Main Deity – Lord Narasimha
Region – Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh
Avatar information – Narasingha, is the fourth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. He is regarded to have incarnated in the form of a part-lion, part-man being to slay Hiranyakashipu, to end religious persecution and calamity on earth, thereby restoring dharma. Narasimha is often depicted with three eyes, and is described in Vaishnavism to be the God of Destruction; he who destroys the entire universe at the time of the great dissolution (Mahapralaya).
Temple Build-in – The main Narashima Swamy temples at each site were built or expanded by the emperors of Vijayanagara in the 15th and 16th centuries, then sacked by the Mughals in 1578, then restored and expanded at various times, up to the present day. As they stand, they are a mixture of work from all these periods.
Significance – Ahobilam Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site known for being the only temple where all nine forms of Lord Narasimha are worshipped. Among these forms is the famous Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, whose temple draws visitors from all over the world. Ahobilam Temple is one of the nine shrines dedicated to Lord Narasimha, making it a particularly sacred and revered location for devotees of this deity.
Worship process – The worship process for Ahobilam Temple varies depending on the specific form of Lord Narasimha that is being worshipped. However, in general, the temple follows a traditional Hindu worship ritual, known as puja. The puja typically begins early in the morning, with the ringing of bells and the chanting of hymns. The priests of the temple will then perform a series of rituals, including the offering of flowers, fruits, and other symbolic items to the deity. Devotees are often encouraged to participate in the puja by offering their own prayers and offerings. They may also perform circumambulation around the deity, which involves walking clockwise around the shrine as a sign of respect and devotion.
Temple History – After Hiranyasamhara by the Lord, all the devas praised the strength and courage (Balam & Showyam) of the Lord, as “Ahoveeryam, Ahoshowryam Ahobahupa rakramam Narasimham, Paramdaivam Ahobilam Ahobalam”
Lord Rama, while searching for Seetha, was stated to have worshipped Lord Narasimha here with His Panchamrita Stotram. Lord Balaji offered Nivedyam to Lord Narasimha, during His wedding to Padmavathi Thayar at Tirumala Hills. Lord Shiva praised Lord Narasimha as the ‘Supreme God’ in His Mantrarajapada Stotram. Rudra has a small shrine adjacent to Sri Ahobila Narasimha Sannidhi. Garuda did Tapas here and the Lord appeared before him. Navagrahas have worshipped the Nava Narasimha Moorthies at Ahobilam. They were relieved of their problems from Asuras, and from the curses they received from Maharishis. It is believed that Chandra (Moon) took to the worship of Sri Karanja Narasimha, Mars to Jwala Narasimha and so on. Adi Sankara was protected from danger to his life and he glorified the Lord Narasimha with his famous Karavalamba Stotram. Thirumangai Alwar had sung in praise of Lord Narasimha with ten Pasurams. Acharya Ramanuja and Swami Desika worshipped the Lord here.
Stage Narada averred that whoever stays one night in Ahobilam derives the same benefit that accrues to an individual staying in Kasi for a thousand yuga, in Prayag for twenty yugas and in Gaya for a hundred yugas.
How to Reach –
By Air
Ahobilam is situated at a distance of about 172.6 km from the nearest airport, Bengaluru. The airport at Bengaluru is an international airport that connects the place with various domestic as well as international destinations. There are about 10 domestic airlines and 21 international airlines that provide flight services for almost 50 destinations across India and the rest of the world.
By Rail
Kondapuram Railway Station is the nearest railway station that is situated at a distance of about 13.6 km. People can find trains for some of the major routes of the state. Bus, as well as cab facilities, are also available for Ahobilam from Kondapuram Railway Station.
By Road
Buses are readily available from Nandyal (40 Km), Kurnool (150 Km) and Hyderabad (347 Km) to Ahobhilam. Allagadda, which is situated at a small distance of about 20 km, has direct bus services to and from the lower Ahobilam bus station. There are good services of Buses and Cabs available.
Temple Festivals and Info– Vaikunta Ekadasi: This festival is celebrated on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December/January). It marks the opening of the gates of Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu, and is considered an auspicious day for worshipping the deities.
Narasimha Jayanti: This festival is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) and marks the birth anniversary of Lord Narasimha.
Adhyayanotsavam: This is a 21-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December/January). It is dedicated to the recitation and study of the Tirumozhi, the devotional hymns of the Alwars.
Rathotsavam: This is a festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi (February/March), in which the deities are taken out in a procession on a chariot.
Main Festivals – Swati Festival
Swati is Sri Lakshmi Narasimhan’s avatara star (nakshatra). Every month, this day is observed with tremendous devotion and witnessed by a large number of devotees. On this day, special puja with Tirumanjanam is offered to the deities at all nine shrines. On Swati day, Sri Narasimha Homam is done at Ahobila Narasimha Sannidhi and Prahlada Varadan Sannidhi. Worshipping Sri Ahobila Narasimha on Swati days would bestow blessings on the devotee for the fulfilment of all desires and the completion of all auspicious actions.
Brashmotsavam
Palguna (February-March): Brahmotsavam from Krishna Paksha Panchami to the full moon (Paurnami). Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) is done on Panchami day in Upper Ahobilam and the following day at Lower Ahobilam. On Pournami day, a Chariot festival is celebrated in Lower Ahobilam in the morning, while a Sri Garuda vahana seva is held in Upper Ahobilam the same night. The following day, Garuda vahana seva is conducted at Lower Ahobilam. During three days, the potswavam follows the Brahmotsavam for Sri Prahlada Varadan in Lower Ahobilam pushkarini.
Popular Shlok/Aarati – Shantaakaaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanaabham Suresham,
Vishwaadhaaram Gagana Sadrusham Meghavarnam Shubhaangam |
Lakshmikaantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyaanagamyam,
Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaika Naatham ||”
The meaning of this verse is, “I bow to Lord Vishnu, who is peaceful and reclining on a serpent, who is the lord of the gods, who is the support of the universe, who has the colour of a dark cloud, whose form is auspicious, who is the husband of Goddess Lakshmi, who has lotus-like eyes, who is meditated upon by sages, and who is the protector from all fears and the lord of all worlds.
Temple Darshan Timings in Morning – Free Darshanam Timings: Morning 9.00 am to 10.00 am
Evening Darshan Timings of the temple – Night 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Lower Ahobilam Closing Timings: Afternoon 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
Upper Ahobilam closing timings: Afternoon 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm
Dress Code–
1) For Men the dress code is Shirt & Trousers, Dhoti or Pyjamas with an upper cloth.
2) For Women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
3) Shorts, mini-shirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
Popular Youtube Video – https://youtu.be/waJA9hm8HqM
The average daily footfalls of the temple – Ahobilam Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and attracts a large number of devotees every year. While the exact number of footfalls can vary from year to year and depend on various factors such as festivals, special events, and local conditions, it is estimated that the average footfall for the temple is around 5 lakh (500,000) visitors per year.
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