About Ahobilam Narasimha Temples
Ahobilam is a holy town in Allagadda mandal of Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, set in the Nallamala forest of the Eastern Ghats. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Sri Vaishnavism and one of the most important places of worship of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu. What makes it special is that Narasimha is honoured here in nine forms, the Nava Narasimha, in shrines scattered across hills, caves and streams. They include Ahobila, Bhargava, Jvala, Yogananda, Chatravata, Karanja, Pavana, Malola and Varaha Narasimha. A visit is part pilgrimage, part forest walk.
The site is ancient. The 9th-century Tamil poet-saint Thirumangai Alvar sang its praises, and Sanskrit and Telugu texts mention it between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Kakatiya and Reddi kings supported its shrines, and the Vijayanagara rulers became great patrons; Krishnadevaraya himself visited in the 16th century. In 1579 the site was raided by a Golconda commander. Ahobilam is also the birthplace of the Ahobila Matha, founded by Adivan Satakopa Jiyar in the early 1400s, which still administers the temples. A rocky peak called the Ugra Stambha is linked by tradition with the pillar from which Narasimha emerged.
Lower Ahobilam is the main village and home of the Prahladavarada temple, dedicated to the gentle form of Narasimha. Mostly built in the 16th century, it holds most of the inscriptions found at Ahobilam. Upper Ahobilam lies about 8 km to the east, up a forested ravine, where the Ahobila Narasimha shrine, the oldest, honours the fierce form of the deity. Several of the other shrines are reached on foot along forest paths, over rocks and across streams, and some take a good part of a day. Many pilgrims hire a local guide to visit all nine.
Ahobilam Narasimha Temples timings
Usually open from morning to evening; forest shrines are best visited in daylight. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ahobilam Narasimha Temples
By air
Kadapa airport is about 82 km from Allagadda and Kurnool airport about 95 km.
By train
Nandyal Junction is the nearest major station, about 38 km from Allagadda.
By road
Ahobilam is about 30 km from Allagadda, which lies on National Highway 40 about 42 km from Nandyal and 118 km from Kurnool. APSRTC buses and local jeeps serve the route.
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional dress is advised at the temples. Wear sturdy footwear for the forest walks and carry a change of clothes.
- Entry
- Free.
- Plan a full day, or two, to visit all nine Narasimha shrines; some involve steep forest walks.
- Hire a local guide for the forest shrines of Upper Ahobilam.
- Carry water and snacks; facilities in the forest are limited.
- Start early so you finish the forest walks before dark.
Places to visit near Ahobilam Narasimha Temples
- Prahladavarada Temple, Lower AhobilamMain temple of the gentle Narasimha, in the village
- Upper AhobilamOldest shrine of the fierce Narasimha, about 8 km away
- AllagaddaMandal town on NH 40, about 30 km away
- NandyalDistrict town and railway junction
Frequently asked questions
What are the nine Narasimha temples of Ahobilam?
Ahobila, Bhargava, Jvala, Yogananda, Chatravata, Karanja, Pavana, Malola and Varaha Narasimha.
Is Ahobilam a Divya Desam?
Yes. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised by Thirumangai Alvar in the 9th century.
How far is Upper Ahobilam from Lower Ahobilam?
Upper Ahobilam is about 8 km east of the lower village.
How do I reach Ahobilam?
Go to Allagadda on NH 40, about 42 km from Nandyal, and then travel about 30 km by road to Ahobilam.
How long does it take to visit all Ahobilam temples?
With forest walks between shrines, most pilgrims need a full day or more; hire a local guide.
What are the Ahobilam Narasimha Temples timings?
Usually open from morning to evening; forest shrines are best visited in daylight. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Ahobilam Narasimha Temples?
Traditional dress is advised at the temples. Wear sturdy footwear for the forest walks and carry a change of clothes.
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