Narasimha Kshetras - M S Rajajee

Ahobila Kshetra

Among the various Narasimha Kshetras, the prime position is occupied by the Kshetra for Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam. Ahobilam, is in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, about 40 kms from Arlagadda an erstwhile Taluk Headquarters, just before Nandyal and after Cuddapah when we proceed from Madras. This is part of the Seshachala range of hills which is itself part of the eastern ghats. It is believed that Tirumala or Seshasaila, believed to be Adisesha himself is the head of this range, that Ahobilam is the middle portion and Srisailam (the famous Saivite center) is the tail portion. Ahobilam is also known as Ahobalam. The popular belief is that when Lord Narayana manifested as Lord Narasimha, and his powerful nails tore open the chest of the asura Hiranyakasipu, all the gods who had gathered there exclaimed "Ahoviryam Ahosauryam Ahobaahu paraakramah Narasimham param daivam Ahobilam Ahobalam" "What strength! What great strength" or "Ahobalam". Hence, this pilgrim center is known as Ahobilam as well as Ahobalam.

(to be continued in May, 2006 issue)

© "Sri Narasimha Avatara" by M S Rajajee, published by Sri Ahobila Matha, Hyderabad 500 013. Reprinted with permission.

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