Ahobilam is a town and holy site in the Allagadda mandal of Kurnool district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is surrounded by picturesque hills of the Eastern Ghats with several mountain hills and gorges. It is the centre of worship of Narasimha, the lion-headed avatar of Vishnu, to whom the nine Hindu temples and other shrines all dedicated.

Overview

Situated amidst dense Nallamala Forest, Ahobilam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This place is also called as Nava Narasimha Kshetra since Lord Narasimha is worshipped in 9 different forms and separate temples exist for all the forms within a radius of 5 km from the main temple. Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Kroda Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yaogananda Narasimha, Chathravata Narasimha and Paavana Narasimha are the nine forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam. Few of these temples have easy access, but most of them have to be reached by difficult treks through thick forest and rocky paths.

Significance

Ahobilam is traditionally regarded as the place where Vishnu in the form of Narasimha killed the Rakshasa Hiranyakashipu in order to save his devotee Prahlada. The legend says that Narasimha emerged from a rock pillar to slay the Rakshasha. The moment is represented in a number of murti in the various temples. Also, Garuda prayed for a vision of Narasimha in the form of Avathara, to fulfil his wish, and settled in nine forms across the hills in Ahobilam.

Photos

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Bengaluru Airport, which is 172.6km from Ahobilam

The nearest railway station is Kondapuram railway station which is 13 km far from Ahobilam

There are a number of buses to Ahobilam.

Best time to visit

Highlights

Panchamathas: Srisailam came into prominence as a Shaivite centre with the rise of mutts.

Srisailam Dam: Constructed across the Krishna River, the Srisailam Dam is one of the largest dams and second largest working hydroelectric power station in the country.

Sikhareswaram: The highest point of Srisailam is home to a temple dedicated to Sikhareswara Swamy.

Pathala Ganga: About 1km from the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is Pathala Ganga the sacred spot where devotees can take a dip in the Krishna River.

Sakshi Ganapathi (3km): It is believed that Lord Ganesha in this temple maintains an account of all the pilgrims that visit him.

Paladhara Panchadhara (4km): Two natural springs that are believed to have originated from Shiva's forehead form a waterfall here. It is said that Adi Shankara composed the famous devotional poem Sivanandalahari at the very spot.