Ahobilam Krodha/ Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Upper Ahobilam, Ahobilam,

Andhra Pradesh 518553

Moolavar

Sri Kroda/Varaha Narasimha Swamy

Amman

Lakshmi.

Introduction

Krodha Narasimha Swamy is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. The place is also called Siddha Kshetra. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from upper Ahobilam.

Puranic Significance

Sri Kroda Narasimha is also worshipped by the devotees as Varaha Narasimha. It has the face of a boar and is regarded as a very special form of Lord Narasimha Swamy. Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu but he was very angry with Lord Brahma for the boon he had granted to Hiranyakashipu. He called for Lord Brahma but Brahma was afraid to come near him and the Vedas fell down from his hands. Bhumi Devi held the Vedas and took with her to Patala to protect them. Since the Vedas were missing, the demigods approached Lord Narasimha for his help. The Lord took the form of Kroda, an animal having a single front horn, and went to Patala to retrieve the Vedas. He came out from Patala with Bhumi Devi sitting above His horn. After retrieving the Vedas, Lord took the form of Sri Kroda Narasimha and sat at this temple. By that time he cooled down. Then Lord Brahma approached him begging for forgiveness and he requested to give him the Vedas. Lord Narasimha declined Brahma’s request saying that Brahma was not a responsible person because he already lost it due to carelessness. Then Brahma suggested to give Vedas to Lakshmi-devi. Lord agreed with Brahma and gave him darshan as Sri Malola Narasimha.

Devotees can have darshan of both Sri Kroda Narasimha and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in this temple. It is said that Lord Narasimha developed attachment to Chenchu Lakshmi which annoyed Lakshmidevi, and the Lord is seen here as if he is trying to pacify Lakshmidevi. Here devotees can also have darshan of Sri Varaha Tirtha. To reach the temple of Sri Krodha Narasimha, the devotees have to do a little bit of trekking. From the Ahobila Narasimha Temple, they have to walk further along the banks of Bhavanashini River to reach this temple.

The first Jeeyar of the Ahobilam mutt interpreted on the Sribhashya and delivered Bhagavad-Gita Kaalakshepam to the then 74 simhasanadipatis near this place.

Beliefs

One popular belief amongst the people is that by visiting this Narasimha temple, most of the individual’s desires will fulfill very easily. It is believed that to attain success in one’s chosen path one should observe penance for 5 days.

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old. Presiding Deity is called as Krodha Narasimha Swamy / Varaha Narasimha Swamy. The presiding deity rules planet Rahu. The image of the deity has the face of a boar (Varaha or Krodha) and the Lord is seen along with his Consort, Lakshmi. Hence the Lord of the temple is known as Krodakara (Varaha) Narasimha Swamy here.