Ahobilam is a very famous religious place that is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. It is situated in Allagadda, Kurnool. The Ahobilam is also known as Nava Narasimha Kshetram as there are 9 different shrines of Lord Narasimha in this area.
The legend of Prahalad and Hiranyakashipu is very famous. It was a battle between theism and atheism. King Hiranyakashipu was an atheist but his son Prahalad believed in God. Most people already know about the clash of their ideals as it is one of the most famous stories in Hindu religious texts. Lord Narasimha is the powerful form of supreme power that killed the evil king Hiranyakashipu. According to Hindu legends, Ahobilam is the place were lord Narasimha came out and killed the Demon king. Lord Narasimha was an avatar of supreme Lord Vishnu. He is famous due to its anger and was a man with a lion face. Lord Vishnu took this form to kill the demon king.
Nine temples of Ahobilam
Ahobilam village is very famous due to the nine different temples that are present in this village. This entire region is divided into Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam. The main shrine in this area is the Ahobilam Narasimha Temple where Lord Vishnu is known as Ugra Narasimha. According to local beliefs, the deity present in this temple is self-manifested. This temple was the first shrine built in this area.
There are eight more temples present in this area.
Upper Ahobliam includes the below narasimha temples:
1. Ahobilam Narasimha
2. Kroda Narasimha
3. Jwala Narasimha
4. Malola Narasimha
Lower Ahobliam includes the below narasimha temples:
1. Yogananda Narasimha
2. Chatravata Narasimha
3. Pavana Narasimha.
4. Bhargava Narasimha
If you are visiting Ahobilam Narasimha Temple, then you should also check out these temples.
The Malola Narasimha Temple is also a very important temple in this area. In this temple, you will find both Lord Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Narasimha is in a calm form in this temple. Ugra Stambam and Prahalad Mettu are also located in the Upper Ahobliam.
According to Hindu Legends, the place of Demon King Hiranyakashipu was located in the Ugra Stambham. You will find a large rock here that is split into various pieces. Lord Narasimha actually came out from this pillar. Thus, this place is known as the Ugra Stambham.
Prahalad Meetu is a small cave in the Upper Ahobilam. You will find the shrine of Prahalad in this cave. There are an image and deity of Prahalad in this cave.
All these 9 temples are located in a 5 km circle. There is also a special temple in the foothills of this mountain. This temple is known as the Prahaladavarada Varadhan and you will find most of the utsava vigrahas in this temple. You need to do some walking for visiting all the 9 temples. These temples were reconstructed by the Vijayanagara kings. They have restored various times in history. Thus, these temples have a unique style as all the work styles got mixed.
For a fee you can hire a guide to take you around all the temples. If you wish to visit Ugra Stambam, a guide is highly recommended.
From Ahoilba temple, going to Jwala involves climbing through rocks on a river bed and up a narrow path way for about an hour. Kroda is right on the way to Jwala. Malola is about 100 steps to a side from Kroda. So, in about three hours one can climb to Jwala and be back, covering Kroda and Malola on the way up or down.
How to reach Ahobilam Narasimha Temple?
Ahobilam Narasimha Temple is located in the Ahobilam village. This village is 148 km away from the Kurnool district. You won’t find any direct buses or trains to Ahobilam village. However, it is accessible by road from Hyderabad and Kurnool village.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Hyderabad
The distance between Hyderabad and Ahobilam is about 380 KM.
By train, take Thungabadra Express from Hyderabad (Kacheguda) to Kurnool. This train leaves Hyderabad (Kacheguda) at 7:00 p.m. and reaches Kurnool 10:30 p.m. From Karnool, Ahobilam is about 150 KM. You may hire a taxi or take a bus for this part of the journey. The approximate cost would be Rs. 1400 for the round trip. The return train arrives Kurnool at 1:15 a.m. and reaches Hyderabad at 5:20 a.m.
You may also take a bus from Hyderabad to Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from Allagadda.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Bangalore
From Bangalore, Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not very convenient from Bangalore.
By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and Allagadda. The drive is about 7:30 hours.
Ahobilam Narasimha Temple History
There are many inscriptions available in this temple. These inscriptions indicate that the king Vikramaditya VI used to worship the Mula Narasimha in this temple. Kakatiya King Prathaparudra installed the Utsava murthi in this temple which was made from pure gold. According to legends, king Parthaprudra was returning from Srisailam when he stopped at this place and placed the idol at Rudravaram.
Lower Ahobilam shrines were constructed by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 14th century. Krishna Deva Raya came to Ahobila Narasimha before going to the battle of Kalinga. He won that battle and then returned to this temple for installing the Vijaya Stambha. You can find the Vijaya Stambha in front of this temple. He also made offerings of gold coins, gold plate, and diamond necklace. Vedanta Desikar and Ramanuja have also visited this amazing temple.
Places around Ahobilam Narasimha Temple
- Mahanandi Temple
Mahanandi Temple is 70 km away from the Ahobilam Narasimha temple and it is located in the Mahanandi Village. There are 9 different Nandi shrines in this area. Mahanandi is the most important Nandi shrine in this area. If you are visiting Ahobilam Narasimha Temple, then you should also check out this place. It is also one of the Saiva Kshetra temples.
The Nandi statue present in this temple is the largest Nandi statue in the world. This place is also very beautiful as the village is surrounded by thick forests. It was originally developed by the Cholas king. However, it was later reconstructed by the Vijayanagar Kings. This temple is actually 1500 years old. There is a very fascinating pool present in this temple. It is present in the main temple and you can take a bath in this pool. The amazing thing about this pool is that the water flow in the pool is constant during every season. This water is very famous due to its healing qualities. The fascinating thing about this temple is that the water will remain cold during the summer season and hot during the winter season. Many scientists are trying to solve this mystery. Thus, you should definitely check out this amazing place.
- Kurnool Fort
Kurnool Fort or Konda Reddy Buruju is located in the Kurnool city which is 140 km away from the Ahobilam Narasimha Temple. It was built during the Vijayanagar era and is one of the most famous landmarks of the Kurnool city. This fort is located in the center of the Kurnool city. The only part left of the Kurnool fort is the Konda Reddy Buruju. Konda Reddy took his last breath in this fort and thus the tower is known as Konda Reddy Buruju. Most part of the fort is actually in ruins. However, some part of this fort is still standing strong. There are two temples in this fort. These temples are of Goddess Yellamma. According to local beliefs, there are hidden treasures in this fort. You will also find some amazing inscriptions and carvings on this temple.
- Venkanna Bavi Temple
This temple is also located in the city of Kurnool. It is the most famous picnic spot in Kurnool city. However, this temple itself is actually not very famous. There are two temples available on the site. One temple is situated at the bottom of this hill and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is mostly in ruins. Many people think that this temple is a treasure trove. Thus, many treasure hunters visit this place. There is also a pond in this temple. The second temple is located on the top of this hill. It is very difficult to climb this hill but the view from the tops is amazing. You can see the Kurnool city from the top of this temple.
Popular festivals celebrated at Ahobilam Narasimha Temple
Brahmotsavam is the most important festival celebrated in the Ahobilam Narasimha temple. It is celebrated in the month of February. This festival is celebrated for 11 days. It is celebrated from the Falguna Shukla Chaviti to Falguna Pournami. This festival is celebrated in both Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam.
Best Time to Visit Ahobilam Narasimha Temple
Ahobilam village experiences a very hot summer. Thus, you should avoid visiting this temple during summers. The best time to visit this temple is after the rainy season. You will find a pleasant and calm environment during August and September. It is the best time to visit Ahobilam as the waterfalls will be filled up. You can visit this temple from August to February as the temperature is pleasant during these months. The temperature can go up to 45 Deg C during the summer season. If you are lucky, then you can also see the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Nallamala forests. However, make sure that you are moving in a big group. You should find a guide in this temple as he will make sure that you are safe.
Conclusion
Ahobilam Narasimha temple is a very famous temple that is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. It is located in the city of Kurnool and is divided into two different sectors. There are 9 different shrines present in this village that you can visit. If you are visiting the Kurnool city, then you should definitely check out this temple.
