Temple History & Location :
Ahobilam is situated at a distance of 74 Kms from Nandyal (Kurnool District), around 365 Kms from Hyderabad and around 75 Kms from Tirupathi. Lots of transportation facilities are available. Bus facilities from Cuddapah, Nandyal and Banganapalli are available and at frequent intervals.
This Ahobila sthalam is also known as “SingaveL Kundram”. This sthalam is dedicated to Sri Narasimhar, one of the Avatars taken by Sri Maha Vishnu to kill Hiyanyakasibhu. This sthalam is also known as “Nava Narasimha Kshetram” since 9 forms of Narasimhar Moorthies are located.
Specials:
Thiru Singavel Kundram is also called as “Ahobilam“. This divyadesam is said to be of two mountains (i.e.) Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam. From lower Ahobilam, we have to travel around 6 Kms to reach upper Ahobilam through bus. This Ahobilam sthalam is also named as “Nava Narasimha Kshetram“.
This Sthala Perumal gives his seva in 9 different ways and it is believed to be so more powerful than Nava Grahaas (the Nine Planets).
This sthalam is found inside mountain caves and the Lord Sri Narasimha is giving his seva in 9 different postures.
Ahobila Narasimhar
Varagha Narasimhar
Malola Narasimhar
Yoganandha Narasimhar
Bhavana Narasimhar
Kaaranja Narasimhar
Chathra Vada Narasimhar
Bharghava Narasimhar
Jwala Narasimhar
If we assume the group (or) series of mountains in Andhra Pradesh State, it will be like divine cobra or snake known as Aadhiseshan. Being the head part of the Aadhiseshan can be treated as the Thiruvenkadamudayaan’s Tirupathi, the body part is treated as this sthalam, Ahobilam and the tail part is considered to be assumed as Lord Shiva’s “Sri Sailam”. The Ahobila perumal, Narasimhar is well sung and praised by Aadhi Shankarar, Udayavar Ramanujar and Sri Madhava Chariyar. These 3 great persons are considered to be most important in Indian History and should be given due respect, since they worked very hard to attain the Lotus feet of the Lord emperumal and they worked hard for the humanity to live their life in peace. Other than these 3 great personalities, 3 more who were given the Sthanam (position) of Alwars (i.e.) Garudalwar, Pragaladhalwar and Thirumangai Alwar has also praised on this Ahobila varadhan.
In Upper Ahobilam, since a variety of wild animals are roaming around, devotees are allowed to go to Upper Ahobilam only in groups along with proper guides. Bhaktas are also advised to return back to lower Ahobilam in the noon itself and not to stay overnight at Upper Ahobilam.
Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangai alwar – 10 Paasurams.
Utsavam:
During Maasi month of every year, a grand Utsavam, the Brahmotsavam is celebrated in a grand way and ends on the Full moon days known as PourNami.
This sthalam is also related to the Kali yugam. The perumal has a close relation with Lord Murugan. How Muruga perumal married Valli, who is considered to be one among the women tribals from mountain, this sthala perumal also married Senji Lakshmi thaayar who belonged to the same category. Lord Murugan is also named as “Vel”. And since, Narasimhar married Senjilakshmi thaayar who belong to the Hunter (Vedar) family this perumal is named as “Singavel” and since the perumal is found in Kundru means the “Top of the Hill”. And since, this sthalam is said to be the continuous (or) series of Eazhumalayan’s Kundram, this sthalam is called as “Singa Eazhkundram”.
Sthalapuranam of Ahobilam
This sthalapuranam is related to the 4th Avathaar of Sri Vishnu – the Narasimha Avathaar. Once there lived a king by named “Hiranyan”. While knowing about this sthalapuranam, first we should know the story of Hiranyan.
The Dhwarabalagas (the two soldiers) who are found as the persons guarding all the entrances of the Paarkadal where Emperumaan is, were very much proud that they are protecting the perumal. But, this proud changed their mind and as a result they got the curse from Maharishis and this curse will be continued for 3 decades.
In the first decade, they were born as Jaya – Vijayan and in the second, they born as Hiranyatshakan and Hiyanyakasibhu. They both did tapas towards Brahma and got the boon that the world should be under the control of them. Hiranyatshakan took Bhooma devi into the Badhala Lokam (below the Earth) and finally, Sriman Narayanan took the Avathaar as “Varagha Moorthy”, killed Hiranyatshakan and returned along with Bhooma devi.
At the same time, Hiranyakasibhu got a typical varam from Brahma. It is that he should not be killed either by any devars (or) by humans (or) by any animals and even the creator, Brahma. At the same time, he should not be killed by using any weapons and he should not be killed in the morning (or) in night. He also added that he should not be killed inside the palace nor outside it. And finally he said that, if he is killed and if even a drop of the blood comes out of his body, it will be considered to be as effective as 1000 Hiranyakasibhu and they has to emerge from it. This is the boon he asked from Brahma and got it too!
After getting this kind of Varam from Brahma, he started to explore his strength and spread his victory on many countries. He ordered to the people from then, all should worship him as the God and all poojas has to be dedicated to him. If anyone worshipped Sriman Narayanan, he started to kill them. Like this, he became wild and was in opposition to Sriman Narayanan.
He had 4 boy children named Anukiladhan, Samakiladhan, Kiladhan and the last child, Prahaladhan. He had one girl child by named Simaki. But, Hiranyakasibhu shown his love and affection to his last child, Prahaladhan.
But, Prahaladhan was gifted with the knowledge and had much affection towards the Emperumaan and always said the Great slokam, the “Om Namo Narayana”. On seeing this activity of his child, Hiranyakasibhu got angry and gave severe punishment to him. But, it didn’t affect him and still continued to say the Sri Hari’s name. Finally, he thought that there is one sakthi behind him and he wanted it to come in front of him. As a result he asked his son that he is always telling the name of Sri Vishnu and asked where is he found ? For this, Prahaladhan replied that He is found everywhere, in this mighty world as trees, rivers, mountains, even in tiny atoms etc. He is also found everywhere, even in the heart of his father.
On hearing this, he almost came near to the entrance of his palace where a huge and broad pillar was there. He asked whether his Narayanan is found in this pillar too. For this, Prahaladhan answered that he is found in the pillar too and also even in a small piece of iron. On hearing this, Hiranyakasibhu got wild and kicked the pillar using his leg. As soon as he strikes the pillar, Sriman Narayanan burst out from the pillar as Narasimhar.
As the boon Hiranyakashibu got from Brahma, the Narasimhan killed Hiranyan by placing his body in his lap using his nails. His varam was that he should not be killed in the earth nor in the sky. Because of this, the Narasimham kept him on his lap. In his varam, he had asked that he should not be killed by an animal nor by an ordinary human. Because of this, the perumal took the Narasimha avathaar, as his head was that of the lion and rest of the body as an ordinary human. He was not killed inside the palace not outside, he was killed in the midst of it and he was not killed using any harmful weapons instead he was killed by the Nails of the Nrasimhar. He was not killed in the morning nor in the night instead, he was killed in the junction time of evening and night just known as Sandhya, which is said to the lowering time of the day and emerging of dark. So, Sriman Narayanan killed Hiranyakasibhu as in the varam, which he had asked. But, after being killed, his blood flowed in the earth. The Narasimhar took the blood from the earth and draked it. Because of this, as asked by Hiranyakasibhu, it had the effect of 1000 Hiranyakasibhus and because of this, the perumal was bursting in anger and he could not be controlled. All the Devas and Brahma was afraid to see this and sought the help of Lord Shiva. Finally, Lord Shiva asked the right person who could reduce the anger of Narasimhar in Lakshmi devi and finally she came and reduced the anger of Narasimhar.
Prahaladhan was given the seva as Ugrah Narasimhar.
This sthalam explains about the bhakti of Prahaladhan and it is clearly explains through the Narasimha Avathaaram that he will come for his bhaktas. When Hiranyakasibhu was killed by Narasimha, the devars who were seeing this roared about the Balam (strength) of him and said that how much Balam he has got. They roared as “Ahobilam” and “Ahobalam”. This means that praising of the strength of Narasimham. Thus, this divyadesam is named as “Ahobilam“. This kshetram is also called as “Veera Kshetram”.
In the first 3 Avathaars (Matsya, Koorma and Varaham), the Perumal didn’t give his seva to Garudan. Because of this Garudan did a strong tapas towards Sriman Narayanan and finally, in the 4th Avathaar, the Narasimhan he gave his seva to Garudan in this sthalam is also called as “Garudathri”.
Kashyabha Maharishi, father of Garudan advised him to do tapas in this sthalam towards the Emperumaan. At that time, Indira sent all the Apsaras (Deva loka Kannis) towards Garudan to destroy his tapas. But, instead he is doing the tapas only to be dedicated for Narayanan and not doing for any thrones. By saying this, he sent all the Apsaras. From this, we can clearly understand the Bhakti of Garudan and he was given the Sthanam (status) of alwar and from then he is know and called as “Garudalwar”.
Similarly, Prahaladhan who proved his bhakti to Sriman Narayanan is the Key person for making Sri Vishnu to take the Narasimha Avathaar. So, he was also given the status of Alwar and he is also called as “Prahaladha Alwar”. In this narrated story, once thing is clear, that among the Lord Sriman Narayana’s avatar, this is the only Avatar He has taken to protect a single individual, that too a young lad!
Theerthams of Ahobilam
In this sthalam, 13 theerthams known as Holy Water Ponds are which is said to cure all kinds of diseases, evils and doshams.
1. Kaalava Theertham:
This theertham is also called as “Asalathruvam”. It is said only on the shore of this theertham, Kaalava Maharishi did tapas towards Emperumaan and finally got the seva. This theertham is found in the west side where Jwala Narasimhar is seen. If any human, takes bath in Karthigai month, it is believed that we can attain wealth and finally attain Mukthi.
2 & 3. Rama – Lakshmana theertham:
The 2nd and 3rd theertham are collectively called as “Rama – Lakshmana theertham”. This theertham is said to be the theertham where Sri Ramar and Lakshman took bath after they lost Seeta Pirattiyaar and worshipped the Narsimhar. So these theerthams are said to be “Maha Punya theerthams”.
4. Bheema Theertham:
It is believed that this theertham is found to be constructed by Lord Shivan. Bheeman means Bayangaran (terrific). So, if any person who takes bath in this theertham, his pabham (sin) itself is terrified by the effect of this theertham and ridded off from us. If we do viradham and say the Gayathri Jabham near this theertham, we can find good results and can attain good position in our life.
5. Sanga theertham:
In this theertham, a rishi by named “Sangar” along with his brother “Likithar” did tapas for the good of the world. It is believed that if we take bath in this theertham for around six years, we can remember of pervious Janmha. And if we give food for the Brahmanas is the shore of this theertham, it is said to be equivalent for doing the after funeral and to generations are said to gain the good stage in life.
6. Varaha Theertham:
It is believed that only shore of this theertham, Varahar explained the puranas to Bhoomi piratti. It is also said that this theertham emerged from a drop of water that came from varahar after he got out Bhoomi piratti. It is said that near this theertham, if we give the dhaanam of clothes, in Chitirai Dvadasi and Pournami, it is a special one.
7. Sudharsana Theertham:
As advised by Brahma, King Ambhareesha told the Sudharsana mantram near this theertham and got the complete blessings of Chakkarathalwar.
8. Soodha Theertham:
This is the theertham where all 18,000 rishis stayed on the shore and did tapas. The perumal stood near this theertham as a mango tree thereby giving fruits and leaves as food for the animals. Swarna, flower and Kannika Dhaanam are said to be the effective dhaanams near this theertham.
9. Thaara Theertham:
Using this theertham only, the food (or) Naivedhuam for Narasimhar is done and it is said to be theertham of purity. By giving cow, Salagramam near this theertham is a special one in Aadi month – Dvadasi.
10. Gaja Kundam:
It is said to be the theertham where groups of elephants come to take the water. Even though, Lion being the enemy for Elephants, they wish to take the theertham from this Gaja kundam.
11. Vinayaka Theertham:
On the shore of this theertham, it is believed that Vinayaka perumal is said that he is doing tapas for the entire world to live in happiness. Doing Anna dhaanam (food Dhaanam) in Maargazhi is said to be special dhaanam in this theertham.
12. Bairava Theertham:
It is believed that Brairava Moorthy cut his head and dedicated it to the Bavanasini Nadhi which came so fast. Bairavar cut his head to stop the fast flow of the Bavanasisni river. It is said that Bairavar is doing tapas without head on the shore of this theertham.
13. Raktha Theertham:
It is said that in this theertham only Narasimhar washed his hands after the Vadham (killing) of Hiranyakasibhu.
It is said these 13 theerthams not a separate theerthams, but all are considered to be the Bavanasini Nadhi, but it is categorised into 13. On the shore, there are 3 Gughais (Cave) in which 3 Narasimhars are found to give this seva. In the middle, the Narasimhar is Ugaraha Narasimhar in Veetrirundha thirukkolam facing his thirumugham along the east direction, along with Lakshmi thaayar.
9 Different Forms of Sri Narasimhar
Since Sri Narasimhar is giving his seva in 9 different stages or forms, this Ahobilam sthalam is also named as “Nava Narasimha Kshetram”.
Ahobila Narasimhar
Varagha Narasimhar
Malola Narasimhar
Yoganandha Narasimhar
Bhavana Narasimhar
Kaaranja Narasimhar
Chathravada Narasimhar
Bharghava Narasimhar
Jwala Narasimhar
When we travel from Lower Ahobilam to upper Ahobilam, in around 2 1/2 Kms, we can be able to get the dharshan of 2 Narasimhas namely “Chakkaravada Narasimhar” and “Yoganandha Narasimhar”.
Chathravada Narasimhar:
This Narasimharis beneath the Arasa Maram (Bhodhi tree) in Veetriruntha thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards East direction on Aadhiseshan. This perumal is said to have specific attention towards music and showing Gambheeram (erect) seva.
He is found along with chakkaram which is said to be the amsam of wealth. The Arasa maram which is the symbol of Gnanam serves as the umbrella for this Narasimhar.
Yoganandha Narasimhar:
This Narasimhar is found inside a small temple where he is found his one leg is put on another leg and both of his hands are placed on his legs, thus the perumal gives his seva in Yoga position. Because of this Yoga seva, this Narasimhar is called as “Yoganantha Narasimhar”. To make himself calm after the Vadham (Killing) of Hiranyakasibhu, the perumal is said to be found in this seva.
Ahobila Mutt
In the late 14th Century, the Lord is said to have initiated Adivan Sadagoopan to launch the mutt here at Ahobilam to propagate the Vishista Dwaitha philosophy. This is home to the 600+ years old Ahobila Mutt. In the last two decades, the Nava Narasimha temples have seen renovation efforts thanks to the efforts of the Mutt. Out of the Nava Narasimha Utsava idols, the Utsava deity of Malola Narasimha temple is the abhisheka idol of the Ahobila Mutt Jeer. It was also the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt who was responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram at Srirangam.
Festivals
Currently, there are festivals on 180days of the year.
Kalyana Utsavam, Swati Homam and Specific Prarthana Abhishekams are particularly sacred here.
Vaikasi - 10day Narasimha Jayanthi Aippasi
10day Pavitrotsavam – 4days Lower Ahobilam, 6days Upper Ahobilam
Thai- Maasi - 45day procession to 33villages around Ahobilam
Panguni - 12day Brahmotsavam
Chitrai - Week long utsavam for Pavana Narasimha
Every month, on the Swathi Nakshatram, there is a special Abhishekam for all the nine Narasimhas
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Ahobila Narasimha, East Facing Sitting Posture with Prahalada standing opp the Lord
Thaayar : Amruthavalli, Shenjaga Lakshmi
Utsavar : Narasimha (9 different idols)
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (10 Paasurams in Periya Thirumozhi)
Time : Upper Ahobilam – Ahobila Narasimha temple 7am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
Lower Ahobilam – Prahalada Varadan temple 630am-1pm and 3pm-8pm
Other Narasimha temples - 10am-5pm(1pm-2pm rest)
How to reach
By Train Chennai Egmore-Cuddapah (Kacheguda Exp -5pm dep) or Chennai Central-Cuddapah(Bombay mail 1045pm dep). Bus every 30 minutes from Cuddapah to Allagadda (84 kms- takes 2 hours) on the Nandiyal-Kurnool-Hyderabad route. From Arlagadda, one can take another bus to Lower Ahobilam (24 kms) - Buses every one hour and takes 30-45 minutes.
A taxi from Cuddapah station to Ahobilam will cost Rs.1500/- (one way) Bus Three direct buses every evening from Chennai Koyembedu bus stand to Allagadda (10hours) via Tirupati-Cuddapah (Kadapa) and return buses from Allagada at 630 pm,8 pm and 845 pm back to Chennai.(Rs.260 per head)
Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam A share auto will charge Rs.10 per head from Lower to Upper Ahobilam (one can visit Karanja temple on the way).
Inscriptions-festivals 220 days a year
There are several inscriptions inside both the Lower and Upper Ahobilam temples. 14th Century inscription records the construction of the steps at the Upper Ahobilam (Divya Desam) temple. A 15th century inscription reveals the gifting of the village (Kaluvacheru- Komaragiripuram) by Karama Reddi for the conduct of the daily rituals and worship at the Divya Desam. A mid 16th century inscription reveals the contributions made by Vijayanagar kings. Kakatiya kings also contributed to the improvement of the temple and the mandapas.
Inscriptions relating to the 16th century provide insights into the building of mandapam, Garuda Stambha and festivals on 220 days in the year relating to the Lower Ahobilam temple. Another interesting inscription refers to ‘Thaligai’ to be presented to the Lord twice a day- once at noon and the other in the evening at the Lower Ahobilam temple. Krishna Deva Raya, who sought the blessings of Ahobila Narasimha before going for a battle, came back after having won the battle and installed the Vijaya Stambha in front of the temple here. Ramanuja and Vedanta Desigar are believed to have visited this temple.
Azhvaar Praise Thirumangai Azhvaar begins the first of his 10verses on Singalvel Kundram by praising Narasimha's physical strength and his special appearance in a half man-half lion posture and tearing Asura Hiranya’s chest while the world looked awe struck at his power and ability to destroy the Asura.
