The other objects of this kshetra are ‘Ugra Sthambham’ and ‘Prahlada Mettu’.
a) Ugra Stambham
At a distance of 8 kilometers from the Upper Ahobilam temple, we can see a cleft of the mountain dividing into two visible parts. It is a long-held view that from the cleft, the Lord appeared in the form of Narasimha and this is known as ‘Ugra Sthambham’.
b) Prahlada Mettu
The small shrine, situated in a cave on the hill is in between Ugra Sthambham and the Upper Ahobilam. It is dedicated to Prahlada Narashimha Swamy. The icon of Prahlada is installed in a small cave.
There are a number of holy ‘theerthas’ (water ponds) around this place. Of these, Rakthakundam is the most important. It is stated that Lord Narasimha, after killing the demon Hiranyakashipu, washed His hands in this ‘Theertham’ and hence the water is still reddish in appearance.
In addition to the shrines mentioned above, there is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy in the Lower Ahobilam, which is popularly known as Prahlada Varada Sannidhi.
Lower Ahobilam
The temple surrounded by three prakaras in the Lower Ahobilam is dedicated to Prahlada Varada i.e., the Lord whose grace bestows on Prahlada. With Vijayanagar style noticeable in the structure, there are a number of mandapas outside the temple. A shrine dedicated to Sri Venkateswara exists to the south west of this Narasimha Temple and lends view to the episode that Lord Venkateswara offered naivedya to this Narasimha Swamy just before His marriage with Shri Padmavathi. The Mukha Mandapa there, is now used as the Kalyana Mandapa of Narasimha Swamy. In the sanctum are also kept the utsava idols of Prahlada Varada, Pavana Narasimha and the processional idols of Jwala Narasimha endowed with ten hands and with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on His either side.
Every month, on Swathi Nakshatra day (star) abhisheka is performed for all the nine Narasimhas. Further, Brahmothsava is celebrated in Ahobilam sometime between mid-February to mid-March. During this time, entire Ahobilam takes on a festive appearance. The celebrations last for 10 days. Lord Prahlada Varadha enjoys riding in various vahanas during this time. This is a great time to visit Ahobilam to have a grand darshana of Lord Narasimha.
There is a tall Jayasthambham erected in the spacious ground outside the temple walls to mark the victory of Krishnadeva Raya. The Kakatheeya Kings especially Prathapa Rudra had also contributed towards additional structures and maintenance of this Ahobilam complex.
Many devotees visit Ahobilam frequently and the place is well connected with a guest house and has access to trains from Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai. In addition, several tourist operators also frequently arrange religious trips to Ahobilam from major cities.
Shodashabaahu Narasimha – Shri Raghavendra Matha
The idol of Shodashabaahu Narasimha (16 handed Narasimha) in the posture of slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu is being worshipped in Shri Raghavendra Swamy Matha. This idol was originally found here in this kshetra by Shri Surendra Theertharu (Guru of Shri Vijayeendra Theertharu). This vigraha was once worshipped daily and was subject to ablution & other rituals, however, considering its Ugra Roopa, the idol was kept in the samputa (box) and taken for pooja only on special days like Narasimha Jayanthi, Bali Paadyami etc.
Will I be able to visit all the temples at Ahobilam in one day?
Yes you can, if you are physically strong and focused on covering all the temples. If you do not want to rush, you need a day and a half; you still need to be physically fit. There are 12 shrines in total. There are the celebrated nine shrines called Nava Narasimha. Normally, devotees want to cover the nine Narasimhas. Only the brave attempt Ugra Stambam. Of the nine, Jwala, and Pavana are the most difficult to access. The starting point for both is Ahobila Narasimha temple at Upper Ahobilam, which can be reached by road.
From Ahobila temple, going to Jwala involves climbing through rocks on a river bed and up a narrow pathway for about an hour. Kroda is right on the way to Jwala. Malola is about 100 steps to a side from Kroda. So, in about three hours one can climb to Jwala and be back, covering Kroda and Malola on the way up or down.
The starting point for Pavana is also Ahobila Narasimha temple, but the route is on the opposite side of Jwala Temple. First, one has to climb some 250 very steep steps, and then walk for about 4 kms on fairly plain ground. The round trip may take about three hours. Recently, a path has been made for jeeps to go to Pavana. It is a very rough 1 hour drive from Lower Ahobilam.
With the above two trips you would have covered 5 temples, Jwala, Ahobilam, Malola, Kroda, and Pavana. The remaining temples are very easy. Karanja is on the way to Upper Ahobilam from Lower Ahobilam, just on the road side. Yogananda and Chatravata are on plain ground about a couple of kilometers from Lower Ahobilam. You can drive on the paved road for these two temples.
Finally Bhargava. This temple is also on plain ground about 2 kms from Lower Ahobilam. But there is no paved road. You have to hire a jeep or autorickshaw.
If you are interested in Ugra Stambam, it is another hour’s climb from Jwala. Prahlada Padi may also be visited on the way back from Ugra Stambam. Alternatively, Prahladha Padi may be visited from Malola Temple also.
For a fee, you can hire a guide to take you around all the temples. If you wish to visit Ugra Stambam, a guide is highly recommended.
What sort of accommodation is available at Ahobilam?
Sri Ahobila Matha maintains a guest house called Malola Guest House. There are a total of 14 rooms, 4 single rooms, 6 double rooms and 4 triple rooms. Of these, two double rooms and two triple rooms are air conditioned. In addition, there are 10 dormitory type rooms.
Contact details for accommodation
Manager, Malola Guest House
Ahobilam 518 545, Kurnool District, A.P
Phone: 08519 – 252 025/0252 045
094905 15284/094407 9273
What about food?
Sadly, there are no facilities available currently for Madhwas who are very strict & orthodox in their food habits. Hence, they have to carry the utensils/vessels and provisions along with them and self-cooking in the given accommodation is the only option. It is our wish that any Madhwa Matha come forward to setup a Matha & arrange for theertha prasadha here in this kshetra. That would instigate more devotees to visit this kshetra. However for others, a privately run canteen is located adjacent to Malola Guest House. Pure vegetarian food is sold at this canteen.
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- Ahobilam Image Pic Courtesy : https://highwayonlyway.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4194edited.jpg?w=930
