March - Brahmotsavam

Culture

Kurnool is known as the Gateway to Rayalaseema. Ahobilam, in Kurnool district has been an important pilgrimage destination from the time of Chalukyas. It is also a popular trekking destination with scenic routes, lush green forests, waterfalls and caves.