Exploring the Real Place of Narasimha Avatar
“The Temple Where Narasimha Killed Hiranyakashipu”
Tucked away in the remote forests of Andhra Pradesh lies a place where mythology, faith, and nature come together in the most powerful way — Ahobilam, the land where Lord Vishnu is believed to have taken his fierce Narasimha Avatar.
Exploring the Real Place of Narasimha Avatar
This is not just a legend from scripture; it is a living pilgrimage site that continues to inspire awe among devotees and adventurers alike. With rocky hills, dense greenery, and ancient temples scattered across forest trails, Ahobilam offers a rare blend of spiritual energy and raw natural beauty.
Exploring the Real Place of Narasimha Avatar
Lord Narasimha Temple Location
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narasimha
Lord Narasimha Temple Location
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam
Ahobilam Village, Allagadda Mandal,
Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh – 518543, India
This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Nava Narasimha temples in the region and is especially significant because it is believed to be the exact spot where the Narasimha Avatar manifested from a pillar to kill the demon Hiranyakashipu.
Other Names You May Hear:
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Ahobila Narasimha Temple
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Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Temple
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Ahobilam Divya Desam (since it’s one of the 108 Divya Desams revered in Vaishnavism)
What Makes Ahobilam Special?
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Recognized as one of the 108 Divyadesams, praised in the 9th-century Tamil work Periyatirumoḻi.
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Built during medieval times with royal patronage under the Saluva & Tuluva dynasties of Vijayanagara Empire.
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Visited by Emperor Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century.
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Divided into two zones:
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Lower Ahobilam (Diguva) — accessible Prahlada Varada Temple.
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Upper Ahobilam (Eguva) — nestled in hills with 8 more shrines, including Jwala, Bhargava, Yogananda, Varaha, Malola, Pavana, Karanja, and the central Ahobila Narasimha.
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Temple Timings & Entry Fees
| Location | Timings |
|---|---|
| Lower Ahobilam | 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Upper Ahobilam | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
(Lunch break of approx 1 hour)
Entry & Seva Charges:
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General Darshan: ₹50 per person
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Special Sevas: ₹200–500 (Panaka seva, Aaku puja, Thomala Seva)
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Vahana Seva: ₹1,500
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Nava Narasimha Abhishekam: ₹2,000
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Kalyanotsavam / Sudharshana Homam: ₹3,000
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Others (Kesakandana, Sahasranamarchana): ₹10–100
The Sacred Pillar (Ugra Stambha) of Narasimha Avatar
In the ancient stories of Hindu mythology, the Ugra Stambha—which means “Fierce Pillar”—holds a very special place. It is said that the mighty demon king Hiranyakashipu had received a boon making him almost invincible.
To protect his devotee Prahlada, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, the Lord took a unique form to bypass this boon. He appeared as Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion incarnation, emerging from a pillar to kill Hiranyakashipu at twilight, on the threshold of a doorway.
Location of the Pillar Today
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The Ugra Stambha is located in Upper Ahobilam, in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, India.
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It lies near the Jwala Narasimha Temple, which is one of the important shrines among the Nava Narasimha Temples in the area.
Nearby Other Spiritual Places
1.Jwala Narasimha Temple (starting point of the trek)
2.Ahobila Narasimha Temple (main temple in Upper Ahobilam)
3.Bhargava Narasimha Temple
4.Dense Nallamala Forest surrounding the area
It’s challenging to cover all nine temples and the Ugra Stambha trek in one day. A minimum of two days is recommended for a comfortable visit.
there are budget guesthouses, dharamshalas, and a few government-run hotels in Lower Ahobilam. Pilgrims often stay here to explore the temples.
What is the significance of the Narasimha Avatar?
The Narasimha Avatar is Lord Vishnu’s fourth incarnation, where He appeared as half-man and half-lion to protect His devotee Prahlada and destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu. This avatar symbolizes the victory of good over evil and divine protection.
Where is the Narasimha Avatar said to have appeared?
According to legend, Lord Narasimha appeared from a pillar known as the Ugra Stambha in Ahobilam, a village in Andhra Pradesh, India.
What is the Ugra Stambha?
The Ugra Stambha is the sacred pillar from which Lord Narasimha emerged. It represents divine power manifesting beyond human limits to uphold righteousness.
What is the best time to visit Ahobilam?
The ideal time is from October to March when the weather is cooler. Avoid the hot summer months if you plan to trek.
The legend of Lord Narasimha’s fierce yet compassionate avatar remains one of the most inspiring stories in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the protective power of the divine. Visiting Ahobilam, especially the sacred site of the Ugra Stambha pillar, is not just a journey through breathtaking natural beauty, but a deep spiritual experience connecting devotees to this timeless tale.
