About This Yatra
Ahobilam (Ahobalam) is the place where Supreme Personality of Godhead incarnated Himself as Lord Nrsimhadeva to killed the demon Hiranyakasipu and save His dear-most devotee Prahlada. Here at Ahobilam, Lord Nrsimhadeva emerged from the pillar of Hiranyakasipus palace, killed him after a fierce fight, simultaneously honouring the boons that Hiranyakasipu received from Lord Brahma. The pillar from where Lord Nrsimhadeva appeared, the ruins of the palace of Hiranyakasipu, the exact spot where Lord Nrsimhadeva killed Hiranyakasipu, the pond where Lord Nrsimhadeva washed His lotus hands after killing Hiranyakasipu and the school where Prahlada studied still exist at Ahobilam. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited Ahobilam during His south India pilgrimage as mentioned in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta. Lord Ramacandra also came here and sung five verses named Narasimha Panchamritam.
Ahobalam means: Aho Balam (what great strength!). When Lord Nrsimhadeva, the half-lion and half-man incarnation of Supreme Lord, emerged out of pillar in His fierce and effulgent form, all the devatas (demigods) exclaimed Aho Balam (what great strength!). Sthala purana mentions this wonderful pastime. On the plea of Prahlada, Lord Nrsimhadeva continues to reside at Ahobilam on the peak Garudachala. Since this place was contaminated by blood of Hiranyakasipu and his army, Lord invoked River Mandakini to clean it. Since the river cleansed the dirt (sins) that causes birth (bhava), she came to be called as River Bhavanashini. Laxmi Devi appeared and sat on the folded leg of the lord. The forest grove thus got their name as Laxmivan.
It is very popularly known that the Nallamalai range of mountain (Eastern Ghats) is the manifestation of Sri Adi Sesha - the great serpent bed of Lord Vishnu. On His seven hoods lays Tirupati, on stomach Ahobilam and on the tail lays Sri Shailam. The Brahmanda Purana states that Ahobilam was the dwelling of the demon king Hiranyakasipu who was killed by the Lord. Mention of legends connected with Ahobalam can be found in Kurma Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana. This place is known by many names: Ahobalam, Nava Narasimha Kshetra, Singavel Kundram, Pancha krosa Kshetra, Garudachala and Vedachala.
Many great devotees like Sripad Ramanujacarya, Vedanta Desika also rendered services here and many of them composed beautiful prayers and songs at feet of Lord Nrsimhadeva. Ramanujacarya visited here in 11th Century A.D and Vedanta Desika in 1268-1379 A.D. The great king, Vikramaditya (1076-1106 A.D) of the western Chalukyas, also worshipped the main deity of the temple. Sri Laxmi Nrsimha pancaratna stotra and Karaavalamba stotra are two very famous hymns composed by Adi Sankaracharya when he came here. Angan naalam - was sung by the great Thirumanghai Alwar.
Ahobilam consists of two parts: Lower Ahobilam (also known as Chinna Ahobilam or Diguva Tirupati) and Upper Ahobilam (also known as Pedda Ahobilam and Eguva Tirupati; which is 8 km from Lower Ahobilam). The place is surrounded by beautiful dense forests of Eastern ghats, and several wild animals like bears and tigers are said to be living there. Within these forests, on mountaintops, are located nine temples of Lord Nrsimhadeva (Nava Narasimha Ksetra), which house the self-manifested Deities of the Lord, all having different forms and moods that the Lord manifested in order to please His devotees. There are many places, where Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha is worshipped, but it is only at Ahobilam that all the nine forms of Lord Nrsimhadeva are worshipped. The nine Deities are Sri Jwala Narasimha, Sri Ahobila Narasimha, Sri Malola Narasimha, Sri Kroda Narasimha, Sri Karanja Narasimha, Sri Bhargava Narasimha, Sri Yogananda Narasimha, Sri Chatravata Narasimha and Sri Pavana Narasimha.
Places to Visit
Sri Bhargava Narasimha Temple
Located in Lower Ahobilam, where Sage Bhargava (Parashurama) performed penance to see Lord Narasimha.
Sri Yogananda Narasimha Temple
Where Lord Narasimha taught yoga postures and spiritual wisdom to Prahlada Maharaja.
Sri Chatravata Narasimha Temple
Where the Lord is seated under a banyan (Chatravata) tree, smiling blissfully as Gandharvas sang for Him.
Sri Karanja Narasimha Temple
Where the Lord Narasimha is seated under a Karanja tree holding a bow, as Hanuman worshipped Him in this unique form.
Sri Prahlada Varada Narasimha Temple
The main temple of Lower Ahobilam, where the Lord is worshipped as the one who bestows benedictions on Prahlada.
Ugra Stambha
The sheer vertical cliff at the peak of the mountain, representing the pillar from which Lord Narasimha emerged.
Sri Jwala Narasimha Temple
Located on Garudadri hill, this is the exact spot where the anger of Lord Narasimha reached its peak and He killed Hiranyakasipu.
Sri Ahobila Narasimha Temple
The oldest temple among the nine, where the Lord is worshipped in His fierce Ugra form inside a natural cave.
Sri Malola Narasimha Temple
Malola means beloved of Lakshmi. Here the Lord is seen in a peaceful, loving mood with Laxmi Devi seated on His lap.
Sri Krodha (Varaha) Narasimha Temple
The unique shrine inside a cave where the Lord is worshipped as Varaha Narasimha (with the face of a boar).
Prahlada Mettu
A small cave temple on a steep hill where Prahlada studied in his school.
Sri Pavana Narasimha Temple
Located on the banks of River Pavana, this temple is situated in the deep forest and removes all sins.
Yatra Highlights
Package Details
Inclusions
Extra Charges
Note: As fares and date may fluctuate depending on availability, please call the numbers below to get the most accurate price and dates.
đ Book Your Yatra
For bookings and inquiries, please call or WhatsApp:
Life members can carry LPM (life patron cards).
Terms & Conditions
- 1 Devotees should be punctual in their reporting time and Group leaders are to ensure that others are not delayed by the delay of few devotees. Every day the Yatra will leave as scheduled and will not wait for late comers.
- 2 Devotees should stay together and not plan any thing separate from the Yatra.
- 3 All Devotees are assigned to a group leader and they should report to their group leader for all matters.
- 4 Separate timing will be given for purchases/ shopping and devotees should not go here and there for purchases.
- 5 Devotees should bring their own lock with multiple keys and the Yatra management does not hold responsibility for any loss of baggage.
- 6 Devotees should carry their essentials like medicine, water bottle, ropes for drying clothes etc.
- 7 Please carry your chanting beads and a Vaishnava song book and actively participate in kirtans.
- 8 Devotees are requested to carry some emergency food for old aged and children for emergency though Prasadam is arranged for all.
- 9 Devotees are suggested to carry their notebook and pen for taking notes during the Yatra.
- 10 Devotees should bring their original identity card (aadhar) and submit as and when requested.
- 11 Devotees should not offend any Dham vasis by arguing or quarrelling with them.
- 12 No one should enter a pond or a river for bathing without the permission of the group leader.
- 13 Devotees should not throw garbage and should keep the Dham clean and also keep silence.
- 14 Devotees are requested to come in Vaishnava dress â Dhoti and Kurta for Prabhujis and Saree for Matajis during temple visits.
- 15 Devotees are requested to not carry any expensive items like jewellery, iPads etc.
- 16 Aged devotees, women and children to be given first priority and their needs to be attended on priority.
Information for Travellers
Ready to Embark on This Journey?
For detailed itineraries, pricing, upcoming dates, and booking information, please get in touch with us.