Sunday 22 September 2013

Ahobilam Nava Narasimha Temples

Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai.  Also it is located at a distance of 40 km from Nandyal and about 150 km from Kurnool, the district headquarters.


The Nine Narasimhasthalas are :- 1. Jwala Narasimha 2. Ahobilam Narasimha 3. Malola Narasimha 4. Kroda Narasimha 5. Karanja Narasimha 6. Bhargava Narasimha 7. Yogananda Narasimha 8. Chatravata Narasimha and 9. Pavana Narasimha.


The shrine of the Ahobilam temple is situated on the top of the first range and is referred to as Upper Ahobilam and down below is called Lower Ahobilam. A huge temple surrounded by a number of buildings can be seen at the Upper Ahobilam. The main shrine or the "sacro sanctum" at Upper Ahobilam was carved out of a big egg like rock with mandapams. There is a tank here, which supplies water to the residents of the Upper Ahobliam temple. It is mainly for growing flowers for the shrine.

There is a Lower Ahobilam in the below with a big temple and enclosures, It was built according to the South Indian style. Thousands of pilgrims can stay here in this temple. The priests of both Upper and Lower Ahobilam stay there even today.



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

On the way to Upper Ahobilam from Lower Ahobilam, we can see the Karanja Narasimha Temple.

Best way to complete all 9 Narasimha is start with Upper Ahobilam, for that you need a guide because it is inside deep forest.

1. Ahobilam Narasimha:
The temple, situated on the Upper Ahobilam, at a distance of 8km from the Lower Ahobilam, is the main temple and the earliest of all the nine temples there. The Lord here appears in his fierce aspect, called Ugra Narasimha, who is the presiding deity of the temple and is known as Ahobila Nrisimha Swamy. It is firmly believed the Lord Narasimha was 'Svayambhu' (self-manifest) here.


2. Kroda Narasimha:
The temple of this Lord is 1km away from the main temple of Ahobilam Nrisimha Swamy on the Upper Ahobilam. The image of the deity has the face of a boar (varaha or kroda) and the Lord is seen along with his Consort, Lakshmi. Hence the Lord of the temple is known as Krodakara (Varaha) Narasimha Swamy here.

3. Jwala Narasimha:
 The temple of Jwala Nrisimha Swamy, lies higher up the above temple, on a hill called, 'Achalachaya Meru'. This is about 4km from the Upper Ahobilam temple. This place is said to be the actual spot, where the fierce anger of the Lord reached its culmination when he tore Hiranyakasipu.


4. Malola Narasimha:
Nearly 2km from the main temple of Upper Ahobilam, is the famous shrine of Malola Narasimha Swamy. The deity here appears in 'soumya' (graceful) form. As Lord Narasimha is seen with his consort, Lakshmi, He is known as Malola Narasimha Swamy. The word 'Malola' means beloved to Lakshmi (Ma=Lakshmi, Lola= beloved).


5. Karanja Narasimha:
This shrine is situated at a distance of 1km from the Upper Ahobilam and one furlong from the road leading to Lower Ahobilam. The image of the deity is installed under a tree, called 'Karanja Vruksham'. Hence this Lord is called Karanja Narasimha Swamy.


6. Yogananda Narasimha:
This temple is to the south-east of Lower Ahobilam at a distance of 2km. The popular legend is that after killing Hiranyakasipu, Lord Narasimha taught Prahlada several yogic postures. Therefore, the Lord in this aspect is called Yogananda Narasimha. It is on the same route to Pavana Narasimha.



7. Chatravata Narasimha:
About 3km  from lower Ahobilam, the image of the deity is installed under a peepal tree, surrounded by thorny bushes. Hence, the Lord is called as Chatravata Narasimha Swamy. It is on the same route to Pavana Narasimha.


8. Pavana  Narasimha:
Pavana Narasimha is on the banks of the river, Pavana and it is about 6km from the Upper Ahobilam temple. Hence the Lord of the shrine is known as Pavana Narasimha Swamy.
In addition to the shrines mentioned above, there is a famous shrine dedicated to God Narasimha Swamy in the Lower Ahobilam, which is popularly known as Prahlada Varada Sannidhi. The other objects of this place are 'Ugra Sthambham' and 'Prahlada Mettu'.

 
A. Ugra Stambham:
At a distance of 8km from the Upper Ahobilam temple, we can see a cleft of the mountain dividing it into two visible parts. It is a long-held view that from the cleft, the Lord appeared in the form of Narasimha and this cleft is known as 'Ugra Sthambham'.


B. Prahlada Mettu:
The small shrine, situated in a cave on the hill, is in between Ugra Sthambham and the Upper Ahobilam. It is dedicated to Prahlada Narashimha Swamy. The image of the Prahlada is installed in a small cave.




9. Bhargava Narasimha:
The Bhargava Narasimha Swamy is situated at a distance of 2km from the Lower Ahobilam, on a hill, near the sacred pond, known as 'Bhargava Theertham', where Bhargava Rama performed his penance. Hence the Lord of the temple is known as Bhargava Narasimha Swamy. It is different side of Pavana Narasimha.

Secret of this temple is we have to cover all 9 Narasimha temples in a single day.

Traveling to Ahobilam from Bangalore:
From Bangalore, Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not very convenient from Bangalore. Prasant Express leaves Bangalore at 2:00 p.m. and reaches Nandiyal at about 11:50 p.m. From Nandiyal, Ahobilam is about 60 KM via Allagadda. The return train to Bangalore leaves Nandiyal at about 11:10 p.m. and reaches Bangalore at 10 a.m.
By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and Allagadda. The drive is about 7:30 hours.
Also there are many APSRTC bus to Allagadda from Bangalore. From Allagadda, there are many local bus to lower Ahobilam.

Few hotels are available at Lower Ahobilam. And there are no hotels in Upper Ahobilam.

November & December is the best season to visit Ahobilam.

51 comments:

  1. It is believed that when Lord Narasimha emerged from the Kambha the first step itself produced 172 sounds which are the first basic tenets of 172 classical ragas encompassing all that can be conceived in all possible man made types. Of this only 52 Melakarta ragas exist today and even these cannot be mastered by any one individual, however prolific his learning may be.We mortals cannot even fathom the extent of the sound vibrations the LORD would have rendered for man's understanding with his own limitations.

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    1. We have 72 melakarta ragas now... And 172 sounds?? Is there any authentic scripture or aomesomet for that??

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  2. 1) Ugra Narasimha(MAIN)-- MRS

    2) Kroda Narasimha -- RHU

    3)Jwala Narasimha --- SAT

    4)Malola Narasimha --- SUN

    5)Karanja Narasimha -- MER

    6)Yogananda Narasimha -- JUP

    7)Chatravata Narasimha -- MON

    8)Pavana Narasimha --- KTU

    9)Bhargava Narasimha --- VEN

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    1. from Chennai we operate, Friday night we leave and return back sun night. cost 6500/- all inclu

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    2. Hi I like to visit this temple from Chennai. Please contact me kishore16 9841234517

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    3. Hi I like to visit this temple from Chennai. Please contact me kishore16 9841234517

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  3. I have visited ahobilam got to know
    Malola narasimha - sukra
    Yogananda narasimha - sani
    Bhargava narasimha - surya
    Kroda narasimha - rahu

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    1. I visited all the Swayam bhu nine temples along with prathista lakshmi narasimha swamy temple in a single day. As per the guide
      (1) Ugra Narasimha swamy - Jupiter
      (2) varaha - Rahu
      (3) jwala - Mars
      (4) Malola - Venus
      (5) Karanja - Moon
      (6) Yogananda - Saturn
      (7) Chatravata - Ketu
      (8) paavana - Mercury
      (9) Bhargava - Sun

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  4. Can I get these details in tamil

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  5. How much should we pay for guide

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    1. Dear Pruthvi,

      The Guide cost is all the nine temples+Ugra Stambam = Rs. 1400-1500. Of these Pavana+Yogananda+Chatravata + Bhargava is travelled by Jeep and the cost of that is Rs. 2400/-. The jeep entry for offering prayers to Pavana Narasimha is restricted by Forest Dept i.e if we catch a jeep after 3pm it will not be allowed for Darshan. The first Jeep Darshan starts from 5 am to 2pm.

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    2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    3. hi Balaji. is 2400/- for 1 jeep? how many persons can be accommodated in 1 jeep? is the jeep cost inclusive of all the above 4 Narasimhas?

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  6. Nice post on Narasimha temple. Hope you had a spiritual experience. Temple is near Kurnool, known as the Gateway to Rayalaseema. It is a famous tourist destination and there are many more places to visit in Kurnool and around it. Its a must visit place.

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  7. I am so happy

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  8. I am so happy

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  9. Although everyone of us has some controlling power, we are not the supreme controller. The supreme controller is God, Krsna.

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  10. I have covered all the 9 + 1 temple dedicated to Narshima god in the lower ahobilam side in a single day.

    The temples are simply the best.

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    1. hai this is sunil from banglore..next month im planning to go to ahobilam...9 temple is it possible to cover in one day..plz reply me how..plz explain which place ur going 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

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  11. very devotional temple. every one has to visit once in life time . the environment made me feel awesome. jai narashima.

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  12. I WANT TO VISIT ONE MORE TIME

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  13. I WANT TO VISIT THESE NVA TEMPLES EACH AND EVERY YEAR
    THANKS FOR THE POSTS

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    Replies
    1. u shall contact www.subhayathratours.com for package tour

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    2. Hello!all 9+1 ahobilam darshan can b done thru vehicle or need to travel on foot too? If yes then how much distance? Can aged person comforatably come there for darshanam n offer pujas? From where can i get all inforamation about this temple complex n tour for the same!? Kindly guide..thank you

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  14. No thats wrong. About the timings.vehicles like jeep and tractors are allowed into the forest even in the mid night also.but dharshan of swamy will be early morning 4 o clock itself.but we can not go in the vehicle to all the temples in the ahobila..they are in the deep forest and mostly walking is the best... Many devoties prefer to walk to the temple. And the guide is not so important many members will be there who are going to these nine temples of narasimha swamy.but very difficult for the aged people who cant walk.....

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  15. Kiran jogy. you did a wonderful work. God bless you and keep it up.

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  16. Thank you for the wonderful and rare information about Ahobilam.
    Sri Nrsimhadeva Bhagavan ki jai!
    Hare Krishna!

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  17. NICE TEMPLE IN HISTRIONIC PLACE

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  18. Dear All , I am planning to visit from Bangalore and can the trip be completed in a day? Starting on Tuesday Evening and returning back by Thursday morning?

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  19. Lower to upper to how much kms is there

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  20. The visit to Urga stambam was very great..Every step to reach the top was only reciting Narayana mantram.amazing..Once reached on the top.wow..It was another world. Most memorable experience..The lord here is most powerful..

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  21. I want to visit this temple by car.I am from Chennai.can anyone guide me

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  22. The Navagrahas mentioned are different from the ones assigned bu Ahobila mutt

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  23. I am going with my family last week ie 23-11-17 to all nine Narasimha. The yatra is amazing especially for Pavana Narasimha on Friday. No rush at all. The archkas are very kind.

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  24. after getting swamy darshan in dream with benediction on my head i reached ahobilam and offer prayers and became strong devotee for mosha in swamy

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  25. after getting swamy darshan in dream with benediction on my head i reached ahobilam and offer prayers and became strong devotee for mosha in swamy

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  26. after getting swamy darshan in dream with benediction on my head i reached ahobilam and offer prayers and became strong devotee for mosha in swamy

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  27. We, a group of 6 had a peaceful Dharshan of Nava Narasimha Swamy temples on 9th , Jan. We took a guide . The charge is Rs. 500 for 4 Temples ie Jwala Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Korata Narasimha and Ahobila Narasimha Temples. We started at 0700AM . Returned at 1100hrs after visiting these temples. At 1230 , we hired a jeep for Rs 3000.Had Dharshan of Pavana Narasimha Swamy temple. The forest route was a very rouugh one. We returned at 0200 PM. At 0530 evening we completed the remaining temples Dharshan.
    Some important things. There is only one ATM of Andra bank available. If that is not functioning, we have to go to Allada. So take enough cash on hand. At evening no tiffen items available at lower Ahobilam. At upper Ahobilam breakfast, lunch and dinner is always available at Aryavysya samaj Anna chatram. Even though these are free of cost,we have to donate some decent amount.
    Our Dharshans were peaceful and we returned happily.
    Om Namo Narasimhaya Namaha.

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    1. sir do you hv guide for this?

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    2. hi Janakiraman. your info in very precise in helping us plan to visit all 9 temples in 1 day. thank you.

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  28. Is it possible to visit all 9 Temples in a Single day

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  29. Good we r planning to go ahibilam with krishna yathra service i am 58years old if possible to go

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    1. Its def possible to go... We had been there on 5th and 6th of July 2018. Weather is good too. If you find difficulty walking you can have darshan of Kroda and ahobilam narasimha leaving malola and jwala at upper ahobilam. Pavan and Bhargava you require a jeep and rest all are approachable by road.

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  30. There is another swayambhu temple of Lord Narasimha swamy at Kozha near kottayam is a ancient temple and a very beautiful one

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  32. Can I know the rout to agobilum-lakshimi narashimara temple from salem

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