Sri Nava Narasimhar Temple

The Ahobilam Temple is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly in the narrative of Lord Narasimha's incarnation. The mythological belief is that Lord Narasimha appeared at Ahobilam to protect Prahlada and destroy the demon king Hiranyakashipu. This divine event is said to have taken place in a natural setting, where Lord Narasimha manifested in caves and on rugged terrain. Early worship at these sacred sites likely began with simple shrines or markings at the locations where the various forms of Narasimha were believed to have appeared.

The Cholas, who were devout patrons of Hindu temples and architecture, played a significant role in the development of Ahobilam. During their reign, from the 9th to the 13th centuries, the Cholas expanded many temples across South India, including those dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Cholas initiated the construction of some of the early structures at Ahobilam, particularly in the lower part of the temple complex, known as Chinna Ahobilam (Lower Ahobilam). They may have built basic temple structures, sanctums, and small shrines to house the various forms of Narasimha.

The most significant development of the Ahobilam Temple took place during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara kings, who were staunch Vaishnavites, are known for their extensive temple-building activities throughout South India. The empire, which lasted from the 14th to the 17th centuries, was instrumental in transforming Ahobilam into the grand temple complex it is today.

King Krishnadevaraya, one of the most famous rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, is traditionally credited with contributing to the expansion and beautification of the Ahobilam Temple. Under his reign, the temple complex was significantly expanded, with the construction of gopurams (temple towers), mandapas (pillared halls), and additional shrines dedicated to the various forms of Narasimha. The architectural style of the Vijayanagara period is characterised by its elaborate carvings, intricate sculptures, and majestic towers, all of which are evident in the Ahobilam Temple.

After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Nayakas, who were local chieftains and rulers, took over the administration and patronage of many temples in South India, including Ahobilam. The Nayakas continued the tradition of temple-building and maintenance, adding their own contributions to the existing structures. They are credited with constructing some of the outer mandapas and other auxiliary structures within the temple complex.

The Ahobila Matha, a prominent Vaishnavite monastic institution, has also played a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the Ahobilam Temple. Founded in the 14th century by Sri Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar, the Matha has been closely associated with the temple ever since. The Jeeyar is said to have been divinely inspired by Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam, leading to the establishment of the Matha to propagate the teachings of Vishishtadvaita philosophy, as taught by Sri Ramanuja.

Over the centuries, the Ahobila Matha has continued to oversee the temple's rituals, festivals, and upkeep, ensuring that the spiritual and religious traditions of the site are preserved. The Matha has also been involved in various renovation and restoration projects, particularly during times when the temple needed repair or when it was affected by political instability.

This Sthalapuranam relates to the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu—the Narasimha Avatar. The story begins with a powerful king named Hiranyakashipu, whose tale is integral to understanding this sacred legend.

1. The Story of Hiranyakashipu and His Origins

The tale begins with the Dwarapalakas, Jaya and Vijaya, who were the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. They became overly proud of their position, believing that they alone were responsible for guarding Lord Vishnu. Their arrogance led them to be cursed by the great sages (Maharishis), who declared that they would be born as demons on Earth for three lifetimes.

In their first birth, Jaya and Vijaya were born as the demons Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyaksha, in his arrogance, dragged Bhoomadevi (Mother Earth) to the netherworld (Patala Loka), disrupting the balance of the universe. To restore order, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha (the boar), defeated Hiranyaksha, and rescued Bhoomadevi.

1. Hiranyakashipu’s Boon and Tyranny

Meanwhile, Hiranyakashipu, the brother of Hiranyaksha, performed severe penance (tapas) to please Lord Brahma. Pleased with his devotion, Brahma granted him a boon that made him nearly invincible. The boon stipulated that Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by any god, human, or animal; not by any weapon; not during day or night; not inside a palace nor outside; and not on earth, in the sky, or in any other place. Moreover, it was decreed that if he were to be killed, even a drop of his blood falling on the ground would result in the emergence of a thousand more demons like him.

Empowered by this boon, Hiranyakashipu grew arrogant and tyrannical, declaring himself the supreme god and demanding that everyone worship him. He persecuted those who continued to worship Lord Vishnu, attempting to eradicate all traces of Vishnu’s worship.

1. Prahlada’s Devotion and Hiranyakashipu’s Rage

Hiranyakashipu had four sons: Anuhladha, Samhladha, Hladha, and his youngest, Prahlada. Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu from a very young age, constantly chanting the sacred mantra "Om Namo Narayana." Despite his father’s efforts to dissuade him, Prahlada’s devotion to Lord Vishnu remained unwavering.

Furious at his son’s devotion to Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu subjected Prahlada to severe punishments, yet none of these could harm him. Prahlada continued to proclaim that Lord Vishnu was omnipresent and could be found everywhere, even in the heart of his father.

1. The Manifestation of Lord Narasimha

One day, Hiranyakashipu, enraged by Prahlada’s insistence that Vishnu was present everywhere, challenged him by pointing to a massive pillar in his palace and asking whether Vishnu was present in that pillar too. Prahlada confidently replied that the Lord was indeed present there as well.

In a fit of rage, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with his foot. In that moment, the pillar shattered, and Lord Vishnu emerged in the fierce form of Narasimha—half-lion, half-man. This form was neither a god, human, nor animal, thus bypassing the conditions of Brahma's boon.

1. The Demise of Hiranyakashipu

Narasimha grabbed Hiranyakashipu and placed him on his lap, which was neither on earth nor in the sky. The Lord then tore Hiranyakashipu apart with his sharp nails, avoiding the use of any weapon. This event took place at twilight (Sandhya), which was neither day nor night, and at the threshold of the palace, which was neither inside nor outside. In this way, Narasimha fulfilled all the conditions of the boon while still destroying the demon king.

1. The Aftermath and Narasimha’s Anger

After killing Hiranyakashipu, Narasimha’s rage did not subside. He continued to seethe with anger, and as he licked the blood of Hiranyakashipu, the potency of a thousand Hiranyakashipus began to manifest within him. His uncontrollable fury terrified the gods, including Brahma, who feared the destruction of the world.

The gods, unable to pacify Narasimha, turned to Lord Shiva for help. However, it was ultimately Lakshmi Devi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, who managed to calm Narasimha by gently approaching him and soothing his anger. With Lakshmi Devi's intervention, Narasimha’s wrath subsided, restoring peace and balance to the universe.

1. Prahaladhan was given the seva as Ugrah Narasimhar

This sacred site, Ahobilam, beautifully illustrates the profound devotion of Prahlada and demonstrates, through the Narasimha Avatar, that Lord Vishnu will always come to the aid of his devotees. When Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Narasimha, the devas (celestial beings) who witnessed this event were astounded by the immense strength displayed by the Lord. They roared in awe, exclaiming "Ahobilam" and "Ahobilam," which means "praising the strength of Narasimha." This is how this divine place came to be known as "Ahobilam," and it is also revered as "Veera Kshetram" (the Sacred Place of Valor).

In the first three Avatars—Matsya, Kurma, and Varaha—Lord Vishnu did not grant his darshan (divine vision) to Garuda, his faithful vehicle. As a result, Garuda undertook intense penance towards Sriman Narayana, longing for the Lord’s blessing. Finally, in the fourth Avatar, Narasimha appeared to Garuda in this very place, which is why Ahobilam is also known as "Garudadri" (the mountain of Garuda).

Garuda’s father, Sage Kashyapa, advised him to perform penance in this sacred land to attain the Lord’s grace. During his penance, Indra, the king of the gods, sent Apsaras (celestial maidens) to distract Garuda. However, Garuda remained steadfast, declaring that his penance was solely for Lord Narayana and not for any earthly rewards. Recognizing his unwavering devotion, the Apsaras left him in peace. This episode clearly demonstrates Garuda’s deep bhakti (devotion), and as a result, he was honoured with the status of an Alwar (a revered devotee). From that moment on, Garuda has been known as "Garudalwar."

Similarly, Prahlada, whose unshakable devotion to Sriman Narayana led to the manifestation of the Narasimha Avatar, was also granted the revered status of an Alwar and is known as "Prahlada Alwar." This narrative highlights a unique aspect of the Lord’s incarnations: the Narasimha Avatar is the only one in which Lord Vishnu descended to protect a single individual, and that too, a young devotee.

Ahobilam stands as a testament to the Lord's boundless strength and his unwavering commitment to his devotees, making it a place of great spiritual significance and devotions.