Ahobilam Bhargava Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Ahobilam, Lower Ahobilam

Andhra Pradesh 518543

Moolavar

Bhargava Narasimha Swamy

Introduction

Bhargava Narasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Lower Ahobilam.

Puranic Significance

This is the place where Lord Parashurama, also known as Bhargava Rama, performed penance to please Lord Narasimha. Parashurama wanted to have darshan of the Lord at the moment when he tore apart the Hiranyakashipu’s chest. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Narasimha gave Him the desired darshan. When the Lord was giving him darshan, the demon Hiranyakashipu lying on the Lord’s lap looked at Parashurama and Parashurama requested the Lord to manifest Himself in that form. Since then, the Lord being worshipped here has become known as Sri Bhargava Narasimha Swamy. Among all forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam, this form is considered to be the most aggressive form.

The temple is situated on the banks of Akshaya Tirtha, which is equally regarded as the sacred Pushkara Tirtha. Parashurama used to bathe in this Theertha and its water is used for the worship of Lord Bhargava Narasimha. Sage Vasishtha and other sages had performed penances in this place. Devotees can have darshan of Prahlada at the lotus feet of the Lord. This temple is amidst a thick forest and since it is a hilly terrain, it can be reached only by local jeep or autos.

The Deity of Lord Narasimha is placed under the Karanja Tree, hence the Lord is also known as Karanja Narasimha. Karanja Tree is called as Honge Mara in local language. The Lord is also known as Saaranga Narasimha because He holds the bow named Saaranga. There is a story behind this. Once, Hanuman was mediating and chanting the holy name of Lord Rama. Suddenly Lord Narasimha appeared before him and asked why he called him. Hanuman told him to go back because he was calling Rama’s name. Narasimha said that he was Rama and since Hanuman called him, he came here. Hanuman said that he could not be Rama because he did not have the form of Rama. Immediately Lord Narasimha manifested Himself as Rama with bow in one hand and Sudarshana in the other hand and Hanuman got convinced. From then onwards the Lord was worshipped in the form of Sri Karanja Narasimha. There is a small deity of Hanuman in the temple

Sage Durvasa cursed Sage Gobila to become a stupid person. He started worshipping the Lord by reciting Narasimha Mantra. The Lord was pleased with him and blessed him that he would become a very learned person and would attain liberation in due course. Devotees who seek knowledge come here and worship for Lord’s grace.

Beliefs

It is believed that worshiping Bhargava Narsimha at Ahobilam after taking a bath at Akshaya Theertham would make the Lord give Lakshmi Kara (hand possessing Goddess Lakshmi or prosperity) thus blessing in all manners.

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. Presiding Deity is called as Bhargava Narasimha. The presiding deity rules planet Suryan / Sun. Lord here is seen with 4 hands, two having Shanka & Chakram and another two tearing the body of Hiranya.There is a sacred pond near this temple called Bhargava Theertham / Akshaya Theertham.