Nava Narasimha Temple

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.

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.

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