Fwd: Lord Narasimha

October 10, 2003

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Lord Narasimha

LordVinayaka, GoddessPadmavathi,

LordVenkateshwara, GoddessSriLakshmi,

LordVishnu, GoddessBhoomiDevi,

GoddessSaraswathi, GoddessParvathi,

LordShivaShankara, GoddessGanga,

GoddessDurga, GoddessKali,

LordRama, LordSriKrishna,

LordNarasimha, GoddessSanthoshiMaa,

GoddessVaishnoDevi, LordKumara,

LordAyyappa, LordBrahma,

LordDattatreya, SriHanuman,

AllDeitiesGodsandGoddessess,

SriSaiBabaofShirdi, LordSriRama,

JaiRadhaKrishna, goddessgayatri, rapprem

The Historic Temple at the Simhachalam, built in the 11th Century, where the

Lord Varaha Narasimha Swami's temple is located, resembles the rich cultural

heritage Visakhapatnam holds. Located on the Hill top, at a height of 244 mts,

popularly called the Hill of the Lion Lord, is the temple of Lord Vishnu in the

avatara of Sri Narasimha Swami varu. This great temple built in the 11th century

by the King Sri Krishna Deva rayam, is one of its kind in the country. Millions

of devotees from round the world visit this temple every year especially during

the Chandanotsavam Festival Season. On the Chandanotsavam day, swami varu is

covered with a new fresh layer of Sandalwood. History says that Prahlada - a

devotee of Lord Vishnu was being tortoured by his father. Lord Vishnu in the

avatara of Lord Nrusimha kills Prahlada's father and saves the child.

Dharmapuri Sheshachari wrote the Narasimha Satakam - a collection of poems on

the Swami.

Reaching Simhachalam One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag.

If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by

Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab. Busses numbered 6A and 40 start from the Dwaraka Bus

Station ( APSRTC Complex ). If starting from Gajuwaka, you can get Bus numbered

55. And if you want to start from Maddilipalem, get the bus numbered 540. If you

like to have a more comfortable journey, hiring a cab is always a good idea.

Reaching the Hill Top You can take up the steps path to reach to the Temple.

However, if you and also take up a bus. Simhachalam Devasthanam runs Simhadri

Bus Service to take you to the hill top from the foothill. Busses will be

available for every 10 minutes and ticket costs Rs. 6/- per adult and Rs. 3/-

for a child. The fares are nominal and is worth to go on bus if you are not a

professional driver since the

roads to the hill are narrow and curviest.

Fares for using Private Vehicles to reach hill top

Scooter

Rs. 5/-

Car

Rs. 20/-

Jeep

Rs. 25/-

Lorry

Rs. 75/-

Empty Lorry

Rs. 50/-

Empty Van

Rs. 30/-

Loaded Van

Rs. 40/-

Mini Bus

Rs. 75/-

The Simhachalam Temple

gsbkerala.com

Lord Narasimha

Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of god Vishnu, is half-lion half-human. This

incarnation is to to alleviate the sufferings of devotees symbolizing fight

against evil and tyranny. Lord Narayana is considered to be the origin of the

other transcendental forms of God. From Narayana, Vasudeva is manifest, and

from Vasudeva, Sankarsana is manifest (Agni-purana 48.13). And according to the

scriptures, Lord Narasimha is an expansion (amsha) of Sankarsana.

Lord Narsimha Himself is recognized in the scriptures by a variety of forms,

distinguished by the arrangements of weapons in the hands, His different

postures, or other subtle distinctions. Of these more than seventy-four forms,

Nine are very prominent (Nava-narasimha):

(1) Ugra-narasimha

or Ahobila Narasimha in fierce form

(2) Vira-narasimha

(3) Kopa-narasimha

(4) Kruddha-narasimha

(5) Vilamba-narasimha

(6) Yoga-narasimha

who blessed Lord Brahma

(7) Aghora-narasimha

(8) Sudarsana-narasimha

(9) Lakshmi-narasimha

Malola-narasimha or Prahlada-varada Narasimhawith Lakshmi on His lap and blessing Prahlad

Ahovalam in Andhra Pradesh is the only place in India where all nine forms of

Lord Narasimha, Nava Narasimha, are worshiped. Ahovalam is said to be the place

where Lord Vishnu accepted the half-man, half-lion form of Lord Narasimha in

order to defeat the demon Hiranyakasipu.

Ahovalam is 49km south of Nandyal Railway Station and about 300km south of Hyderabad.

The most popular form of Narasimha is Lakshmi Narasimha =>

Story of Lord Narasimha

Hiranyakashipu (the brother of Hiranyaksha who was killed by the Varaha Avtar)

wanted to take revenge on the Devatas and in particular on Lord Vishnu. He

wanted to become the master of all the three worlds - Heaven, Earth & Pathala.

He went to Mount Mandarachala and began penance which continued for years. Due

to the intensity of Penance, Lord Brahma appeared before Hiranyakashipu and

Hiranyakashipu asked for immortality as boon. Brahma, however, declined, saying

"All living beings must face death Hiranyakashipu. You can, however, choose your

death wish."

Hiranyakashipu then asked for three conditions, as his death wish, "'O Brahma,

let not death come to me either by man or beast, nor devil, nor god shall cause

my death by day or by night with steel or stone or wood, indoors or outdoors, or

earth or in sky. Grant me undisputed lordship over the world". Brahma agreed and

Hiranyakashipu got his death wishes granted. Thus he became practically

immortal. After securing such a boon Hiranyakashipu conquered the worlds and

became a tyrant. He banned all poojas on Vishnu and declared himself as God.

The Devtas approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu asked them to be

patient and said, "Hiranyakashipu' s son Prahlad is a devotee of me. When

Hiranyakashipu seeks to kill my devotee I will slay him." Hiranyakashipu's wife

Kayadhu gave birth to Prahlad in the Ashrama of Narada who told Prahlad about

the

glory of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad grew up and became an ardent devotee of Vishnu.

Hiranyakashipu, however, wanted his son to be the king of the Asuras, strong

and ruthless. Realising that Prahlad always prayed to Lord Vishnu,

Hiranyakashipu took his son to Shanku and Amarka, the sons of Shukracharya, for

schooling. All their efforts to inflence Prahlad failed.

Hiranyakashipu ordered his servents to kill Prahlad if he refused to accept the

supremacy of his father. They tried to kill him by throwing down a mountain,

drowning, poisoning, burning etc. and failed in all attempts since Lord Vishnu

saved him from all the attempts. The king got angry on hearing the reports

about Prahlad. One day the king challenged his son in the open court:

"Prahlad! Is my enemy, whom you worship, present anywhere here?".

Prahlad replied, "Vishnu is omnipresent. There's not a single place where he's not found."

Hiranyakashipu's fury was at its climax. He got an iron pillar heated and asked

Prahlad, "Can you embrace this pillar if your Vishnu is in it also?"Prahlad did

not hesitate even for a moment but rushed towards the pillar and embraced it.

The heated iron did not burn him. The king got up from his throne in fury and

hit the pillar with his mace.

And to his surprise! The pillar cracked with a thundering sound and Vishnu

appeared there in the form of Narasimha.

One half of his body was of a lion and the other half of a man. He had matted

hair on his head, large moustaches on the face and terrible teeth in the mouth.

His paws had terrible nails on them.

Hiranyakashipu remembered his first death wish, "To be killed by some one who is

neither human nor beast." It was also the twilight hour, neither day nor night,

the second death wish.

The demon king hit Narasimha with his mace but Narasimha brushed it aside

swiftly. It was twilight and Narasimha caught hold of the demon Hiranyakashipu.

He sat on the threshold of the court room, placed the body of the demon on his

thighs, and pierced his nails into the body of the demon and broke open his

stomach. The demon was killed on the spot in a moment. The place was neither

inside nor outside. This was Hiranyakashipu’s third death wish.

Lord Narasimha was furious and roared. However, he was passified when Prahlad

touched his feet and goddess Lakshmi also tried to cool him. Lord Narasimha

then made Prahlad the King.

MANGALAGIRI

Location: Mangalagiri, 12-km South Of VijayawadaPresiding Deity: Lord

NarasimhaUnique Feature: The Deity Accepts Only Half The Quantity Of The Panaka

(Jaggery Dissolved In Water) Offered By Devotees, Irrespective Of The Quantity

Offered.Also Known As: Panakala Narasimha Swami Temple

A Unique FeatureThe renowned temple of Lord Narasimha, one of the 'Nine Avatars'

of Vishnu, is located on the Hillock at Mangalagiri, 12-km south of Vijayawada.

The Unique feature of this temple, according to the devout is the fact that the

deity accepts only half of the quantity of the 'Panakam' (jaggery dissolved in

water) offered by the devotees, irrespective of the quantity offered.The

jaggery water is actually poured into the mouth of the Lord, and Lord Narayana

shows that he has fully satisfied himself, when half of water is thrown back as

a 'Prasada' to the devotees. While the jaggery water is being poured into the

mouth of the Lord a gurgling sound is clearly audible as if

the Lord is actually drinking it, and the sound becomes shriller and shriller,

as and when the Lord is drinking, till at last the sound stops, and the balance

of the jaggery water is thrown out. This phenomenon happens not once in a day,

but once for every pilgrim who visits the temple. In addition, in spite of the

fact that so much of jaggery and jaggery water is thrown out, there is not a

single ant seen near the bill. It is on account of this special characteristic

that the temple has acquired the name of Panakala Narasimha Swami temple.The

Peculiarities About The TempleThe two peculiarities of the temple are that the

offering of jaggery water is made, and that too directly into the mouth of the

Lord, and secondly that there is no other idol in the temple except that of

Lord Narasimha Swami, whose face alone is sculptured in the hill itself.This

temple dates back to the Reddi chiefs of the 14th century. The mountain

Mangalagiri itself appears in

an elephant's shape and the temple is situated just at the mouth. There are four

entrance 'Gopuras' leading to the temple. The main shrine in the middle of the

compound is on a raised terrace facing eastwards. There is a small Garuda

shrine in the front. Mangalagiri has a hill with a cave, which attracts crowds

for its sanctity. At the foot of the steps, leading up the hill, is a column

with inscriptions giving an account of the capture of the Kondavidu fort by the

Vijaynagara Empire. This column is called the victory pillar. The temple with

its imposing gopuram in the south and the sacred Lord Narasimha Swami at the

top is still attracting pilgrims in large numbers. It is one of the most sacred

spots in Andhra and is noted both for its sanctity as well as for its historical

importance. At the foot of the hill is the ancient 'Rajya Lakshmi Narasimha

Swami' temple, with an imposing Raja Gopuram, supposedly the tallest in Andhra

Pradesh.FESTIVALSThe important festivals of this temple are the Brahmotsavam,

which lasts for twelve days in March and the other usual festivals like the

'Vaikunta Ekadashi Day, Sriramanavami, 'Hanuman Jayanthi', 'Narasimha Jayanthi'

etc.HOW TO GET THERERail: The nearest railway station is Mangalagiri on the

Guntur - Vijayawada line.Road: To visit the temple, the better course would be

to get down either at Vijayawada or at Guntur and take bus connections.WHERE TO

STAYThere are three choultries of this temple in addition to a local fund

choultry, a Madhava choultry, a Vysya choultry and a Brahman choultry. The

pilgrims are given all facilities for a comfortable stay here. Since it is

close by to Vijayawada and Guntur, one can always stay at either of the places.

ANTARVEDI

Location: 10-km From Narsapur, East Godavari DistrictPresiding Deity: Lord

NarasimhaFamous Places: The Sea, The Sagar Sangam, The Vashista River, The

Raktakulya River, And The Chakra Theertham

Antarvedi is 10-km from Narsapur (West Godavari District) by boat and 24-km from

Razole by road. This village is situated at the confluence of the sea and the

Vasishta Godavari, one of the seven branches of the Godavari. Antarvedi is an

important pilgrim centre in Andhra Pradesh and draws people from distant

places. This place is considered to be very scared, and the place of confluence

is called the "Sapta Sagara Sangam Pradesam". Antarvedi is the last and the most

important of the seven sacred bathing places. On account of the sanctity

attracted to this place it is "Dakshina Kasi".The LegendsSince Lord Brahma made

this place as "Vedic" to perform Rudra Yaga to get free from his sins it is

therefore called Antarvedi. 'Raktavilochana' son of Hiranyakshapu killed one

hundred sons of 'Vashista'. Vashista, who was not present at the time of this

horror, could witness the scene with his

divine power in Brahmaloka. Vashista prayed Lord Narasimha to save further

destruction in the hands of Raktavilochana.Lord Narasimha therefore descended

and fought fiercely with the ferocious demon. Since the demon was granted a

boon from Lord Siva, assuring that the number of sand particles drenched by the

drops of his blood take the form of his body.Lord Narasimha created 'Maya

Shakti', which would prevent the blood of the demon falling on the ground, and

chopped of the hands of Raktavilochana and ultimately killed him. Joyous

Vashista, on an auspicious day, in the presence of all the gods consecrated the

image of Lord Narasimha at Antervedi and all sang his glory. As the time passed,

Antarvedi became a Jungle, where a cow-heard called "Keshavadas" used to graze

his cattle. On one day he found that one of his cows rained his milk at an

anthill and returned home dry. To worried Keshavadas, Lord Narasimha appeared

in his dream and asked him to construct a

temple for him. The cowherd with the assistance of the villagers constructed a

temple at the anthill. Sri Narendra Lakshmi Narasimha Rao further developed the

temple in 1923 in gratitude of the god in saving his ships from sinking in the

sea. It is an island temple and one among the thirty-two of the most reputed

Narasimha Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh. The Lakshminarayana Temple at Antarvedi

is dedicated to Lord Narasimha - the half man and the half lion form of Lord

Vishnu. According to the local legend, Lord Narasimha manifested himself in an

anthill. The idol of Lord Narasimha stands installed in the place where he is

supposed to have emerged in the form of the stone.There are many other temples

over here too like 'Nilakanteswara', 'Sri Rama, and Anjaneya' etc. This place

has glorious past, connected with several 'August Munies' such as 'Brahma'

among celestials, Sri Rama among the incarnated and Vasishta among

Maharshis.FESTIVALSLakshmiNarasimha Swami Kalyanam celebrated on the Bhimsa

Ekadasi day during January-February is attended by thousands of pilgrims.HOW TO

GET THERERail: The nearest railway stations are at Rajahmundry and

Narsapur.Road: Antarvedi can be reached by boat from Narsapur, which is 112-km

south of Rajahmundry. There are buses from Razole that take pilgrims to this

sacred place.WHERE TO STAY:Devastanam ChoultriesAccommodation is also available

in the hotels at Narsapur.

Tiruk kadigai Divya Desam

Sthala Puranam

Introduction Details Deities Sthala Puranam Mangalasasanam News & Events Other

Sri vishnu purraanam and paathma puraanam offers details about this sthalam. It

is believed that Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar came to this palce after hiranya vatham

and stayed here for ever in this Yoga sayanam posture. It is well kown that

Srinarasimha avathaaram took place at Sri Ahobilam. However, since munivars

requested the presence of Sri Narasimha here on an endless timescale, The Lord

Narasimha chose to stay here for ever. This is also confirmed by thirumangai

aazhwaar's reference to thakkkaanai in his paasuram presented in this article.

Among all the other avathaarams this and the vaamana avathaaram are the most

significant becuase of the fact that they both accomplished the misssion

instantly. Many of the LAkshmi

Narasimha bakthaas believe that by praying to this Lord (who is an instant

acccomplisher), their prayers are fulfilled instantly if not atleast an instant

relief is offered without delay by this Lord. It is a belief that, One, would

attain Moksham simply by staying here for one Kadigai (period of time) ie

approximately half hour in this shekthram. Hence it is named Thiruk kadigai. It

is believed that Saint Vishvaamitrar meditated for one kadigai on Lord

Narasimhar and obtained his title Bramha Maharishi here. The Saptha Rishis and

vaamathEvar came to this place and and started penance to have darshan of

Narasimha Avathaaram, and the Lord fulfilled their wish within one kadigai of

penance. Hence this hill is known as Kadikaachalam. After Sri Raama

avathaaram, aanchneYa wanted to go back to Sri vaikundam, and serve the Lord

there. The Lord instructed anchnEya to goto this place and protect the rishis

penance from the oncoming danger. Two demons by name kaalan and kEyan appeared

as soon as the rishis started penance and started to distrub their effort. Sri

hanuman wanted an instant tool to stop it and Lord Rama offered him his changu

and chakram with the help of which Hanuman killed the demons who tried to

prevent the tapas of saptha rishis and vaamathEvar . Hanuman also had the

darshan of Sri Narasimha in his avathaara kOlam at the lapse of a kadigai, and

along with the rishis, and accepted the order of Lord Narasimha to sit in front

of Him in the small hill and serve

as a protector for those whoever comes to this hills seeking relief from demons

or demon effects. It is believed that Lord Narasimha asked Hanuman to stay here

until the end of the Kali yugam and reach him after that. There is no other

place AanchnEyaa has such prominance, ( a hill and temple as his own abode) and

also with changu chakram and with four hands. Sage Durvaasa once sought the

thiruth thuzhaay maalai (ie thulasi garland) of this perumal and danced with

great joy by sporting this maalai on his own shoulder and and sirasu. There

were many saadhus present at that time and were witnessing this event. Buthan

or mercury one of the Nava grahams was also present in the form of a saadhu and

he laughed at this sage's act. Sage Thurvaasa cursed him and lord budhan had to

stay here in this sthalam and served all those sages who came with great

pleasure to this shrine after taking bath in the paandava theerththam and got

his curse (spell) cured or removed. On the way to hills Garuda Aaaroodar

Varadha Raaja perumal sannithi is there. It is believed that Kaanchi Varadhar

offered Garuda Vaahana Sevai to Maha Achaaryar known as Thottaachaaryar here.

(as he was not able to goto Kanchi that year and instead did meditate on this

Lord to offer that darshn there itself). Even to-day this event is observed in

Kaanchi and simulatneously here as a puase is kept at the entrance of this

temple during the bramotsavam and garuda sErvai such that the Lord goes to

kadigai for that instant to offer sEvai to thottaach chaaryaa. Similarly

erumbiyapa was also one of the great mahaans lived in this place and served the

Lord. This place is also used to be very fertile like chola naadu and was hence

called as Chola Simha puram which became sholinga puram later. In pattinap

paalai, it is refeerred that, Cholan karikaalan peruvaLaththaan called this

district as kadigaik kOttam; when he subdivided his

kingdom into 48 distritcs. This place is also one of the 74 simhaasanam

established by Sri Raamaanuja in his 74 simhhaasanaas outlining the principles

of Sri vishitaahthvaitham. Similar to Gunaseelam near Trichy, this place is

also known for relief from possessing, Billi Sooniyam, etc. People come here

and do Vratham for many days, take bath in Thakkaan kulam which is believed to

have the essence of many Mooligais and climb the hills every day to pray

anchaneYaa and Lord Narasimhar and get their Pini or Diseases or Theeraatha

nOykaL cured here. This place is also known for the presence of many Siththars

similar to Thiruvannaamalai, Kollimalai, and Kutraalamalai. It is believed that

the administration of this temple is under the Aatheenam of Sthala aachaarya

purushaals of Thottaachaaryar clan. This malai or hill is also known as

Ekasilaa parvatham meaning that the entire hill is made of one stone, which is

true and one can see that when they visit this shrine. There are unique methods

or procedures attributed to each of the 108 sthalam as vazhipaatu niyamanam. At

thiruppathi having the hair shaved and having a supra paatha darshanam are the

best, in oppiliappan koil observing sravana vratham (without salt) on sravanms

is the ideal. In this temple, it is the desire of the Lord that his bakthas

climb the steep footsteps (which are similar to the parama patha Sobaanam) and

pray the Lord.

Mangalagiri---a unique shrine No foe can cast me down,No fear can make me flee,

No sorrow fill my life with ill; Thy love surroundeth me. Warm as the glowing

sun, So shines Thy love on me; It wraps me round with kindly care, It draws me

unto Thee. So sang the poet on the glory of God's love and care. Lord Narayana

who manifested Himself on Mangala-Giri (the auspicious hill) in the present

Guntur district in His Narasimha aspect, continues to stay there in answer to

the prayers of the people to show His loving care for them. Lord Vishnu's

fourth incarnation Narasimha was designed to free the world from the

depredations of the demon king Hiranyakasipu

who, like his brother Hiranyaksha, had obtained from Brahma the boon of immunity

from attacks by human, beast and god. He also had Brahma's assurance that he

could be killed neither by day nor by night, neither inside nor outside of his

house. But the demon was, however, killed outside the conditions of Brahma's

boon due to Vishnu's Maaya and Prahlada's greatness of his devotion. The Varaha

and Narasimha Avataras are sometimes represented in a composite figure,

Vaikunta. Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one of the ancient Puranas, contains the

history of this sacred shrine, which is part of the Eastern Ghats. Mangalagiri

is one of the eight very great shrines in India, the origin of which is traced

to Kritayuga. The presiding deity is Panakala Narasimha Swamy. He drinks pots

of Panaka (jaggery mixed water) daily offered by devotees as Naivedya. When the

jaggery

water is poured into the mouth of the Lord with a conch (Shankha), a gurgling

sound is audible as if the Lord were drinking it. After sometime the voice

becomes shrill before it subsides and the Panaka is vomited indicating that the

Lord is satisfied. The rest of the Panaka is given to the devotees as Prasadam.

This happens hundreds of times daily for every pilgrim who offers it. Hence the

name Panakala Narasimha Swamy. It may be noted here that in spite of pouring

hundreds of pots of Panaka worth several tonnes of jaggery daily, not a single

ant or fly is seen anywhere near the shrine, which enhances the sanctity of the

shrine. According to the tradition, honey was offered to the Lord in Kritayuga,

milk in Tretayuga, ghee in Dwaparayuga and Panaka (jaggery water) in Kaliyuga.

Legend has it that Pariyatra, a king in the hoary past, had a son named Hrusva

Sringi with several congenital physical deformities. To cure himself of his

deformities he undertook a

pilgrimage visiting several holy shrines. Finally he reached Mangalagiri, where

he did penance for three years to the Lord with single-minded devotion. But his

father, King Pariyatra, was much against his son undergoing so much strain. He

dissuaded him from continuing his severe penance. However, Hrusva Sringi was

steadfast in his devotion to the Lord, but was afraid to say 'no' to his

father. So, with the power of his penance he assumed the shape of an elephant

and formed into a big mountain called Mangalagiri so as to make his body an

abode of Lord Narasimha. Ever since his body has been immortalised in the shape

of a holy mountain called Mangalagiri. At a later date Lord Vishnu, in His

aspect of Lakshmi Narasimha, killed a much dreaded demon called Namuchi and

installed Himself on Mangalagiri, which appears like an elephant in an angle.

The temple is situated at the mouth of the elephant-shaped mountain. There is

no other idol in the temple except that of Lord Narasimha

Swamy. Only the face of the Lord is sculptured in the hill itself. There is

another temple of Lakshmi Narasimha at the foot of the mountain, the origin of

which was traced back to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Mangalagiri

temple was said to be visited by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Adi Shankara, and

Ramanuja Charya who all sang in praise of the Lord. According to another

legend, Lord Srirama in the Tretayuga was advised to visit Mangalagiri to gain

Mukti as he could not get liberated in spite of strict observance of Dharma.

This shrine is also hallowed by the existence of Lakshmi Pushkarini built for

the ceremonial bath of Sri Maha Lakshmi before going to Vaikunta as the Consort

of Sri Maha Vishnu. Sri Anjaneya Swamy is said to be guarding this shrine. It is

popularly believed that Anjaneya Swamy wanted to follow Lord Rama to Vaikunta at

the end of His Avatara; but the Lord advised him to stay at Mangalagiri for ever

on the earth protecting the righteous

from evil forces. At the foothill there is an inscription belonging to the time

of Krishna Devaraya, of the Vijayanagara dynasty, who visited the shrine. On

the eastern gate of the lower temple there is a "Gali Gopuram" of dizzy height

built over 170 years ago by Sri Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, who ruled from

Amaravati. The "Gali Gopuram" has eleven storeys with openings facing east and

west. It is a marvellous example of a solid awe-inspiring construction. There

is also an ancient "Ratha" (temple car) with exquisite carvings depicting

scenes from Maha Bharata, Bhagavata and Ramayana. The 12-day Brahmotsavam in

March and Vaikunta Ekadasi are the main festivals, besides Srirama Navami,

Hanuman Jayanti, Narasimha Jayanti and the like. Mangalagiri is situated in

Guntur district on the Vijayawada-Guntur road and is about 8 miles from

Vijayawada after crossing the Krishna Barrage. The nearest railway station is

Mangalagiri on the Gintur-Vijayawada line. However,

it would be convenient to visit the shrine going by bus to Mangalagiri either

from Vijayawada or Guntur. Besides a few temple choultries, there are a

Panchayat choultry, a Vaisya choultry, a Madhva choulltry and a Brahmin

choultry.

Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh

About Temple :

The foot of the hill is known as Lower Ahobilam, where Lord Prahlada Varada or

Lakshmi Narasimha is enshrined. The shrine of Ugra Narasimha is situated in

Upper Ahobilam, which is the summit of the hill, at an altitude of about 2800

feet. It is a beautiful shrine with an attractive Gopura and Mandapa. Ugra

Narasimha is a Swayambu (self-manifested) in standing posture and with ten

arms. Here He is depicted in the Ugra or terrible form of Narasimha.

There are two peaks Vedagiri and Garudagiri, where the Vedas and Vishnus

mount Garuda did penance to have darshan of the Lord. The river Bhavanasini

originates here and flows into Raktha Kundam. The water in this tank is red in

colour and it is believed that Lord Narasimha washed His hands in the tank

after killing Hiranya Kashipu.

Pilgrims can reach the summit of the hill negotiating a nine-km mountainous path

in picturesque surroundings.

On the northern slope, there are shrines dedicated to Chatravatha Narasimha

(inside a cave in standing posture), Karanda Narasimha and Yogananda Narasimha

(in Yoga posture with crossed legs and hands resting on the knees) at different

altitudes. Yogananda Narasimha is said to have taught Prahlada yogic excercises.

On the opposite slope, there are shrines of Guha Narasimha, Krodha Narasimha and

Malola Narasimha (the Lord in a sublime mood with His consort Lakshmi). At the

entrance to the Guha Narasimha shrine, there is a massive stone pillar (Ukku

Sthamba) from which, it is said, the Lord emerged to kill the demon. Krodha

Narasimha is in the form of a boar. In the Jwala Narasimha shrine, the Lord is

depicted in a furious form in the act of killing Hiranya Kashipu. This is

situated between the two peaks of Vedagiri and Garudagiri. The shrine of Pavana

Narasimha is situated eight km from Lower Ahobilam on the banks of Pavana

Theertha.

SRI ANTERVEDI KSHETRAM

The Kshetram has sea in the East and South and river Godavari in the west. On

the North Rakta Kulya river flows. The temple is located in the village of

Antervedi, Netipalle Mandal of East Godavari District. It is about 35 km from

Rajolu. Number of Buses are available to take the pilgrims to this sacred

place. From Narsapur of West Godavari, the devotees go by motor boats .The

presiding diety of the temple is Sri Narasima Swamy.

Importance of the Temple

In Antarvedi who ever worships Lord Narasimha finds easiest means for achieving

the ultimate Mukti. It is said that there will not be any rebirth to the

devotees who take a dip in these places and offer charities. Performing

ceremonial formalities to the ancestors at this Holy Shrine is equivalent to

those done at Gaya and Ganges. In the month of Magha (January) the procession

of Lord is taken on the chariot and Dolepournami celebration takes place here

in the month of March (Phalguni). Antarvedi is said to be the second Varanasi

by the grace of Lord.

There are 5 important places of this sacred shrine and they are

The Sea

The Sagar Sangam

The Vasista River

The Raktakulya River

The Chakra Theertham

History of the Temple in Brief

Since Lord Brahma made this place as "Vedic" to perform Rudra Yaga to get free

from his sins it is therefore called Antervedi. Raktavilochana son of

Hiranyaksha with the boons granted by Lord Shiva unleashed terror in the region

and also killed one hundred sons of Vasista. Vasista who was not present at the

time of this horror, could witness the scene with his divine power in

Brahmaloka. He therefore prayed Lord Narasimha to save further destruction in

the hands of Raktavilochana. Lord Narasimha, therefore decended and fought

fiercely with the ferocious demon. Since the demon was granted a boon, assuring

that the number of sand particles denched by the drops of his blood take the

form of his body, Lord Narasimha created Maya Shakti and chopped of the hands

of Raktavilochana and ultimately killed him. Maya Shakti helped Lord Narasimha

in preventing the blood of the demon falling on the ground, with the result no

further bodies

of the demon could be produced. Joyous Vasista, on an auspicious day, in the

presence of all the gods consecrated the image of Lord Narasimha at Antervedi

and all sang his glory. As the time passed, Antervedi became a Jungle, where a

cow-heard called Keshavadas used to graze his cattle. On one day he found that

one of his cows rained his milk at an anthill and returned home dry. To worried

Keshavadas, Lord Narasimha appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a

temple for him. The cow-herd with the assistance of the villagers constructed a

temple at the anthill. The temple was further developed in 1923 by Sri Narendra

Lakshmi Narasimha Rao in gratitude of the god in saving his ships from sinking

in the sea.

Simhachalam

Simhachalam is about 16km north of Visakhapatnam. Simha means “lion”, and chalam

means “hill”. There is the famous Varaha Narasimha Temple here.

Near the foot of the hill is the sacred Pushkarini bathing tank. There is a

perpetual spring called Gangadhara by the Varaha Narasimha temple that is said

to have medicinal properties. To get to Gangadhara, if you are standing facing

the temple entrance, you proceed to the left until the end of the road, then

turn right and again go to the end of the road.

Varaha Narasimha Temple (Jiyada-Narasimha)This temple, whose Deity is known as

Varaha Narasimha Swami, is on top of a 240m (800 ft) hill about 16km northeast

of Visakhapatnam. This Deity is about ¾m (2½ ft) high. He has a two-armed human

form, but he has the head of a boar and the tail of a lion, thus making him

unique. Simhachalam is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples and is one of the

major Vishnu temples in India.

The priests daily apply layers of candana (sandalwood paste) to the Lord’s body

to cool his great anger. The sandalwood is removed only once a year during the

Vaishaka period (April/ May), bringing thousands of pilgrims on that day to see

the Lord’s form. The original Deity is situated within the depths of the temple,

but another Deity known as the vijaya-murti stands on the altar. When you come

close for darshan, what you actually see is the Lord covered by a mound of

dried sandalwood paste.

Priests, who generally belong to the Ramanuja-sampradaya (Sri-sampradaya), are

in charge of the Deity worship. Ramanuja visited here in the 11th century. Sri

Chaitanya came here.

As you approach the temple, the view of the high gopurams and elaborate carvings

is impressive. The temple was built in the 13th century by a military commander

of Narasimha I, who also built the Konark temple near Puri. It is a combination

of Orissan and Chalukyan styles of architecture. The temple buildings are black

granite, and carved into the rock are the forms and pastimes of Vishnu,

especially in his incarnation of Lord Narasimha.

North of the temple, outside the enclosure, is the Kalyana-mandapa, which has 96

intricately carved pillars. Here there are many sculptures of Lord Narasimha and

other Vishnu incarnations, such as Matsya and Dhanvantari.

According to the priests, a visit to this temple will bless barren persons with

offspring. Just outside the Deity room, in the mukha-mandapa (hall), is a

pillar named Kappam Stambham, which is decorated with cloth and surrounded by

silver plates and flower garlands. Women can be seen embracing this pillar and

praying with great devotion, asking the Lord to fulfill their desire for

children.

Temple StoryThe powerful demon Hiranyakasipu told his servants to throw his son

Prahlada into the sea at this place and to set a mountain over him. Lord Vishnu

jumped over the hill and lifted Prahlada from the sea, thus rescuing Prahlada

from his demoniac father. The Lord is said to have tilted the hill so Prahlada

could escape from underneath it.

On Prahlada’s request, the Lord then assumed the form of the Varaha-Narasimha

Deity so Prahlada could see both of the Lord’s aspects—the one by which he had

killed Hiranyaksa and the one by which he would kill Hiranyakasipu. After he

was granted this sight, Prahlada is said to have built a temple around the

Deity. Over thousands of years the temple deteriorated and was later found by

Pururava, who is mentioned in the Ninth Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Upon

discovery, Pururava heard a voice from the sky telling him to cover the Deity

with sandal paste and to expose him only once a year on Candana-yatra (the

Vaishaka-trtiya in April or May). Pururava covered the Deity with sandal paste

and rebuilt the temple, which has flourished ever since.

FestivalsOn Candana-yatra, the priests break the Deity’s sandalwood covering and

the Lord can be seen directly. This event takes place on Aksaya-tritiya, the

third day of the first half of the month of Vaishaka (April–May). The

sandalwood covering is taken off and the Deity is then ceremonially bathed. In

the evening, the Deity is again covered with sandalwood.

The Kalyanotsava Festival celebrates the marriage of the Lord to his eternal

consort, Lakshmi. It is performed with all the rituals and fire sacrifices of a

traditional Hindu wedding. It begins on the 11th day (Ekadasi) in the first half

of the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April) and continues for five days till

Purnima, the full moon day.

PracticalitiesThere are simple guesthouses by the temple.

Adivivaram, the village at the foot of the hill, is 4km from the Simhachalam Railway Station.

>From Visakhapatnam the #6A bus goes to Simhachalam. You get this bus at the side

of the RTC bus stand and you get off at the last stop. Once you get to the

Simhachalam station, walk out of the station, turn right, and walk a few

minutes to get to the bus that goes to the top of the hill. You can also

approach the temple by climbing the hill, which has about 800 steps. Once you

are on top of the hill you are directed to enter the temple through a side

entrance.