Ahobilam

Ahobhilam, also known as Ahobalam and Nava Narasimha Kshetra is located amidst Nallamall Hills in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a mere distance of 40 km from Nandyal, 150 km from Kurnool and about 350 km from Hyderabad. It is not only the important pilgrimage site of South India but also an adventure trekking site to the nine Narasimha temples located in the thick forests of the surrounding hills . The temple is located where Lord Narasimha blessed Prahlada and killed Hiranyakashipu. It is a place where mythology comes alive.
 

History of Ahobilam

According to the legend, to fulfill the wish of Garuda to form an avatara, the Lord Narsimha settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. This is the reason this hill is known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.

Though the exact history of Ahobilam is not very clear, but the temple has been in existence for atleast a 1000 years. As for mythology and legends, Ahobilam is most famous for the story of Lord Narasimha avatar and killing of the demon king Hiranyakashipu and saving Prahalada at this place only.

What to expect from Ahobilam

It is divided into two parts lower Ahobilam and upper Ahobilam. There are 12 shrines in total out of which celebrated nine shrines called Nava Nrisimha are located within a circle of 5 Km. These nine shrines are Kroda Narasimha, Karanja Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola Narasimha,  Paavana Narasimha, Bharaghava Narasimha,  Chatravata Narasimha,  and Yogananda Narasimha. Apart from these Ugra Stambam is another shrine, which is a column of rock. This rock is considered as Lord Nrisimha himself. The eleventh shrine is Prahlada Padi. These eleven are in the hills while the last one, Prahlada Varadan temple is located at Lower Ahobilam near the Malola Guest House.


Only a few temples can be reached through trekking. Some of the temples are inside the cave. All the nine shrines can be visited in two days with the help of a guide. 

Hotels and Restaurants around Ahobilam

There is only one eating place here- a privately run canteen that serves vegetarian meals. In addition, Annamacharya Nitya Annadanam Trust founded by Sri Ahobila Matam provides free food to all the devotees. They offer free prasadam three times a day including Tadiyaradhanam (full course meals) in the lunch and Dadiyannam (Curd rice) in the morning and evening.

There is only one guest house called Malola Guest House near the temple, which is run by Sri Ahobila Mutt and offers a total of 14 rooms including 4 triplet rooms, 6 double rooms, and 4 single rooms. Only two double rooms and two triple rooms are air conditioned. Apart from these there are 10 dormitory type rooms are also available for visitors. Accommodation has to be booked in advance. Here are the contact details of Malola Guest House for booking a room or any other travel related information.

Contact Details of Malola Guest House

Manager, Malola Guest House
Ahobilam 518 545, Kurnool District, A.P
Phone: 08519 – 252 025/0252 045
094905 15284/094407 9273

How to Reach Ahobilam

Ahobilam temple is located about 150 km from Kurnool, and 350 KM from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. From Hyderabad you can take a train, bus or car to Kurnool to reach there. And from Kurnool a car or bus can be taken to reach Ahobilam.

Nearest Airport:  GMR Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport (350 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Nandyal railway station (40 km)
Nearest Bus Stop: Allagadda (20 km)

Best Time to Visit Ahobilam

Best time to visit Ahobilam is in winter months as this involves a lot of trekking to visit temple, hence it is not recommended to visit the temple in summer or monsoon. November and December are known as the best time to visit Ahobilam.