Nava Narasimha Temples, Ahobilam travel guide

Deity

Lord Narasimha in nine forms

Location

Nallamala hills, Eastern Ghats

Spread

Nine shrines within about 5 km

Ideal time needed

1–2 days

Other names

Garudagiri, Garudasailam

The legend

Prahlada, son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, refused to give up his devotion to Vishnu despite his father's cruelty. After an attempt to burn the boy through the king's sister Holika failed, Vishnu burst from a pillar as Narasimha, half lion and half man. Hiranyakashipu's boons protected him from man, beast, weapons, day, night, indoors and outdoors, so Narasimha killed him at dusk, on a threshold, across his lap, with his claws. Ahobilam is believed to be the site of the demon's palace.

The name Garudagiri, or Garudasailam, comes from the belief that Garuda did penance here to see this form of the Lord, and the nine shrines appeared in answer.

The nine shrines

Each temple enshrines a distinct aspect of Narasimha:

• Ahobila Narasimha (the main shrine at Upper Ahobilam)
• Kroda or Varaha Narasimha
• Jwala Narasimha
• Malola Narasimha
• Karanja Narasimha
• Pavana Narasimha
• Bhargava Narasimha
• Chatravata Narasimha
• Yogananda Narasimha

Other sites

Beyond the nine, pilgrims visit the Prahlada Varada temple at Lower Ahobilam and the Ugra Stambham, a rock pinnacle high on the hill identified with the pillar from which Narasimha emerged. The Tamil Vaishnava saint Thirumangai Azhwar sang of Ahobilam, remarking that only God himself could reach all its shrines, a hint at how rugged the terrain once was.

Planning your visit

Allow at least one full day, and ideally two, for the whole circuit. Several shrines involve steep forest trails, stream crossings and rock steps, and Pavana Narasimha is usually reached by jeep. Start early, carry water, wear shoes with grip for the trails, and hire a local guide. The cooler months from October to February are the most comfortable. We can arrange the road journey and local jeeps as part of an Andhra temple tour.

Also nearby