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Ahobilam-Lord Narashima
Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai.
The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Nrisimha located around a 5 KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. Due to security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple.
Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.
Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.
Sri Ahobila Muth, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.
Thirumangai Azhvaar has sung ten verses about this temple in Periya Thirumozhi.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Chennai
Ahobilam is about 400 KM west and slightly north of Chennai. To get to Ahobila by road you will have to pass through Renigunta, Kadappa, and Allagadda. Since Thirumalai Tiruppati is on the way one might cover both Thiruppati and Ahobilam in one trip. However, the drive can be quite hectic and tiresome. The recommended mode of travel is by Train to Kadappa and by road from there. Each mode of transportation is further explained below.
By Train from Chennai to Ahobilam
Bombay mail leaves Chennai at about 9:55 p.m. and reaches Kadappa at about 3:15 a.m. You can take Bombay mail going to Chennai for the return journey. Chennai bound Bombay mail arrives Kadappa at 10:25 p.m. and leaves at 10:30. It reaches Chennai at about 5:40 a.m. Reservations may be made for round trip from Chennai to Kadappa and back. Quota for Kadappa is available in Bombay mail.
From Kadappa, Ahobilam is about 100 KM. If you can afford it you can hire a taxi for the day to go to Ahobilam and return. The approximate cost would be Rs. 1000 for the round trip. If you are a group you can hire a van for a day. In either of these two cases, you will be able to finish all the Dharshan and return to Kadappa at night in time to catch Bombay mail back to Chennai.
If you are in a position to hire a taxi, you can take a bus to Ahobilam. There may be direct bus to Ahobilam, but frequency may be limited. In stead, take a bus to Allagadda, and then from Allagadda you can take another bus to Ahobilam. If you have to travel bus you may have difficulty covering all the temples in one day.
By bus from Chennai to Ahobilam
There is an overnight bus from Madras to Nandiyal leaving at about 8:00 p.m. Nandiyal is a big town past Allagadda. Buy your ticket to Allagadda. The bus will reach Allagadda at about 6 a.m. Get down at Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from Allagadda. The same bus returns to Chennai. It leaves Allagadda at about 7:00 a.m. Check locally for exact time.
By car from Chennai to Ahobilam
The drive from Chennai is through Renigunta, Kadappa, and Allagadda. It will take about 9 to 10 hours of hard driving. Avoid night driving if you can.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Hyderabad
The distance between Hyderabad and Ahobilam is about 380 KM. By train, take Thungabadra Express from Hyderabad (Kacheguda) to Kurnool. This train leaves Hyderabad (Kacheguda) at 7:00 p.m. and reaches Kurnool 10:30 p.m. From Karnool, Ahobilam is about 150 KM. You may hire a taxi or take a bus for this part of the journey. The approximate cost would be Rs. 1400 for the round trip. The return train arrives Kurnool at 1:15 a.m. and reaches Hyderabad at 5:20 a.m.
You may also take a bus from Hyderabad to Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from Allagadda.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Bangalore
From Bangalore, Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not very convenient from Bangalore. Prasant Express leaves Bangalore at 2:00 p.m. and reaches Nandiyal at about 11:50 p.m. From Nandiyal, Ahobilam is about 60 KM via Allagadda. The return train to Bangalore leaves Nandiyal at about 11:10 p.m. and reaches Bangalore at 10 a.m.
By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and Allagadda. The drive is about 7:30 hours.
What sort of accommodation is available at Ahobilam?
Sri Ahobila Mutt 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.
At this point we are unable to take online reservations.
For reservations please call Badri Narayanan
PH:-08519-252045/252024
9490515284
What about food? Are there any restaurants in Ahobilam?
A privately run canteen is located adjacent to Malola Guest House. Vegetarian food is sold at this canteen.
In addition, Sri Ahobila Matam has established a trust called Annamacharya Nitya Annadanam Trust. The goal of this trust is to provide free food to devotees of Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha. Free prasadam is offered three time a day. Dadiyannam (Curd rice) is offered morning and evening. At noon time Tadiyaradhanam (full course meals) is offered.
The monthly expense for this exceeds Rs. 20,000. Contributions to the trust is welcome. Please contact the Malola Guest House manager at 8519-232045 for details.
Will I be able to see all the temples in 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 Nrisimha. They are Jwala, Ahobila, Malola, Kroda, Karanja, Bharaghava, Yogananda, Chatravata, and Paavana. Then, we have Ugra Stambam, which is a column of rock. This rock itself is considered Lord Nrisimha. The eleventh one is called Prahlada Padi. These eleven are in the hills in one sense or another. The twelth one is Prahlada Varadan temple located at Lower Ahobilam near the Malola Guest House.
Normally, devotees want to cover the nine Nrisimhas and Prahlada Varadan. Only the brave (or foolhardy) attempt Ugra Stambam. Of the nine, Jwala, and Pavana are most difficult. The starting point for both is Ahobila Nrisimha temple at Upper Ahobilam, which can be reached by road, and a climb of about 50 steps.
From Ahoilba temple, going to Jwala involves climbing through rocks on a river bed and up a narrow path way 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 Nrisimha 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 KM 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 2 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 KM from Lower Ahobilam. You can drive on paved road for these two temples.
Finally Bhargava. This temple is also on plain ground about 2 KM 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. Or, 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.
Do I need to hire a guide? What will be cost?
Jwala and Ugra Sthambam are the two sannidees for which you need to hire a guide. All other sannidees are relatively easily accessible. Even between Jwala and Ugra Sthambam, the way to Jwala is marked. You have to look for it carefully.
To hire a guide contact the manager of the Guest house. Contact details are given below. The cost to hire a guide will vary. The estimate is about Rs. 200.
Is there any special day for visiting Ahobilam?
Every month on Swathi Nakshatram (star) Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) is performed for all the nine Nrisimhas (Nava Nrisimhas) of Ahobilam. A full contingent of devotees travel from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore for this occasion. This is a special day to visit Ahobilam. You may also sponsor the Thirumanjanam. The cost is Rs. 5,000 for all nine temples. The amount is deposited in a trust called Swati Trust and used for the Thirumanjanam expenses. If you wish to sponsor a Thirumanjanam please contact the manager of Malola Guest House at 8519-232045. If you plan to attend Swati Thirumanjanam please make advance reservation for a room to stay at Ahobilam.
Further, Brahmothsavam is celebrated in Ahobilam in the month of Masi, sometime between mid February to mid March. During this time, entire Ahobilam takes on a festive appearance. The celebrations last 10 days. Lord Prahlada Varadhan enjoys riding in various Vahanas during this time. This is a great time to visit Ahobilam to have grand Dharshan of Lord Nrisimha. Be prepared for heat and big crowds.
Welcome to Sri Ahobila Muth Portal
Ahobilam - Lord Narasimha
Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai.
The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Nrisimha located around a 5 KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. Due to security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple.
Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.
Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.
Sri Ahobila Muth, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.
Thirumangai Azhvaar has sung ten verses about this temple in Periya Thirumozhi.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Chennai
Ahobilam is about 400 KM west and slightly north of Chennai. To get to Ahobila by road you will have to pass through Renigunta, Kadappa, and Allagadda. Since Thirumalai Tiruppati is on the way one might cover both Thiruppati and Ahobilam in one trip. However, the drive can be quite hectic and tiresome. The recommended mode of travel is by Train to Kadappa and by road from there. Each mode of transportation is further explained below.
By Train from Chennai to Ahobilam
Bombay mail leaves Chennai at about 9:55 p.m. and reaches Kadappa at about 3:15 a.m. You can take Bombay mail going to Chennai for the return journey. Chennai bound Bombay mail arrives Kadappa at 10:25 p.m. and leaves at 10:30. It reaches Chennai at about 5:40 a.m. Reservations may be made for round trip from Chennai to Kadappa and back. Quota for Kadappa is available in Bombay mail.
From Kadappa, Ahobilam is about 100 KM. If you can afford it you can hire a taxi for the day to go to Ahobilam and return. The approximate cost would be Rs. 1000 for the round trip. If you are a group you can hire a van for a day. In either of these two cases, you will be able to finish all the Dharshan and return to Kadappa at night in time to catch Bombay mail back to Chennai.
If you are in a position to hire a taxi, you can take a bus to Ahobilam. There may be direct bus to Ahobilam, but frequency may be limited. In stead, take a bus to Allagadda, and then from Allagadda you can take another bus to Ahobilam. If you have to travel bus you may have difficulty covering all the temples in one day.
By bus from Chennai to Ahobilam
There is an overnight bus from Madras to Nandiyal leaving at about 8:00 p.m. Nandiyal is a big town past Allagadda. Buy your ticket to Allagadda. The bus will reach Allagadda at about 6 a.m. Get down at Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from Allagadda. The same bus returns to Chennai. It leaves Allagadda at about 7:00 a.m. Check locally for exact time.
By car from Chennai to Ahobilam
The drive from Chennai is through Renigunta, Kadappa, and Allagadda. It will take about 9 to 10 hours of hard driving. Avoid night driving if you can.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Hyderabad
The distance between Hyderabad and Ahobilam is about 380 KM. By train, take Thungabadra Express from Hyderabad (Kacheguda) to Kurnool. This train leaves Hyderabad (Kacheguda) at 7:00 p.m. and reaches Kurnool 10:30 p.m. From Karnool, Ahobilam is about 150 KM. You may hire a taxi or take a bus for this part of the journey. The approximate cost would be Rs. 1400 for the round trip. The return train arrives Kurnool at 1:15 a.m. and reaches Hyderabad at 5:20 a.m.
You may also take a bus from Hyderabad to Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from Allagadda.
Traveling to Ahobilam from Bangalore
From Bangalore, Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not very convenient from Bangalore. Prasant Express leaves Bangalore at 2:00 p.m. and reaches Nandiyal at about 11:50 p.m. From Nandiyal, Ahobilam is about 60 KM via Allagadda. The return train to Bangalore leaves Nandiyal at about 11:10 p.m. and reaches Bangalore at 10 a.m.
By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and Allagadda. The drive is about 7:30 hours.
What sort of accommodation is available at Ahobilam?
Sri Ahobila Mutt 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.
At this point we are unable to take online reservations.
For reservations please call Badri Narayanan
PH:-08519-252045/252024
9490515284
What about food? Are there any restaurants in Ahobilam?
A privately run canteen is located adjacent to Malola Guest House. Vegetarian food is sold at this canteen.
In addition, Sri Ahobila Matam has established a trust called Annamacharya Nitya Annadanam Trust. The goal of this trust is to provide free food to devotees of Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha. Free prasadam is offered three time a day. Dadiyannam (Curd rice) is offered morning and evening. At noon time Tadiyaradhanam (full course meals) is offered.
The monthly expense for this exceeds Rs. 20,000. Contributions to the trust is welcome. Please contact the Malola Guest House manager at 8519-232045 for details.
Will I be able to see all the temples in 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 Nrisimha. They are Jwala, Ahobila, Malola, Kroda, Karanja, Bharaghava, Yogananda, Chatravata, and Paavana. Then, we have Ugra Stambam, which is a column of rock. This rock itself is considered Lord Nrisimha. The eleventh one is called Prahlada Padi. These eleven are in the hills in one sense or another. The twelth one is Prahlada Varadan temple located at Lower Ahobilam near the Malola Guest House.
Normally, devotees want to cover the nine Nrisimhas and Prahlada Varadan. Only the brave (or foolhardy) attempt Ugra Stambam. Of the nine, Jwala, and Pavana are most difficult. The starting point for both is Ahobila Nrisimha temple at Upper Ahobilam, which can be reached by road, and a climb of about 50 steps.
From Ahoilba temple, going to Jwala involves climbing through rocks on a river bed and up a narrow path way 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 Nrisimha 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 KM 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 2 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 KM from Lower Ahobilam. You can drive on paved road for these two temples.
Finally Bhargava. This temple is also on plain ground about 2 KM 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. Or, 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.
Do I need to hire a guide? What will be cost?
Jwala and Ugra Sthambam are the two sannidees for which you need to hire a guide. All other sannidees are relatively easily accessible. Even between Jwala and Ugra Sthambam, the way to Jwala is marked. You have to look for it carefully.
To hire a guide contact the manager of the Guest house. Contact details are given below. The cost to hire a guide will vary. The estimate is about Rs. 200.
Is there any special day for visiting Ahobilam?
Every month on Swathi Nakshatram (star) Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) is performed for all the nine Nrisimhas (Nava Nrisimhas) of Ahobilam. A full contingent of devotees travel from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore for this occasion. This is a special day to visit Ahobilam. You may also sponsor the Thirumanjanam. The cost is Rs. 5,000 for all nine temples. The amount is deposited in a trust called Swati Trust and used for the Thirumanjanam expenses. If you wish to sponsor a Thirumanjanam please contact the manager of Malola Guest House at 8519-232045. If you plan to attend Swati Thirumanjanam please make advance reservation for a room to stay at Ahobilam.
Further, Brahmothsavam is celebrated in Ahobilam in the month of Masi, sometime between mid February to mid March. During this time, entire Ahobilam takes on a festive appearance. The celebrations last 10 days. Lord Prahlada Varadhan enjoys riding in various Vahanas during this time. This is a great time to visit Ahobilam to have grand Dharshan of Lord Nrisimha. Be prepared for heat and big crowds.
Welcome to Sri Ahobila Muth Portal
Ahobilam - Lord Narasimha
