Ahobilam -The Navanrsimha Kshetra
If there's one trip that has wild nature, ancient philosophy, and divine presence combined — it's Ahobilam.
Hidden deep within the thick Nallamala forest of Andhra Pradesh, Ahobilam is the very spot where Lord Narasimha – fierce fourth avatar of Vishnu – manifested Himself to save His devotee Prahlada and destroy the demon king Hiranyakashipu.
Actually, the whole area of Ahobilam is Sheshnag-shaped, constituting the divine bed of Lord Vishnu — head in Srisailam, middle in Ahobilam, and tail terminating in Tirupati. The very terrain is divine — a living image of the Lord Himself.
Day 1 – From Hyderabad to the Nallamala Forest
We set out early from Hyderabad, driving through peaceful roads and foggy highways. A stop for breakfast at a rural highway dhaba provided us with energy to carry on. In the afternoon, we arrived in Ahobilam and took a break at the ISKCON center for a healthy sattvic lunch.
We were housed at their guesthouse, and upon settling in and refreshing ourselves, our hike started.
1.Bhargava Narasimha Swamy – Situated at the foot of the hill, where Bhargava Rishi is thought to have done penance.
2.Yogananda Narasimha Swamy – Where Lord Narasimha is said to have imparted yoga to Prahlada.
3.Chatravata Narasimha Swamy – Ringed by tamarind trees, this temple left us agog — not so much for where we were, but for what we witnessed: a herd of close to 100 cows making their way down the hill. For urban-groomed souls like us, accustomed to glimpsing but a mere handful at most, this was a hallucination — nigh on divine.
By the time we reached Diguva Narasimha Swamy, the forest was dark. No one is permitted after 7 PM — the night for the wild here. We were informed that leopards, bears, and other beasts are freely moving around. That ride back was spooky — but exhilarating in its own right.
Day 2 – Into the Wild: The Trek of the Nine Forms
This was our grand trek day — a journey to see the Nava Narasimha (nine incarnations of the Lord) through hills, streams, caves, and waterfalls.
We began once more at Bhargava Narasimha, drinking in the morning peace and wading into the hallowed pond. Then on to:
1.Karanja Narasimha Swamy – It is said that Lord Narasimha rested here after killing the demon Hiranyakashipu, blessing the spot with divine peace.
2.Ahobila Narasimha Swamy (Main Temple) – Where Lord Narasimha is worshiped in His original virulent form.
And then came the challenge: the trek through the forest.
3.Kroda (Varaha) Narasimha Swamy – Situated right next to a stream, with the temple situated above.
4.Jwala Narasimha Swamy – The most challenging yet divine section of the trail. We climbed slippery rocks, waded through crystal-clear streams, and finally crossed the majestic Bhavanasini (Bhavaseera) River to reach the temple. The water here is not just clean — it’s considered Amrit. After all that effort, drinking it felt healing to the soul. A ledge close by commemorates where Lord Narasimha had washed His hands after killing the demon — the water is still reputed to carry a reddish color from the blood
washed away.
5.Ugra Sthambha – The tall pillar from which it is said the Lord came forth. The ascent was steep, and I reached halfway before fear gripped me. Half our team reached the top while the other half of us rested, soaking in the sanctity in silence, before we moved ahead to our next stop.
On the journey, we encountered:
6.Malola Narasimha Swamy – The most serene avatar, accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi. The temple exuded love and tranquility, with abundant greenery all around and hardly any crowd.
7.Prahlada Badi (School) – Buried deep inside cave-like structures, people believe that this is where Prahlada studied and practiced meditation. It is said the whole place was once a golden kingdom, and walking here transports you into a dream-like world as if from a myth.
That evening, in our rooms again, reality dawned — our legs were dead. Literally numb. We cracked jokes that we wouldn't be able to move for the next three days. Stepping on our foot was like walking over thorns. Our bodies were screaming from the roller coaster terrain we had braved.
But. a miracle took place........
Day 3 – Pavana Narasimha
We slept expecting to hurt and be tired — but we woke up instead fresh. Energized. Alive. There was no hurt, no stiffness, just this otherworldly lightness. That's the mercy of the Dham, we all concurred — Narasimha Bhagwan's energy had buoyed us.
Today's escapade was different. No hike, but a roller-coaster ride like none other — the pilgrimage to Pavana Narasimha Swamy, the most isolated and magical shrine.
The temple is only accessible by off-road jeeps, so we changed cars and headed off on what could only be termed a forest roller-coaster ride. The ride was rocky, untamed, full of quick turns — and we loved every minute of it. Deer ran through the trees, the wind picked up, and clouds clung close, casting an otherworldly, misty atmosphere over the forest.
When we arrived at the temple, it was like a hidden heaven — in the middle of the jungle, amidst hills, mist, and total silence. The coolness in the air, each breath a meditation.
And Then, We Returned…
We set off, our hearts saturated and our spirits renewed. Ahobilam wasn't a road trip — it was a wake-up call.
It instilled perseverance, bonded us with nature in its rawest form. From the thunder of Jwala Narasimha, to the serenity of Malola, to the journey to Pavana, and the miracle of healing, this pilgrimage kept reminding us — when you are in a location immersed in divine history and might, you don't walk alone.
Great...✨✨
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