!!! A Divine Journey to Ahobilam: The Abode of Nava Narasimhas !!!

Introduction

My recent pilgrimage to Ahobilam, the sacred abode of Nava Narasimhas, was an unforgettable experience. 

Filled with devotion and a deep sense of spirituality, we embarked on this journey with love and blessings for Lord Narasimha. 

Ahobilam Yatra Day 1: A Trek Through Divinity

As dawn broke at 6 AM, we set off from our guesthouse. A sense of anticipation filled the air as we eagerly awaited the divine darshan of Ahobila Narasimha and Lakshmi at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, one of the 108 revered Divya Desams where Lord Vishnu's divine presence is felt. 

According to legend, Godess Maha Lakshmi was angry at Bhagavan Narasimha Swamy as he had married Chenchu Lakshmi. So, Bhagavan Narasimha pleased Godess Mahalakshmi on the hills of Vedadri. Sri Malola Narasimha Swamy is the Aradhya Daiva of Sri Ahobila Matha. 

Then, we embarked on a challenging yet rewarding trek to Upper Ahobilam. 

Here's a glimpse into the divine encounters:  

• Malola Narasimha: This manifestation of Lord Narasimha is known for his serene and peaceful demeanor. Legend has it that he emerged from a pillar to protect a great devotee, Pragallad and various other sages who were performing penance. 
  
• Sri Malola Narasimha Swamy is Shantha Moorthy. Maha lakshmi is sitting on his lap. He has four hands-two with Shankha and Chakra and the other two are Abhaya Varada Hastham. 
  
• Bhagavan Ahobila Narasimha Swamy blessed the First Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt, Sri Adivan Satagopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan, with sanyasa and appeared as Archa Moorthi in his hands. Bhagavan ordered the first Jeer to take his Malola Narasimha Archa Moorthi to every village and instill Sri Vaisnavism to the people. 
• Jwala Narasimha: This form of Lord Narasimha is fiery and fierce. It is believed that he appeared from a pillar to vanquish evil forces.  
  
• Sri Jwala Narasimha Swamy is seated on a Garuda Peetham with Eight hands holding Shankha and Chakra in upper two hands. 
  
• He is holding Hiranyakasipu on his lap with two hands.
• He is tearing the stomach of Hiranyakasipu with two hands and wearing his intestines as garland with two other hands. 
  
• This Kshetram also removes the difficulties of drought and unseasonal rains. 
  
• There are other four moorthis in the shrine -
• Sthambhodhbhava Narasimha (Narasimha coming out of pillar);
• Narasimha swamy fighting with Hiranyakashipu;
• Sri Maha Vishnu;
• Shukracharya  

• Ugra Stambham: This is the sacred site where Lord Narasimha emerged from a pillar to slay the demon Hiranyakashipu. The energy here is incredibly powerful.    
  
  
  
• At a distance of 8 kms from the upper Ahobilam , a cleft of the mountain is seen, dividing mountain into two visible parts. 
• From the cleft, the lord appeared in the form of Narasimha and this cleft is known as "Ugra Stambham". 
  
• Ugra Stambam is a natural rock formation near Upper ahobilam in Andra Pradesh.It is located amidst dense nallamala forest.
  
  This huge rock juts out of a cliff. This natural rock formation is the remain of the pillar from which lord Narasimha appeared. 
  

• Varaha Narasimha: This unique form combines the attributes of Lord Narasimha and Lord Varaha (the boar avatar). It symbolizes the protection of the universe. 
  
• When the Rakshasa Hiranyaksha took Bhoodevi to Pathala Lokha Bhagavan Varaha killed him and saved Bhoodevi. 
• Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy holds Bhoomi Devi on his Teeth with two hands kept on his hip. 
  
• There is a Moorthy of Lakshmi Narasimha in the Sannidhi

The trek was demanding, but the divine energy and breathtaking views made every step worthwhile. The fresh air, the serene atmosphere, and the profound sense of peace were truly invigorating.  

After a fulfilling day, we returned to our guesthouse for dinner.

Ahobilam Yatra Day 2: Exploring the Divine Abodes

Day 2:   

Our day 2 began with a visit to the Ahobilam DivyaDevasam, home to the magnificent Yeguva Sri Ahobila Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Lakshmi Narasimha - Pragallandhanadhar. 

This temple is renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. 

We then visited the Ahobila Jeeyar Mutt, a renowned center of Vaishnavism. 

The rest of the day was dedicated to exploring the remaining manifestations of Lord Narasimha:

We embarked on an exhilarating and adventurous jeep ride today, exploring the diverse forms of the Nava Narasimhas. 

• Pavana Narasimha: This form is associated with the wind and is believed to bestow strength and courage. 
  
  Sri Pavana Narasimha Swamy is the most important Prarthana Daivam among the Nava Narasimhas.  
  
• Sage Bharadwaja got free of his Mahapathakam by worshipping Bhagavan Pavana Narasimha Swamy. Any person who committed sins may get free of them by having Darshanam of Sri Pavana Narasimha Swamy. 
• Sri Pavana Narasimha Swamy is in a sitting Posture with Chenchu Lakshmi. Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi is in a unique posture-on one side facing the devotees and on other side facing towards Bhagavan. It is believed that Goddess receives our prayers and informs the same to Lord Narashima. 
  
• The tribe Chenchus regard Pavana Narasimha as their brother-in-law (as he married Chenchu Lakshmi, theirdaughter) and offer special poojas every year. 
  
• Bhargava Narasimha: This incarnation is known for his wisdom and grace. 
  
• Bhagavan Parasurama (Bhargava Rama) did Tapas (penance) for Narasimha Swamy on the banks of Akshaya Theertham to get rid of all his sins. 
  

This place became famous after his name as Bhargava Theertham. Lord Narasimha Swamy appeared before Parasurama and purified his sins that he had accumulated due to Kshetriya Samhara. 

• Yogananda Narasimha: This form embodies wisdom, peace and tranquility.  

• Sri Yogananda Narasimha Swamy is seated in a Yogic Posture with four hands. Bhagavan Narasimha Swamy taught Rajaneethi Sastram and Yoga Sastram to Bhaktha Prahlada after killing the Rakshasa Hiranya kasipu. 
• Lord Brahma Deva had worshipped Yogananda Narasimha Swamy to get relieved from Mental Stress.  

• Chatravata Narasimha: This manifestation is characterized by his joyful and smiling nature. He delights in the devotional singing of his devotees, responding with smiles and granting their wishes. 
  

Sri Chatravata Narasimha Swamy is in sitting Posture facing East, with four hands. He holds Chakra and Shankha in his upper two hands. His Lower right hand is Abhaya Hastham and he plays Thala with his lower left hand. 

• Two Gandharvas- HaHa and HuHu reached Ahobilam from Meru Hill and started singing songs in praise of Bhagavan Sri Narasimha Swamy under a Vata Vruksham. 
• Being pleased with their devotional songs, Bhagavan Chatravata Narasimha Swamy blessed them with a boon that they are the best singers in this world. 
• Karanja Narasimha: This form is associated with the Karanja tree and is believed to grant wishes. 
  
• Sri Karanja Narasimha Swamy divya moorthi is as described in the Dhyana sloka. He is seated in Yogasana with four hands. 
• He holds Chakra in his right hand and Sarangam (Bow) in his left hand. 
• He has a third eye  (Phalanetra) on his forehead. Sri Karanja Narasimha swamy blessed Gobila Maharshi with knowledge. 
  
• Hanuman worshipped Bhagavan here. Narasimha revealed himself to Hanuman as Lord Rama with Bow in his hand, recognizing his unwavering love and devotion. 
  

We also visited the ISKCON temple in Ahobilam. 

After a fulfilling day of divine encounters, we started our journey back to Bangalore around 9 PM. 

We reached Bangalore early the next morning, carrying with us the divine blessings and memories of this unforgettable pilgrimage. 

Conclusion

This journey to Ahobilam was a truly transformative experience. The divine energy, the breathtaking scenery, and the profound sense of peace will forever remain etched in my heart.

Jai Narasimha! Jai Sri Ram! Govinda!  

!!! Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham

Nirisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrutyur Mrutyum Namamy Aham !!!