Ahobilam (Singavel Kunram) – The Sacred Abode of Nine Narasimhas
Divya Desam 74 of 108 | Region: Vada Nadu
Located near Arlagadda in the Nandyal District of Andhra Pradesh, Ahobilam is a renowned Divya Desam famous for its unique manifestation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha, the fierce half-man half-lion incarnation. Nestled amidst the scenic Nellimala Hills, Ahobilam is a spiritually potent destination attracting devotees and trekkers alike.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar: Narasimhar (Prahladavaradan) in a seated posture
- Thayar: Amritavalli
- Theertham: Indra Theertham
- Vimanam: Guhai Vimanam
The principal temple at the foothills houses Lakshmi Narasimhar, while the surrounding Nellimala Hills cradle nine Narasimha temples, each dedicated to different forms of the Lord:
- Varaha Narasimhar
- Malola Narasimhar
- Yogananda Narasimhar
- Pavana Narasimhar
- Karaancha Narasimhar
- Chakra Vada Narasimhar
- Bhargava Narasimhar
- Jwala Narasimhar
- Ahobila Narasimhar
Most of these hill shrines require trekking, with some paths considered challenging and steep, offering a divine adventure for the spiritually inclined.
Sacred Legends & Spiritual Significance
The legend narrates that Garuda, yearning to witness Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, meditated intensely, prompting the Lord to manifest in nine distinct forms here. A notable feature is a sacred pillar near the Jwala Narasimhar shrine, believed to be the exact spot where Lord Narasimha emerged to slay the demon king Hiranyakashipu.
An intriguing local belief tells that Mahalakshmi reincarnated as Chenchu Lakshmi, a tribal princess, who married Lord Narasimha after his victory. The Nellimala Hills themselves are revered as the cosmic serpent Adisesha, with its head at Tirumala, the middle at Ahobilam, and the tail at Srisailam, symbolizing the divine presence across these sacred sites.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasuram 1008-1017 (as found in the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham)
Festivals & Cultural Celebrations
The annual festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi is a vibrant event, especially marked by the local tribal communities celebrating the divine marriage of Chenchu Lakshmi and Narasimhar. This cultural celebration adds a unique and colorful dimension to the spiritual aura of Ahobilam.
Plan Your Pilgrimage with SouthGuru Holidays
Explore the divine nine forms of Narasimha in the mystical Nellimala Hills, experience the spiritual fervor, and enjoy the beautiful trekking trails. SouthGuru Holidays offers tailored pilgrimage packages to Ahobilam and other sacred Divya Desams, making your journey memorable and hassle-free.
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