Ahobilam Karanja Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Ahobilam Karanja Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Upper Ahobilam, Ahobilam,

Andhra Pradesh–518 553

 Mobile: +91 94418 02368 / 96032 27118

Moolavar

Karanja Narasimha Swamy

Introduction

Location:

• The Karanja Narasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is situated 1 km from Upper Ahobilam and about 7 km from Lower Ahobilam, very close to Yeguva Ahobilam.

Puranic Significance:

• According to legends, Hanuman meditated at this spot, and when Lord Narasimha appeared before him, Hanuman initially refused to recognize the Lord in any form other than that of Lord Rama. In response to Hanuman’s wish, Lord Narasimha manifested in the form of Lord Rama, holding Rama’s characteristic weapon, the bow.
• The temple is set against a picturesque backdrop with the Garudathri Mountain, adding to the natural beauty. It is situated on the banks of the Bavanashini River, surrounded by the serenity of the Nallamala Forest.
• The temple’s sannadhi (sanctum) of Lord Narasimha faces the Bavanashini River, with Garudathri Mountain in the background. Sri Garudalwar (the deity of Garuda) is also positioned facing the Lord.
• Karanja Narasimha was worshipped by Sage Kapila to ward off the curse of Sage Durvasa.
• The Lord is depicted in a unique form here: sitting in Padmasana (lotus posture) under a Karanja Tree (also called Honge Mara in the local language). The deity has four arms:
  • Left upper hand: holding a bow and arrows
  • Right upper hand: holding the Sudarshan Chakra
  • Lower hands: in the Abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness)
• Lord Narasimha has three eyes (Tri-Nethra), and Sri Adi Shesha (the divine serpent) with one head forms a chatram (umbrella) over the Lord, offering protection and grace.

Beliefs:

• It is believed that worshiping Karanja Narasimha at this temple bestows knowledge and wisdom upon the devotees.

Special Features:

• The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.
• The presiding deity, Karanja Narasimha, is associated with the Moon (planet Chandran).
• Anjaneya (Hanuman) is depicted in a standing posture, with folded hands, facing the Lord, showing his reverence and devotion.

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates the Narasimha Jayanthi festival for 10 days during the month of Vaikasi (May-June). This festival commemorates the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha.

Century/Period

1500 Year Old

Managed By

Government of Ahobila Mutt

Nearest Bus Station

Allagadda

Nearest Railway Station

Kondapuram

Nearest Airport

Bengaluru

Location on Map

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