Ahobilam Bhargava Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Ahobilam Bhargava Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Ahobilam, Lower Ahobilam

Andhra Pradesh 518543

Moolavar

Bhargava Narasimha Swamy

Introduction

Location:

• The Bhargava Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh, about 2 kilometers from Lower Ahobilam.

Puranic Significance:

• This temple is historically significant because it is the place where Lord Parashurama (also known as Bhargava Rama) performed intense penance to please Lord Narasimha. Parashurama sought to witness the moment when Lord Narasimha tore apart Hiranyakashipu’s chest.
• Pleased by his devotion, Lord Narasimha granted him darshan, and during this divine encounter, Parashurama requested the Lord to manifest in the form he had seen—this led to the Lord being worshipped as Sri Bhargava Narasimha Swamy.
• This form is regarded as the most aggressive among the nine forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam.
• The temple is situated near Akshaya Tirtha, also known as Pushkara Tirtha, where Lord Parashurama used to bathe. The water from this sacred tank is used in the worship of Lord Bhargava Narasimha.
• The temple is surrounded by a thick forest, and due to the hilly terrain, it can only be accessed by local jeeps or autos.
• Sage Vasishtha and other sages are said to have performed penance here.
• Devotees can also have darshan of Prahlada, who is depicted at the lotus feet of Lord Narasimha.

Special Features:

• The Lord is worshipped under a Karanja Tree (known as Honge Mara locally), and therefore, the deity is also called Karanja Narasimha.
• Lord Narasimha is depicted holding a bow named Saaranga, and the form is also referred to as Saaranga Narasimha.
  • There is a popular story in which Lord Narasimha manifested as Lord Rama to Hanuman, after Hanuman questioned his form. This moment of transformation is why the Lord is worshipped here in the form of Karanja Narasimha, with a bow in one hand and the Sudarshana Chakra in the other.
• A small idol of Hanuman is also present in the temple.
• Another story involves Sage Durvasa, who cursed Sage Gobila to become a foolish person. After Gobila worshipped Lord Narasimha, reciting Narasimha mantras, the Lord blessed him, restoring his intellect and granting him liberation.
• Devotees seeking knowledge often visit this temple to receive the Lord’s blessings.

Beliefs:

• It is believed that worshiping Bhargava Narasimha after taking a bath in Akshaya Theertham will lead to the Lord granting the devotee Lakshmi Kara—blessings of prosperity and well-being in all aspects of life.

Special Features:

• The temple is over 1500 years old.
• The presiding deity is Bhargava Narasimha, who is associated with the Sun (planet Suryan).
• The Lord is depicted with four hands: two holding the Shanka (conch) and Chakra (discus), and the other two tearing the body of Hiranyakashipu.
• Near the temple is a sacred pond, called Bhargava Theertham (also known as Akshaya Theertham), which is an important part of the temple’s rituals.

Festivals:

• The Narasimha Jayanthi festival is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Vaikasi (May-June), honoring the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/

Century/Period

1500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Allagadda

Nearest Railway Station

Kondapuram

Nearest Airport

Bengaluru

Location on Map

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