Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh

Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh

Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. This Temple is one of the nine Narsimha temples in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple of Jwala Narasimha Swamy, lies higher up the upper Ahobilam, on a hill called, 'Achala Chaya Meru'.

Legends

Actual place of Hiranyakasipu Annihilation:

It is believed that the entire area of Ahobilam was actually Hiranyakasipu’s palace and it was at the spot where the temple stood that Lord Narasimha actually killed the demon. Jwala means flame and this is where Lord Narasimha was at the peak of his anger.

Rakta Kundam:

The Rakta Kundam is where Lord Narasimha is said to have washed his hands after killing the demon Hiranyakasipu. Notice the water is still reddish in appearance. However, when you take the water in your palm it is in its natural colourless form.

The Temple

The Jwala Narasimha idol is unique with 8 arms. Two arms hold the head and legs of Hiranyakasipu on the lap, another two arms tearing open the demon, two arms taking out the intestine of the demon and wearing it as a garland and the other two arms holding the Sankhu and chakram. The presiding deity rules planet Angaraka / Mars / Kuja. Also, Idol of Asura Kula Guru Sukracharya seated on the left side of the main idol.

Idols of Narasimha fighting with the demon king, Lord Narasimha is seen coming out of the pillar, Hiranyakasipu and Prahaladha standing on either sides of the pillar and an idol of Maha Vishnu giving his darshan can be seen. There is a small pond near this temple called Rakta Kunda Tirtha. Here Lord Narasimha washed his blood-stained hands and hence the color of the water of this Kunda turned red. Today also one can see the red stains around this Theertham.

Prayers

Lighting ghee lamps at this shrine in the month of Karthika is considered very auspicious.

Connectivity

This Temple is located at about 4 Kms from the Upper Ahobilam Temple. The trek to Jwala Narasimha Temple from Upper Ahobilam seems to be tedious, as you have to pass through rocky paths and dense forest. This is a half an hour trek and leave you a little tired, especially if it is a hot day. From the temple of Malola Narasimha, there are steps to reach to the temple of Jwala Narasimha. Do not to climb but return to Krodha Narasimha Temple and then walk along the bank of Bhavanasini River to reach Jwala Narasimha temple.

The temple of Jwala Narasimha lies on a hill called as Achala Chaya Meru and is on the base of Ugra Stambha. One has to go under the waterfall of the Bhavanasini River to reach this temple. The last few metres to the Jwala Narasimha Temple is narrow with a deep gorge on one side and is just enough for two people to pass. There is a thick chain hammered into the mountain to serve as a hand rail.

Location | Photos