Nine forms of Lord Narasimha Swamy in Ahobilam (7, 8)

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Dear Bhakti List Members:

 

7. Pavana Narasimha Swamy

On the Southern side of Garudadri, situated on the banks of

the river Pavana, is the shrine dedicated to Pavana Narasimha

Swamy uder the canopy of the seven-hooded Adisesha. Lord

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is seen with his two upper hands,

right and left, holding Chakra and Sankha respectively while

the lower right hand is in Abhaya hasta mudra and the lower

left hand holding Sri Mahalakshmi seated on His lap. The

Lord is shown in the Sukhasana pose with His left leg folded

while the right leg is shown bent at the knee and at ease.

 

8. Bhargava Narasimha Swamy

This place is located on the hill near the sacred pond

"Bhargava Tirtham' at a distance of about 1 mile from the

lower Ahobilam. It is believed that Bhargava Rama or

Parasurama performed penance. He visited and worshipped

Lord Narasimha during his tirtha yatra. Hence, the shrine

here is known as Bhargava Narasimha Swamy. The Lord is

shown with the two upper hands, right and left, holding

Chakra and Sankha, respectively. The lower two hands

depicting destruction of Hiranyakasipa by opening his

stomach. Hiranyakasipa is shown with His right hand

holding a sword. Sri Prahalada is shown on the right

side of the Lord in sthanaka, Anjali hasta pose. The

crown on Lord Narasimha as well as the Dasavatara bas-

relief on the thorana which forms an integral part of

the sculpture. There is an Akshaya Tirtham close by

which provides water at all times. Hence, Vyasa

Bhagawan, who visited this place, called it

"Akshayam Rakshakam Bhuvanascha" (the water

from Akshayam will safeguard the needs of the

Universe). It is believed that visiting this

place and Akshaya Tirtham is equivalent to visiting

Ganges. In doing so, one can be assured of salvation

after life.

 

To be continued...

 

The credit for the information provided herein should be

given to "Sapthagiri" which is a Tirumala Tirupati

Devasthanams Publication. The original article was written

by Acharya Komanduri Ranga of Stillwater, OK.

 

adiyen rAmAnuja dAsan,

Venkata Yatiraj Anand

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