About Lord Narasima Swamy in Ahobilam

August 4, 2003

Hi All,

Perumal (Lord)

Ahobila Nrisimha - Sitting posture in Chakrasana facing East (Main temple)

Thayar (Consort) : Lakhmi, Senjulakshmi Other shrines : Jwala Nrisimha, Malola

Nrisimha, Kroda Nrisimha, Karanja Nrisimha, Bhargava Nrisimha, Yaogananda

Nrisimha, Kshatravata Nrisimha, Pavana Nrisimha Pushkarani : Pavanasini,

Bhargava, Indra, Nrisimha,Gaja Theerthams Vimanam : Guhai (Cave) Pratyaksham :

Prahalada, Adivan Satakopan

Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the

eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai.

The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Nrisimha located around a 5 KM

circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada

Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. 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.

Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To

fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of

dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be

known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.

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.

Sri Ahobila Mutham, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious

institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the

instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. 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. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya

Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.

Thirumangai Azhvaar has sung ten verses about this temple in Periya Thirumozhi.

Place: Kancheepuram

(The Kshetra, called the most important among the seven cities that give

liberation.)

Time: Just before dawn of the day (1398 C.E.).

Young Srinivasacharya, hardly twenty years of age, wakes up in an exciting mood.

The dream he witnessed a little while ago is the cause of it. Lord

Lakshmeenarasimha of Ahobilam appeared before him, commanding him to come to

Ahobilam, don the robe of a sanyasi and be instructed in his future mission of

life there. Could this vision be true, he kept asking himself again and again.

Ahobilam, of course he knew and worship there is not an unusual occurrence in

those days of pilgrimage; but that God should have chosen HIM of all people left

him amazed. He went about his morning ablutions as usual but in the same

ecstatic mind. He then hurried to his Guru the well known Gatikasatham Ammal and

told him of his vision. The old Master also known as Varadavishnvacharya told

his disciple Srinivasacharya to obey the mandate. So he wended his way to

Ahobilam. Having arrived there, he climbed the hill amidst dense forest (which

Thirumangai Azhvar describes as one which none can reach except God),

had a dip in the river Bhavanasini and took up abode in that wilderness.

Meanwhile Mukundaraya, the local chieftain also reached the, place to receive

him on divine command. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the

form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the " Preshmantra " , gave him 'Sanyasa

asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and

its First Jeeyar.

Sri Malolan in the divine hands of

Srimad Athvan Shatakopa Jeeyar

(This Archa Vighraham is in Ahobilam.)This is commemorated in the following

'mangala sloka'

" Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou

Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "

This incident can be seen now in the form of images, carved on a pillar in the

Ranga mandapa of the Lower Ahobilam temple (vide History of the Cult of

Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh by Dr. Madabhoosi Narasimhacharya).

Srinivasacharya, son of Kidambi Kesavacharya was born on 18th August 1379 CE at

Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote), Karnataka. Being a family of great orthodox views

and of high literary cultural attainments, the boy showed a remarkable mental

grasp and keen perception and so, his father Kesavacharya, himself a learned

man, decided to send him to Kancheepuram to study at the feet of Ghatikasatham

Ammal, a very great scholar of those days. The name Ghatikasatham Ammal

(grandson of the famous Nadadoor Ammal) was given to this learned preceptor in

honour of the fact that he could compose a hundred verses in a Ghatika

(Nazhigai). His school was the most famous and sought after during that period

and no wonder Kesavacharya decided to put his son Srinivasacharya there so as to

make him a brilliant scholar. Srinivasacharya acquired all the knowledge when

Lord Lakshmeenarasimha ordained him into the monastic order as mentioned above

and gave him the name 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. The Lord commanded him

to take any one of the 'Utsava' Moorthis and said the Jeeyar's task henceforth

would be, " Go from door to door taking me with you and minister to the, well

being of the disciples. Be thier Guru, purify them with my (Vishnu's) emblems of

the conch and the discus and instruct them in the Ashtaksharam, Dwayam, and

Charama Slolka. "

Sri Malolan of Sri Ahobila MuthamThe Jeeyar though anxious to start on his

mission right earnestly, could not decide on the 'Utsava' Moorthi he could take

with him. He, therefore, went into a meditation and prayed that the most

suitable Moorthi' should come and bless him. Immediately the 'Utsava Moorthi' of

Malola Narasimha (Lakshmeenarasimha) came flying from the temple and seated

Himself on the outstretched hands of the Jeeyar. Mukundaraya on hearing of this

miracle became his disciple and offered not only arrangements for permanent

daily worship but also gave a palanquin and other paraphernalia to assist the

Jeeyar in his sanchara (tour) along with the 'Malola' Moorthi. He also gave

control of all the temples to this Jeeyar and henceforth Ahobila Kshetram came

under the direct control of Ahobila Mutt whose pontiffs are even today the

hereditary trustees.

Now a look at the 'Malola' Moorthi will reveal that He wears a Paduka indicating

that He is ready to proceed on tour and thus both the Jeeyar and his God fully

equipped commenced their historic travel giving spiritual and material succour

to all who prayed in the course of their travel. Bearing the name Satakopa as he

was, it was natural that this first Jeeyar should be eager to visit

Alwarthirunagari the holy place sacred to Nammalwar. Having reached

Alwarthirunagari, he found to his dismay and grief that the temple of Nammalwar

was completely changed to one wherein eleven images of siva (linga) had been

installed and had come to be called Ekadasarudra Kshetra. The idol of Nammalwar

was not to be found anywhere. NammazhvarSetting up his camp there, Satakopa

Jeeyar went about his routine of preaching the doctrine of surrender (prapatti)

and gradually his fame spread as a mystic saint of great powers and efficacy.

Distressed at the loss of Nammalwar and his shrine, he constantly

recited Madurakavi's stanzas when Nammalwar appeared before him in a vision,

told him that his idol lay in the bed of a river adjacent to a ravine and that

the Jeeyar should recover and restore it. It so happened that the Pandya King of

that place was on a hunting trip around those parts and the Jeeyar's divine

personality instantly attracted him. He fell at the Jeeyar's feet and solicited

to become a convert to Vaishnavism. Accompanied by this king, the Jeeyar went to

the spot of the difficult terrain and prayed to Nammalwar and lo! the image

slowly emerged from the river bed and settled on the outstretched arms of the

Jeeyar just as 'Malola' Moorthi had done so earlier!! The King was spellbound

and without hesitation, (on the orders of the Jeeyar), he straightway removed

the saivite images and installed the Nammalwar's idol in the temple as before

with due pomp and favour thus restoring the temple's pristine Vaishnavite glory.

The British historian Mr. Sewell's list. of South

Indian Dynasties cull out one Kulasekhara Pandya as the reigning chief of this

period (vide History' of the Ahobila Mutt by S.N. Venkatesa lyer).

But the fact remains that the Pandya king whoever he was had built Mandapams

etc., at the temple and also made other arrangements for worship at the instance

of the first Jeeyar. The mandapam and other structures stand even today on the

banks of the river Tamraparani as also a shrine for Vedanta Desika constructed

by this saint. The king so adored this Jeeyar that he made a true image of this

Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar and had it duly installed in the Nammalwar shrine 'in

Alwarthirunagari. Pleased with the loving service of this Jeeyar, Nammalwar gave

him the name Adi (first), Van (powerful) Satakopa (Nammalwar's own name) by

which the Jeeyar came to be called. Henceforth the successive Jeeyars have

always the prefix " Van Satakopa " . Vedanta Desika for his part gave this Jeeyar

the suffix Mahadesikan as also the various titles (i) Srimat Vedamarga

Pratishtapanacharya, (ii) Paramahamsa Parivraajaka, (iii) Ubhaya Vedantacharya,

(iv) Sarvatantra Swatantra and (v) Bhagavat Ramanuja Siddhanta

Nirdharana Sarvabhouma. It will be significant to note that even today,

whenever and wherever the Jeeyars go, the air resounds with the cries of these

names chanted loudly by the followers of the mutt. Suffice it to say that

Yateendra (best of saints) applied very appropriately not only to this Jeeyar

but to every successive Jeeyars. This term is not applied to any other holy

order of which there are many.

This Pandyan King's incident was heard by King Mukundadeva Raya of Orissa who

was wandering in wilderness, having lost his kingdom to the Muslims. Keeping

himself abreast of the times, the Jeeyar felt it was expedient to come to the

rescue of this exiled monarch who had sought his help. The Guruparampara

describes the miracle of the pride of lions (Remember that Man-lion

manifestation of God) invaded Orissa and put to flight the philandering Muslims

who in sheer fright handed back the kingdom to Mukundadeva Raya and fled never

to return. While the Jeeyar was admiring the ways of his pet God Narasimha, the

King fell at the feet of this Jeeyar in great gratitude and accorded him all

honours befitting the occasion (vide history of Ahobila Mutt by S.N. Venkatesa

lyer). It is specially mentioned by the 7th Jeeyar in his famous samskrit drama

'Vasantika Parinayam'. Taking leave of the Orissa King, the Jeeyar, Sree Adivan

Satakopa Yateendra Mahadesikan then proceeded towards Vijayanagar

Kingdom whose Rajah received him with full honours and gave him grants and

presents. It was at this time that one Manappakkam Thozhappar became the

Jeeyar's disciple getting Panchasamskara as also expert knowledge in

Sreebhashyam, Bhagawad Vishayam and Rahasyatrayasaram at the Jeeyar's feet.

Marveling at the wisdom and learning of this Thozhappar, the Jeeyar asked him to

write authoritative text on various Sastras which Thozhappar did under eight

different heads earning the deserving title 'Vaidika Sarvabhouma'. As the head

of the 74 Simhasanadhipathis, this Jeeyar Adivan Satakopa then trekked his way

to Thirukudantai (Kumbakonam) to worship Lord Aravamudhan and then proceeded

further south to Nammalwar's place where he constructed a Mutt with all

conveniences for the benefit of Srivaishnavas. From here the Jeeyar went to

Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote) where after worshipping Ramanuja, Selva Pillai and

Yadugiri Nachiyar, he set up a camp on the banks of the Kalyani Pushkarani where

he

taught Sreebashyam and Rahasyatrayasaram to many Srivaishnavas.. One day,

people beheld the wonder of a five-headed serpent spreading its hood and

listening to the exposition of the Jeeyar's lucid interpretation of Ramanuja's

philosophy. The class was not perturbed and at the end of the session, the

serpent glided slowly and disappeared. That Ramanuja was the incarnation of

Adisesha impressed heavily on the audience who with one voice agreed that

Ramanuja Himself gave darsan now in the guise of a serpent and gave his approval

of Jeeyar's interpretations!

The King of those parts sought the Jeeyar's benediction to get rid of his

ailment and lo! his cure came as soon as he renovated the Rajagopuram of the

Thirunarayanapuram Ternple at the instance of the Jeeyar, who also installed the

Vigraha of Vedanta Desika there. In fulfillment of the desire in a vision of

Lord Venkatesvara, the Jeeyar then went to Thirupathi and camping there for

sometime, he built a Mutt both at Thirumala and Thirupathi, where idols of

Lakshmeenarasimha were consecrated by him. He also provided steps to climb the

Thirumala Hills and constructed several Mandapams on the way so that the

pilgrims could rest while negotiating the steep climb. The jiyar then reached

Kancheepuram where he built a 1,000 pillared Mandapam in the Varadaraaja swami

Temple and even now, one can witness a Lakshmeenarasimha image in one pillar

opposite to which is the figure of the Jeeyar in another pillar. It is said that

this mandapam was, constructed from out of the wealth surrendered to

the Jeeyar by a scholar by name Udayabhanu Misra who lost to the former in

vedantic debate. It seems this debate lasted nearly a fortnight when Vedanta

Desika appeared to the Jeeyar in a vision and told him to deal the matter by

referring to his (Desika's) treatise Sathadooshani, with the result Udhayabhanu

accepted defeat and became a disciple of the Jeeyar, who also built a frontal

Mandapam and temple for Deepa Prakasa at Thooppul and also a mandapam and

Sannidhi for Vedanta Desika whose idol was also duly installed there. After all

this, the Jeeyar took the road towards Sholingar visiting Thirupathi on the way

again and then proceeded to Sriperumbudur, the birthplace of Ramanuja. From

there he found his way straight to Srirangam where he was received with full

honours given to the prince among ascetics. Never was the reception so

spontaneous as was given here. Staying in this holy city, he renovated the

saptaprakara walls as was done by Thirumangai Azhwar earlier and Jataavarman

Sundarapandya a little later. At the northern entrance of the temple, he

constructed his mutt wherein the idol of Lakshmeenarasimha as also his own image

were installed. Then on divine command, he built a frontal mandapam at

Dasavatharam Sannidhi (built by Thirumangai Azhwar). Again as per Ranganatha's

wishes, he built a Sannidhi for Vedanta Desika in front of the Srirangam

Nachiyar Sannidhi and made arrangements for the daily worship there. The

northern Gopuram was built at his instance where his image can be seen even

today. He also constructed a mutt at the eastern gate of the Uttara Street duly

consecrating an icon of Lakshmeenarasimha. Having thus given fixity and method

to the activities, the Jeeyar was called upon to go to Melkote for the worship

of Thirunarayanan.

It is significant after that sixty years of divine service in his Sanyasa

asrama', and at an advanced age, the Jeeyar should come back to his place of

birth where he shed his mortal frame so as to be in the constant company of

Sreeman Narayana in Sreevaikunta. This happened in April 1458 C.E. and his

Brindavan in Melkote is a beacon light to his followers even to this, day. He

was succeeded by the eminent Nambakkam Swami Srivan Satakopa Sriman Narayana

Yateendra Mahadesikan.

Ahobilam (Singavel Kunram)

One of the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu revered by the Tamil hymns

of the Alwars of the 1st millennium CE

Location: Ahobilam near Nandyal(Andhra Pradesh)

(Vada Naadu)

Vishnu: Narasimha (Prahladavaradan),

Taayaar: Amritavalli

Theertham:Indra Theertham, Narasimha Theertham

Paasuram :Tirumangaialwar

Vimaanam:Guhai Vimanam

Travel Base:Cuddappah

Temples of Andhra Pradesh

Description Ahobilam is one of the most venerated Vaishnava temples enshrining

Narasimha. It is located near Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh. It is accessed from

Cuddappah on the Chennai Mumbai railroad.

Forty miles from Cuddapah is Allagedda, and there are bus routes to Ahobalam

from Allagedda. Other possible routes, are Nandyal-Allagadda-Ahobalam and

Dhone-Banganapalli-Koilakuntla-Ahobalam. It is referred to as the Nava Narasimha

Kshetram, and is the seat of the Ahobila Mutt.

Singavelkunram, praised in Tirumangai Alwar's decad of 10 verses in Tamil, is

the Ahobila Divya Desam, enshrining as many as nine images of Narasimha - and is

one of the two Divya Desams in Andhra Pradesh.

The Puranas state thet the Nallamalai hills from Kurnool to Chittoor district

are a personification of Adiseshan whose tail is Sree Sailam, middle is Ahobalam

and head is Tirumala.

Deities: This Nava Narasimha Kshetram enshrines Ahobila Narasimhan, Varaha

Narasimhan, Malola Narasimhan, Yogananda Narasimhan, Bhavana Narasimhan,

Kaarancha Narasimhan, Chakra Vada Narasimhan, Bhargava Narasimhan and Jwala

Narasimhan. In the temple at the foothills, the Moolavar Prahladavaradan in a

seated posture facing east; there are festival images of 8 of the Narasimhas,

other than malola Narasimha. The festival image of Malola Narasimha is located

in the Ahobila Mutt. The Moolavar in the Ahobila Mutt is Lakshmi Narasimha,

while the utsavar is Rama.

Upper Ahobalam is 2800 feet above sea level.It is an arduous trek to upper

Ahobilam from the foothills. The Lakshmi Narasimhar temple at the lower level,

has mandapams, with remnants of fine sculpture from the Vijayanagar period.

Upper Ahobilam enshrines Ahobila Narasimhan and Ugra Narasimhan. The moolavar

images were the only shrines of worship during the period of the Chalukyan king

Vikramaketu, while it was during the period of Prataparudra that festival images

were made. Krishna Devarayar is known to have made endowments here.

The two crests of the hill are caled Vedadri and Garudadri, through which the

Bhavanasini Thirtham flows. There is a pillar near the Ugra Narasimhar and the

Guha Narasimhar shrine; said to be the pillar, facing which the demon

Hiranyakasipu asked Prahlada to demonstrate the omnipresence of Vishnu.

Legend has it that Rama, separated from Sita worshipped Lakshmi Narasimhar here.

Legend has it that Garuda, desirous of seeing the Narasimha form of Vishnu

worshipped him here, and that Vishnu manifested himself as nine forms of

Narasimha. Mahalakshmi is believed to have reincarnated into a family of hunters

as Senjulakshmi, and married Narasimhar here. This event is commemorated in the

annual festival in the tamil month of Maasi, when the local tribe actively

participates in the festivities.

About the Temple :

Ahobilam (Sagel kunram) is one of the 108 temples & celestial abodes of Vishnu

situated near Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh . The deity here is in the form of Lord

Narasimha, with a lion face and a human body. Unlike the other places of worship

of this deity, Ahobilam is unique with all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha

being worshipped. Hence it is also called the " Nava Narasimha Kshetra " and is

the seat of Ahobila mutt. The place also referred to as the Ahobila divyadesam

is one of the two divyadesams located in Andhra Pradesh.

The two crests of the hill of this NavaNarasimha Kshetram are called Vedadri and

Garudadri, through which the Bhavanasini Thirtham flows. The puranas state that

the Nallamalai hills from Kurnool to Chittoor district are a personification of

Adiseshu whose tail is Sree Sailam, middle is Ahobilam and head is Tirumala.

Ahobilam is divided into two parts – The lower Ahobilam and the upper Ahobilam.

The Temple and the Deity :

The deity at Lower Ahobilam is Prahlada varada Narasimha, in a sitting posture

facing the east and blessing Prahlada. Three Prakaras that are built in the

Vijayanagara style, similar to those found on the outer walls of the Hazaramma

temple at Hampi, bound this temple. The temple has a sanctum, mukhamantapam,

Rangamantapam marked with fine sculpture of Vijayanagara period. Massive pillars

with postures of musicians, divine figures, Yakshas riding on Yalis and horses

with their rear legs mounted on the Makaras etc., are some masterpieces. The

Narasanayaka figure of Srikrishna Devaraya is one of prominence. A little away

from the temple is the Alwar Koneru, a drinking water lake.

The Upper Ahobilam is 2800 feet above the sea level. A 9 Km. hill path, cutting

across the aesthetic beauty of hills and forests with several waterfalls, takes

us to the Upper Ahobilam. This enshrines the Ahobileshwar or Guha Narasimham and

Ugra Narasimham. The Ahobileshwar temple is located on the western side of the

sacred stream of Vavinasi, which joins River Krishna. Near these shrines is a

pillar, which is said to be the one from which Narasimha emerged.

Ahobilam enshrines the deities –

Ahobila Narasimha Varaha Narasimha Malola Narasimha Yogananda Narasimha Bhavana

Narasimha Kaarancha Narasimha Chakra Vada Narasimha Bhargava Narasimha Jwala

Narasimha.

In the temple at lower Ahobilam are the festival images of all the forms of

Narasimhas, other than Malola Narasimha, the festival image of which is in the

Ahobil Mutt. Festival images were brought in vogue only during the period of

Prataparudra, earlier to which only the main idol or the moolavirat was

worshipped during the Chalukyan king Vikramaketu. Krishna Devaraya is known to

have made some life donations here.

Sthalapuranam :

It is believed that Lord Vishnu has incarnated as Narasimha Swamy here. Things

like the red blood streaks of Hiranyakasapa that move on to the cave of

Guhanarasimha and the half-broken pillar from which Narasimha was said to have

emerged are shown as proofs. The pillar is known to remain undisturbed by even

the greatest calamities like earthquakes. Ugranarasimha idol shows the posture

of killing the demon king Hiranyakasapa.

Legend says that Garuda, worshipped Lord Vishnu with a desire to see his

Narasimha Avatar. Pleased with his worship, Vishnu is said to have manifested in

the nine forms of Narasimha at Ahobilam. Lord Rama, after getting separated from

Sita is also said to have worshipped Lakshmi Narasimha here.

Another legend says that Mahalakshmi has taken birth here in the family of

hunters as " Chenchulakshmi " and married Narasimha to calm him down after he

killed Hiranyakasapa in the avatar. A festive annual fair is carried over to

this extant in the Tamil month of Maasi, when the local tribe actively

participates.

AHOBILAM

Location: 74-km From Nandyal, Kurnool District

Presiding Deity: Lord Narasimha In Nine Forms

Architecture: Vijayanagar Style

What To See: Nine Shrines Of Lord Narasimha

Ahobilam, is a great religious centre of considerable antiquity, it is located

74-km from Nandyal and 26-km from Allagaddal. It is a reputed Hindu pilgrim

centre, especially for Vishnavites. The temple is divided into two parts- the

lower 'Ahobilam' and the upper Ahobilam. The upper Ahobilam is a plateau 2,800'

above sea level.

The two crests of the hill are being called " Vedadri " and " Garudadri " , through

which the sacred 'Bhavanasani Teertham' flows. The Teertham divides into two and

joins Kumadavati and Pennar. The Teertham is said to be an 'Antarvahini' i.e., a

river that flows inside during part of its course. This place is known as

" Singavel Kundram " . This temple lies in the Centre of three 'Prakara', which are

built in the Vijayanagar style.

The Legends

The lord in upper Ahobilam is said to be a 'Swayambu' i.e., self-manifest. There

are two popular legends for the, derivation of the word Ahobilam. It is stated

that the 'Devas', while witnessing the 'Ugrakala' of the Lord and the terrific

aspect he took on in order to tear to pieces Hiranyakasipu, sang in his praise

and hence the place has come to be known as Ahobilam. The other version is that

because of the great cave, the Ahobila, where 'Garuda' worshipped and realised

the Lord, the place itself is come to be called Ahobila. 'Chenchus' are a

peculiar tribal people who live in these hills.

The temple of 'Prahlada Varada' is 'Lakshminarasimha'. Down the hill, is the

lower Ahobilam, which is dedicated to Lord Narasimha - one of the 'Dasha

Avatars' of Lord Vishnu, which he took on in order to kill the demon

Hiranyakashyapu. From the foot of the hill one has to ascend up the hill, to

reach what is called Upper Ahobilam At upper Ahobilam worship is offered to

'Navanarasimhas', the nine forms of Lord Narasimha. Nearby this temple there is

'Alwar Koneru', which supplies good drinking water.

Nine Forms Of Lord Narasimha

There is a temple of 'Chatravata Narasimha' (first form), about a mile and a

half from the main temple. The image of the deity is installed under pippal tree

surrounded thorny bushes.

'Yogananda Narasimha', is the second form of the nine forms. The popular legend

is that after destruction of Hiranyakasipu, Lord Narasimha taught Prahlada his

disciple, several yogic postures and the Lord in this aspect is called Yogananda

Narasimha. The temple is a magnificent one, with a 'mandapa' and 'gopura'. It is

said that the 'Maha Rishis', 'Gobhila' and 'Bharadwaja' are said to have done

'Tapascharya' in order to rid themselves of the sins that they had committed.

Amongst several shrines of Narasimha installed on the hill path, about six

miles, and is cut across virgin hills and forests, and served by several

cascades of exquisite natural beauty is a shrine of 'Karanda Narasimha' (third

form).

Very near is the shrine of Yogananda Narasimha is the shrine of 'Guha Narasimha'

(fourth form), at the entrance of which is a huge pillar.

In a southern slope of the hill the Lord in his fierce aspect called 'Ugra

Narasimha' (fifth form) is worshipped. The popular belief is that Lord Vishnu

emerged as Ugra Narasimha and killed the demon from the pillar, which

Hiranyakasipu kicked asking his son to prove whether Lord Vishnu was immanent in

that pillar. It is said that the existing pillar is the same pillar.

The shrine of 'Kroda Narasimha' (sixth form), where the Lord is worshipped in

the form of a boar is located at three furlongs from the shrine of Ugra

Narasimha. It is believed that if 'Narayana Satakshari Japa' and 'Parayana' of

'Varahakanda' are done at this-shrine for three days, it bestows immense

spiritual benefit to the devotee.

The famous shrine of 'Malola Narasimha' (seventh form) is located just two miles

from Kroda Narasimha Shrine. The deity here is a 'Santaroopa', always in sport

with the divine mother Lakshmi. The famous 'Kakathiya' King 'Prataparudra' has

donated the 'Utsava Vigraha' made of gold, which is under worship, by the great

spiritual seers of Ahobilam called the " Ahobilam Jeers " .

The 'Jwala Narasimha' shrine (eighth form), an eight armed form rushing out of

the pillar is where the Ugrakala of the Lord is seen, and this is said to be the

actual spot, where the fierce anger of the Lord reached its climax when he tore

Hiranyakasipu.

Nearby, is the 'Pavana Narasimha' (ninth form), where worship in the 'Shakta'

form of the worship of the Lord, is said to be done.

Festivals

Sri 'LakshmiNarasimha Swami Bramotsavam' is celebrated annually for four days

from 'Phalguna Suddha Panchami' (February-March). About 20,000 Hindu devotees

attend it.

HOW TO GET THERE

Rail & Road: There are three routes, which a tourist can opt for to reach

Ahobilam according to their convenience. Pilgrims from the north can get down at

Nandyal, which is a railway junction from Kurnool, and travel by bus to

Allagadda and Ahobilam, which is only thirty miles from Nandyal.

The second route is from Dhone which is another railway station and from which

one can reach Ahobilam via Banganapalli and Koilakuntla.

The other and easy route is to get down at Cuddapah, which is a district

headquarters and an important railway station in the Chennai - Mumbai route.

From Cuddapah one has to travel to Allagadda, which is forty miles over and from

there by bus to Ahobilam.

WHERE TO STAY:

Tourists can stay at Lakshmi Nilayam Tourist rest house, TTD Choultry and Arya

Vysya Choultry at lower Ahobilam.

AHOBILAM

Facts to File

How far :363 km from Hyderabad, 262 km. from Tirupati and 74 km from Nandyal

(Kurnool dist)How to go: Air: Hyderabad & Tirupati are the nearest airports.

Rail: Nandyal town (74 km. on Guntur-Hubli line) and Cuddapah ( 118 km. on

Madras-Bombay line) are the convenient railheads.

Bus: 34 km. from Allagadda, which is connected by state buses from Hyderabad,

Tirupati, Chittoor, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Nellore and Madras. Where to stay:Lakshmi

Nilaya Tourist rest house, TTD Choultry and Arya Vysya Choultry at lower

Ahobilam. What to see :Prahladavarada Narasimha temple, Alwar Koneru and Nine

forms of Lord Narasimha

Ahobilam, which is known as Singavel Kundram, is dedicated to Lord Narasimha,

the lion form of Lord Vishnu, which he took to kill the demon Hiranyakashyapa.

Of the many places of Narasimha worship, this place is unique, being the only

place where all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha are worshipped. Hence it is

also called Nava Narasimha Kshetra.

The temple is divided into two parts- the lower Ahobilam and the the upper

Ahobilam. The lower Ahobilam is the abode of the Prahladavarada Narasimha, the

form of Lord Narasimha blessing Prahlada. This temple lies in the center of

three Praakaras built in Vijayanagara style. About a furlong from this temple is

the Alwar Koneru, a drinking water lake.

An ascent up the hill leads to upper Ahobilam, the lord here is Ahobaleswar. A 9

km. hillpath cutting across virgin hills and forests with several waterfalls and

exquisite scenic beauty takes one to Ahobaleswar temple, located at the western

side of a sacred stream known as Vavinasi (one who checks ego), which joins the

river Krishna.

LEGEND

It is believed that Narasimha manifested Himself in a natural rock cave. This

place is considered as one of the 10 divya kshetras of the country. The main

temple at the lower Ahobilam consists of a Sanctum, a Mukhamantapam and a

Rangamantapam all of which are decorated with excellent sculptures on the

pillars. The massive composite pillars in the Rangamantapam are profusely carved

with figures Yakshas riding on Yalis and horses with their rear legs mounted on

the Makaras.In fact the lower Ahobilam temple may be considered a veritable

museum exhibiting some masterpieces from the Vijayanagara Art. Large figures of

musicians, sensuous women, divine figures of Rama and Laxmana are pictursque.

Apart from this, the Narasa Nayaka figure of Srikrishna Devaraya is very

attractive. The exterior of upper Ahobilam is also decorated with excellent

sculptures similar to those found on the outer walls of the Hazaramma temple at

Hampi.

Ahobilam

Ahobilam is a place in Kurnool district of Andhra pradesh.The place is hilly

and full of forests.The hill ranges extend both to north and south.The hills

extending to north is called " srisailam " and the hills extending to south is

called " seshachalam " Thirupathy.The hill ranges around Ahobilam is also known as

" Garudachalam " . Garuda , son of Kashyapa did penance here to get his position

as vehicle of lord Vishnu. Another peak in this area is called " Vedachalam " .

Here vedas did did penance for protection against Asuras.

Ahobilam is considered as a sacred place with benevolence of Lord Narasimha.One

of the peaks of this place is considered to be the place where the lord assumed

Narasimhaavatara.Referring to the sanctity of the place, Brahmanda purana says "

one day stay at Ahobilam is worth more than years of stay at other sacred places

Feeding and Charities at Ahobilam is very highly beneficial'

During 1291 to 1322,a king named'Pratapa Rudra Deva' was ruling Telengana.He was

a great devotee of Lord Siva.He would cast an image of Lord Siva in gold and

would give it away as a charity everyday before taking his food.On one

occasion,he was passing through Ahobilam and camped there . To his surprise,the

gold casting took the form of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha.From Scholars,he learnt

that Ahobilam is ''Narasimha kshetra' and everything is Narasimha at this

place.Later,he also worshipped Lord Narasimha and arranged for the installation

of golden idol at the temple there.Even today,this idol is being worshipped by

the Jeers of Ahobila mutt.

When Lord Rama was passing through forests in search of Sita , it is said that

he passed through Ahobilam , and worshipped Lord Narasimha through five hyms

known as " Sri Nrisimha Pourchamrita Sostram " . Devas who witnessed this worship

said " Raghavena Kritam Sostram Punchamritam " ( Sostras composed by Lord Rama

is Panchamritam ).

This holy place devoted to Lord Narasimha , has a number of temples for Lord

Narasimha . The important ones are

Prahalada Narasimha

Bhargava Narasimha (Hiranya Kashipu on the Lap)

Chakravata Narasimha

Yoga Narishma

Karanja Narasimha

Ahobila Narasimha ( Hiranya kashipu on the Lap)

Varaha Narasimha

Malola Narasimha

Jwala Narasimha

This holy place where one can seek the benevolence of Lord Narasimha , would not

have been available to Mankind but for Sri.Adivan Satagopa Maha Desikan.

AHOBILAM - THE ABODE OF NAVA NARASIMHAS.

The Himalayas rise high to the everest in the north while the far

south of India shows the deep sea - rather the communion of the three

oceans. The western region and the eastern region of Peninsular

India, on the otherhand, while tapering towards Kanyakumari, exhibit

a wide range of maountains known as Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats

respectively. While the Western Ghats present wholesome sceneries

and adventurous travel both by rail and road, the Eastern Ghats

display not only picturesque view but demonstrate divinity as well.

The Eastern Ghats are likened to the great serpent Adisesha basking

in the sun with His head (or hood) at Thirumala, His middle at

Ahobilam and His tailend portion at Srisailam- all the three with

famous temples on them.

The subject we have before us is Ahobilam. Ofcourse, Thirupathi and

Srisailam are also frequented pilgrimage centres. Ahobilam because

of this special issue. Not only Mahabharata; but also ancient

Puranas like the Kurma Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana mention

about Ahobilam and its presiding deity Narasimha. In fact, Brahmanda

Purana says that this place was once the palace of Hiranyakasipu who

was slain by Sriman Narayana manifesting as Narasimha from a pillar

there for the sake of His staunch devotee Prahlada. Vagaries of time

brought about the destruction of the then existing structures

yielding place to nature's creation of the mountain range that

preserved the site of incarnation as " Svayam Vyakta Kshetram " of Lord

Narasimha.

According to Sthala Purana, there are two popular " legends " (the

appropriateness of terms like legend, myths or mythology etc in

relation to Shastras is questionable) for the derivation of the word

'Ahobilam'. It is stated that the Devas while witnessing the

terrific aspect (Ugra Kala), the Lord took on in order to tear to

pieces Hiranyakasipu sung His Praise as 'Ahobala' meaning Lo] The

strength. Hence this place has come to be known as Ahobilam. In

support of this, there is a Prapatti shloka about ahobilam that

reads: " ahovIryam ahosauryam

ahobAhu ParAkramah:

nArasimham Param daivam

ahobilam ahobalam "

The other version is that because of the great cave, the ahobila,

where Garuda worshipped, did penance and realised the Lord, the place

itself has come to be called Ahobilam. The ahobilam Kaifiyat gives

support to this " legend " . The Ahobilam Kaifiyat forming part of

Mackenzie collections gives very valuable information regarding the

Ahobilam temples. Kaifiyats - the digests from 'Kaviles' or village

registers containing information on the political, social, religious

and other conditions of the villages in Deccan were prepared by

Pandits and Mussaddis working under Col. Mackenzie. The Ahobilam

Kaifiyat is in Telegu and available in the state Archives at

Hyderabed.

As per this record, " On one of the mountains in the Nallamalai hill

rage, eight amadas from Srisaila Kshetra, Garuda commenced silent

penance to obtain a vision of Lord Narasimha who destroyed

Hiranyakasipu. The Lord in His grace, after long years of the tapas

of Garuda, manifested Himself in the cave of a mountain.

" Ten Paravus to the northeast of the mountain, where Garuda was doing

Penance, a vision of His manifestation was then granted to Garuda,

who after obtaining a sign of the location of the mountain cave,

gladly travelled thither and saw the embodiment of the Satswaroopa,

Mahapurusha, Lord Jwalanarasimha not easily accessible to common

people. Garuda then worshipped the Lord, and praised Him that

'ahobilam is mahabalam' (Ahobilam is a great sustainer with

strength). The Lord's Divya Mangala vigraha was worshipped by Him

with several stotras. Garuda then considered Himself as blessed

after a vision of the Lord. This divine place thereafter obtained

the deserving name of Ahobbilam.

" The mountain on which Garuda performed Tapas became famous as

Garudachala. In the days of yore when truth and dharma prevailed,

great heat was observable near the mountain cave of Ahobila;

according to " legend " when green grass was put in the cave, it would

catch fire and smoke would be emitted. Several great Rishis lived

there for a time; after sometime with the knowledge that great places

would become common Janapadas in the Kali age, they left for northern

lands, covering up the Narasimha cave with boulders. Traditionally

therefore this place is being called the Narasimha Kshetra. There

are thus nine Narasimha places - Nava Narasimhas, Rishi-installed and

worshipping areas:

Jwala Ahobila Malola

Kroda Karanja Bhargava

Yogananda Kshatravata

PAvana nava Moorthayaha.

The nine Narasimha sthalas are (1)Jwala narasimha (2) Ahobila

narasimha (3) Malola Narasimha (4) KroDa narasimha (5) Karanja

narasimha (6) Bhargava narasimha (7) YogAnanda narasimha (8)

Kshatravata narasimha and (9) PAvana or Holy narasimha.

Before visiting these nine shrines, let us see how we approach this

place. Situated in the Nallamalai hills, Ahobilam is about 24

kilometers from Allagadda Taluq Headquarterrs, 112 kms from Cuddappah

and 65 kms from Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh, and can be reached by bus

from Hyderabad and also by rail via Kurnool and then by bus from

there. Thirumangai AzhwAr has sung the SingavEl Kunram is accessible

to none but Devas. This is partially true even today since the area

and the hills are covered with thick vegetation, thorny bushes and

forests where leaves rustle and crickets chirp. The whole complex is

in two parts- one called Yeguvu Ahobilam or upper Ahobilam with the

Nava Narasimha shrines and the other called Diguvu Ahobilam or lower

Ahobilam with a single shrine for Lakshim Narasimha connected by a

road, stretching a distance of about 12.8kms. from Lower Ahobilam to

Upper Ahobilam. From there, the other shrines are to be reached only

by trekking and managing difficult terrain, flowing streams and

slippery rocks. The nature is bounteous there affording plenty of

water by way of ponds, brooks and resting places under shdes of

forest growth. One can witness several cave like rocks on the way.

Quite an adventureous trip indeed to be enjoyed, if one has faith,

will power and devotion. Lions dwell in the forest and no wonder the

half lion manifestation that Narasimha took chose to dwell in similar

surroundings. If one can undertake a strenous traverse of 8kms from

Upper Ahobilam, one can see the Ugrastambham and have a darshan of

Ukkukambamu (pillar) on the mountain said to be the one from which

Lord Narasimha emerged in response to Prahlada's prayers.

To be continued Detail descriptions of the Nava Narasimha shrines.

Source Acharyas of Ahobilam 1992 Special Nrsimha Priya issue.

Jaganath

Ahobilam

Ahobilam is at a distance of 74 km. from Nandyal and 360 km. from Hyderabad.

This place is known as Singavel Kundram and is dedicated to Lord Narasimha – the

lion form of Lord Vishnu which he took on in order to kill the demon

Hiranyakashyapa.

There are many places in which the Narasimha avatara of Lord Vishnu is

worshipped, but only at Ahobilam are all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha i.e.,

Nava Narasimha worshipped.

Mahanandi

Mahanandi is 320 km. from Hyderabad and 16 km. from Nandyal. Mahanandi, one of

the Nava Nandis in the country, is situated in the thick forests of Nallamalai

hills, Nandyal taluk of Kurnool District. The temple here is dedicated to Sri

Mahanandiswara Swamy in the form of a Linga.

The outstanding feature in Mahanandi temple is the crystalline water which flows

throughout the year from five perennial springs.The water is so abundant that

about 1000 acres of banana plantations are irrigated with these springs alone.

Mantralayam

Madhwa Saint Sri Raghavendra attained his Samadhi at Mantralayam near Kurnool

some 300 years ago. A large number of followers and devotees of all religious

sects throng this little town located on the banks of river Tungabhadra all

through the year.

Facts to File

How far : 363 km from Hyderabad, 262 km. from Tirupati and 74 km from Nandyal

(Kurnool dist)

How to go : Air: Hyderabad & Tirupati are the nearest airports.

Rail: Nandyal town (74 km. on Guntur-Hubli line) and Cuddapah ( 118 km. on

Madras-Bombay line) are the convenient railheads.

Bus: 34 km. from Allagadda, which is connected by state buses from

Hyderabad, Tirupati, Chittoor, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Nellore and Madras.

Where to stay : Lakshmi Nilaya Tourist rest house, TTD Choultry and Arya Vysya

Choultry at lower Ahobilam.

What to see : Prahladavarada Narasimha temple, Alwar Koneru and Nine forms of

Lord Narasimha.