Holy Pilgrimage -Divya Desam Temples in Tamilnadu State -13 at 6:14 PM

 

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in  Tamilnadu State

 

 

 Andhra Temples

 

Tirupathi - Tirumalai - Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

 

Tirupati is well connected by Air, Rail and Road.

Rail:
Tirupati is connected by rail with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, via Gudur and Madras via Renigunta and Coimbatore, Bangalore, Cochin via Arkonam, Tiruchi.

There are daily direct train services to Tirupati :
From Hyderabad - Rayalaseema Express, Venkatadri Express, Krishna Express, Narayanathri Express;
From Madras - Saptagiri Express, Tirupati Express;
From Visakhapatnam - Tirumala Express.

Road:
Tirupati is connected by road to all major towns and cities in South India. Direct buses to Tirupati are available from almost all major towns of Andhra Pradesh.

APSRTC buses run from all the important places in the state and between Tirupati.

Air:
Indian Airlines and Vayudoot run daily flights from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Madras and Bangalore.

This Divyadesam is considered to be one of the most important divyadesam and said to be the most powerful sthalam. This Tirumala - Tirupathi sthalam is a cluster of three temples namely:

Specials:

• Keezh Tirupathi - found on the foot hill of Mountain.
• Tirumala - found on the Mountain.
• Tiucchanoor - Alarmelamangapuram - which is also found on the foot hill of Tirumala and it is near Keezh Tirupathi temple.

 

The temple which is found on the foot hill (base of the Sapthagiri hills) of Tirumala is said to be the Keezh Tirupathi temple.

The Moolavar is Sri Govindaraja Perumal, who is found in Bujangha Sayana - in Kidantha thirukkolam is facing his thirumugham towards the Eastern direction.

He is considered to be Lord Venkateswara's brother.

Thaayar
The Thaayar found in Pundareeka valli Naachiyaar.

Main Utsavam
The Annual Float Festival

Sri Govindarajaswami Temple was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 AD.

 

Location: Tirucchanoor is 5 kms From Tirupati, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.

This sthalam is also called as "Alarmelmangapuram". This is the separate sthalam for Thaayar.

The Moolavar Thaayar is Alarmelmangai thaayar and she is found facing along East direction. The Thaayar is also named as "Padmavathi". In Tirucchanoor, a very big pushkarani is found and it is said that only in this pushkarani, Mahalakshmi thaayar did tapas on sitting on a very big lotus flower.

Here Devi Padmavathi in all her bridal glory is worshipped. It is customary to worship the Goddess here after darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

The deity, Sri Padmavati Devi is seated in "Padmasana position", holding a Lotus in both of her upper hands. Her lower hands are in poses of "Abhaya", fearlessness, and "Varada", benediction.

Separate sannadhis for Lord Krishna, Balaramar, Sundararaja Swami, Surya Narayana Swami and Venkatachalapati are also found on the "Pragharams".

Nearby, there is a Shiva temple dedicated to Sri Parasareswara.

 

Story of Sri Padmavathi Thaayar

Sudharman, who was ruling the chozha empire ruled the country in a proper way. One day, he went out for hunting in the forest. As he was so tired because of hunting, he took some rest in a place near Seshachala. A beautiful women crossed him and she is the princess of Naga, daughter of Dhananjayan. Sudharman expressed his love and said that he wants to marry her. But the Naga Kanya said that his father has to give the permission.

Feeling sad about the decision made by her father, the Naga Kanya hapilly spent the time along with Sudharman. She asked the king that the children born to her should be announced to the world as his son. Promising to her in such a way, he left towards the palace.

At the same time, his wife in the palace also gave birth to a male child. The king was happy on seeing child but at the same time he thought about the child of Naga Kanya and his promise. He went straight towards her. She also gave birth to a male child, but he doesnt wants to take the child along with, disappointed by the action of the king, the Naga Kanya tried to kill her son by putting him in a basket and let it to the sea, so that they can take care of the child. After seeing this, the king came back to the palace.

Strangely, one fine day, some fishermen found basket in the midst of the sea and gave it to the king. When he opened it, he found the child in a good condition and accepted the child that he will take are of him from then. His first son who was born to the queen of the empire is named as "Aksha Rajan" and the child born for Naga kanya is named as "Thondaman". Both became close to one another and as the time went on, the king divided the kingdom and offered them with the empire so that they can rule the kingdom of their own.

In the meantime, both of them were married. Aksha rajan didnt have children because of this they planned to perform the puthra Kameshti yagam to get a child. To perform the yagam, he had to plough few rounds in the Yaga sala (Yaga Vattam - circle). On a particular place, the plough got stuck and was wondered for the reason. He found a nice basket and was surprised to see a beautiful female child with lots of Tejas and brightness in her face. The king was so happy to get the child from the Bhoomi (earth). Since, the girl was found in the midst of the 1000 petaled lotus, she is named as "Padmavathi". Padman means lotus.

As the day went on, Padmavathi grew up fast and one day, she was along with his friends in the garden. Perumal came along that side and saw Padmavathi in the Garden. He introduced himself and asked Padmavathi to marry him. But, she said that her father has to give permission for it and left the garden.

After hearing this, Sri Srinivasar came back to the palace and Vakula Maligai could notice some sadness in his face. She asked about what had happened. He told all about the previous stories about Vakula maligai, about Padmavathi, etc. After hearing the story, Vakula maligai went towards Narayanapuram and asked her to take towards the queen. There towards the queen and king, she explained that the time has come for their daughter to get married and his son-in-law will be so greatful and would be equivalent to the Neela Megham vannan. (Neela Mega Vannan is none other than Sri Krishnar). After speaking all about this, Vakula Maligai came back to Tirumala and said all about her speech towards the king and the queen.

After Vakula maligai left Narayanapuram, Aksha raja had a discussion along with his ministers, Brahaspathi and Suka muni. Through his Gnana drishti Sukamuni knew about the son-in-law (none other than the perumal himself) and advised the king to let her daughter to marry the groom (the perumal). And after long consultation, Aksha rajan, sent the wedding invitation to Tirumala through Suka muni.

Suka muni gave the invitation to Lord Srinivasar and he was happy on seeing that and sent his acceptance of marrying his daughter through Suka Muni itself.

Lord Srinivasar send Garudan to invite Lord Brahma, Lord Shivan and all other Devars for the marriage. The perumal appointed each and every person around him like Indran, Yaman, Vishwakarma etc for some work for the marriage. He got money from Guberan for the marriage.

At the same time in Narayanapuram, the marriage preparations are seems to be going in a smooth way. The entire Narayanapuram was decorated like Deva logam. With all of the blessings, Lord Srinivasar married Padmavathi thaayar.

 

About the temple:
After traveling through the hills, we will come towards the temple of Lord Srinivasar. The entrance of the temple is an unexplainable issue. We can see a large mountain as a chain and in front of it, the white Gopuram is seen.

The Moolavar
The Moolavar of this divyadesam is said to be Swayambhu (originated on its own but not sculpted by humans). The Moolavar, Sri Venkatachalapathy is found in Nindra thirukkolam on the petals of the Lotus. One can see and admire the beauty the Diamond Kireetam on the head of the perumal. On seeing his face to a closer look, we can see the smiling face of the perumal. His chin is covered with the Pachchai Karpooram and for the perumal, 4 hands are found. The upper two arms holds the Sangu and the Chakkaram. The lower right hand is in Varadha hasta pose which is said to the pose where the perumal holds his hand with his palm facing the bhaktas and all of the fingers are pointed towards downwards (towards his divine feet). And his lower left hand is said to be in "Katya Valambitha"pose where the fingers of the hand rest on the left thing of the perumal.

Sri Lakshmi piratti is found on the right side of the Moolavar's chest in sitting position. And on his left chest is Padmavathi thaayar is found. The perumal is worn with lots of precious ornaments on his arms, he is worn with a kind of ornament which is like the Aadhiseshan on his both the hands. He is also worn the Garland of Salagramam and his divine thiruvadi (Feet) is found on the Lotus flower.

Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi

Next to Moolavar is Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi is found who is similar as the Moolavar but the difference is the Sangu and the Chakkaram cant be removed (its fixed) and gives his seva as "Sangu Chakkra thaari". It is said that he is the perumal who accepts all the dedications made by bhaktas and gives the varam.

Ugraha Srinivasar

In front of Moolavar is Ugraha Srinivasar is found who is also named as "Venkata Thuraivar" and the Vigraham represents that he is in the angry mood. Due to an fire accident, he is used only on 3 occasions (ie) during Uttanna Ekadesi, Mukkoti Dwadesi and Dwadasa Aradhana. It is said that the rays of the sun should not touch the idol as it might bring harm to the world. Because of this before the sun rises, he is brought back to the Garbagriham.

The Utsavar is called as "Malai Kuniya Nindran Perumal". He is also found in Nindra kolam and he is worn with lots of precious ornaments like diamonds and gold. Along his sides are Sridevi and Bhoodevi are found.

On special days and on Utsavams like Kalyana Utsavam, Brahmotsavam, Teppa Utsavam, the Utsavar is decorated with a diamond ornament named as "Vajrangi" and a pearl ornament known as "Muthangi" next to ugra Narasimhar is Kolur Srinivasar is found. He is also named as "Dharbar Srinivasar". He is brought up to the Thirumaamani mandapam and the perumal's Kaanikkai are spread infront of him and are counted and finally the collection amount is said infront of him.

Sri Navaneedha Krishnan

Next to him is Sri Navaneedha Krishnan is found. He is found in dancing position along with Rukmanidevi. The Dhanur month (Maargazhi) utsavam is done for this perumal.

Sri Ramar

Next is 4 idols of Sri Ramar, Seetha devi, lakshmana and sugreevan are found. Next to them is Chakarattalwar (Sudarsana chakkaram) is found who is taken out before the utsavar taken out for Veedhi Purappaadu (Perumal is taken out through the streets). On Ratha Saptami, Chakkrattalwar is taken to Swammi Pushkarani and spiritual bath is given to him.

Mangalasasanam
Next to Sri Rangam divyadesam, only in this sthalam, Alwars have done more numbers of Mangalasasanam here.

Perialwar - 7 Paasurams.
Andal - 16 Paasurams.
Thruppaan alwar - 2 Paasurams.
Kulasekaralwar - 11 Paasurams.
Thirumazhisaialwar - 14 Paasurams.
Poigaialwar - 10 paasurams.
Boothathalwar - 9 Paasurams.
Peialwar - 19 Paasurams.
Nammalwar - 52 Paasurams.
Thirumangaialwar - 62 Paasurams.
Total - 202 Paasurams.

Manavala Maamunigal has stayed in this sthalam for a long time and have praised and sung mangalasasanam on this perumal.

Vimaanam:
One can see the beautiful and white Vimaanam, which is known as "Aananda Nilaya Vimaanam". This Tirupathi temple is about 400 feet in length and 250 feet width. There are two gopurams found to this perumal. One is the outer Gopuram and another is Inner Gopuram. For two Gopurams, there are two Pragharams. The worship done in between the two pragharams is referred to as "Sampangi Pradhakshanam". The worship in between inner pragharam and Garbhagriham is referred to as "Vimana Pradhakshanam".

Entering into the Temple:
The outer entrance of the temple is called as "Mugha Dwaram" (entrance) and it is about 11 feet in width. Entering through this, we can see the Ranganayakikula mandapam, which is found on the left hand side. Next to it is the Pradhama mandapam is found.

On the North side of the Pradhama mandapam, a statue of Krishnadevarayar is found who is said to be a great Shiva bhaktan. He came to this Tirumala divyadesam in 16th century for about 7 times.

On the left side of Pradhama Mandapam, a big hall is found where Kalyana utsavam for the Perumal is done in a very grand manner. A small sannadhi for Sri Ranganathar is found and it is said that during the war of the Mughals on Sri Rangam, this Vigraham (Idol) was taken from Sri Rangam and kept here in this sannadhi and proper poojas done for the perumal.

Next to this, is the Thirumalai Raja Mandapam is found. In this mandapam, there are three statues of Lala Khamanan, the Thodarmalla, his mother and his wife are found.

As we have seen that two types of Pradhakshanams are said to be done in this temple, one can see the Sri Varadharajar sannadhi as we cross the inner Gopuram. Next to Varadharajar sannadhi is the Madapalli. (Kitchen of the temple) is found. There are called as "Poturooms" and the Neivedhya prasadhams are prepared inside these rooms. The incharge of the kitchen is none other than Sri Vakula maligai the mother of the perumal. An idol is also found in the entrance of the Kitchen and because of this, she is called as "Madapalli Naachiyaar".

To the front of Madapalli, a well called as Bangarubavi (Golden well) and the water from this well is taken for cooking the prasadham, and for Thirumanjanam (spiritual bath given for the perumal).

After doing the Pradhakshanam, one can see the sannadhi of Sri Ramanujar, the Vaishnavite Aacharyan. In this sannadhi, theertham and Satari are offered for the bhaktas. There is no sannadhi for any Aacharyaas for any of the Alwars only sannadhi for the great Vaishnavite, Sri Ramanujar is found.

On the side of Sri Ramanujar sannadhi, a sannadhi for Yoga Narasimhar swamy is found. He is giving his seva in Yoga position holding Sangu and Chakkaram on his hands which is lifted upwards.

And after worshipping all these, we will come across Thirumaamani mandapam, where 'Garudan' is found. There is a small vimaanam found on top of Garudalwar Sannadhi.

To the west of Thirumaamani Mandapam, the Bangaru Vakili (the golden entrance) is found. And two Dwara Balagaas, jayan and Vijayan are found on the either side of the entrance. A custom by named "Thiruppaavadai" is done here during which large quantity of cooked rice are spread in this mandapam and Bhoga Srinivasamurthi is brought to this custom to accept it.

After crossing the Bangaru Vakili, we can enter into a mandapam by named Snapana mandapam. This mandapam is also called as "Thiruvilam Koil", where Bhoga Srinivasa murthi is found.

After crossing the Snapana Mandapam, we can find Ramar medai where statues of Hanuman, Angadhan and sugreev are found and to opposite of this medai, statues of Anantham, Garudan and Vishwa karma made of Panchalokam are found.

From Ramar medai, one can enter the Sayana mandapam, where the perumal is put to sleep in night (Ekantha seva).

Behind the Sayana Mandapa is the Garbhagriham. (the moolavar sannadhi).

 

Sthala Puranam:

Emperumaan, Sriman Narayanan is found as "Eazhumalayaan" stands in this temple all alone in Nindra thirukkolam and is giving the seva to lots and lots of Bhaktas. After the world has been created, Trethayugham, Dwaparayugam and Krithayugam all went and in all these yugam, as stated by Sriman Narayanan in Mahabharatham, he took Avathaar in some form to establish Dharmam and fought and destroyed "Adharmam" or evil.

After all these Yugams finished, Kali yugam started from hem all sorts of Evil things started to spread along throughout the world. Great Emporers lost their Empire and lots of Yogis and rishis were killed and their wives were captured by Arakkas (Demon). At that Kaliyugam, a wild demon by named "kali" emerged in this yugam who made the earth loose its beauty and spread various evil aspects in the midst of the human minds.

In Kaliyugam, person who has money and body strength are respected and all the good things like human relationship, guru and his students relation, cheating others for money and lots of sinful action were performed.

Lord Brahma was so scared on seeing the Earth in this manner. Finally he thought, the right person to cure this is Sriman Narayanan and if his divine thiruvadi (feet) is touched on the lands of earth, it might regain its lost beauty and if atleast a drop of his blood is shed on earth, the earth become pure and thereby all evil things might diminish. He said this to Narada Maharishi and he should take of this.

All the Maharishis had a meeting that a very big Yaagam must be done and how much amount credit should be given to which god? Naradar told that it should be given to one among the 3 moorthies who stands as the structure of Dharma and Sathyam and he should be capable of withstanding all sorts of Adharmams. Finally, he ends by saying that Brighu Maharishi is the right person who can do this in finding among the 3 Moorthies who is person with the said Characters.

First, he went straight to Siva logam where Lord Shiva and Parasakthi are found closed to each other. It is one of the Universal truth that the union of Shivan and Sakthi is said to be the way made for the Dharmam to come all its way. But, since Brighu Maharishi was so angry that his presence was not being noticed, and gave him the Sabham that on the earth, Lord Shivan would be done pooja only in the form of Lingam but not in the form of Statues (or) Vigrahams (Idols). This is the only reason that Shiva Lingams are found in all Shiva temples but not Idols,

After this, Brighu Maharishi went to Brahma devan's Sathya logam. There also he was not greeted properly not he was not noticed. It was him, Brahma devan who asked Narada Maharishi for this to happen but it is fate that all this should happen. After being not noticed by Brahma and Saraswathi, Brighu Maharishi got angry on him and like the same way, as he gave Sabham for Shivan, he gave Brahma devan a sabham that there should be no temple for Brahma in the Bhoologam and after this he went straight to Vaikundam.

After entering into Vaikundam, he saw Sriman Narayanan sleeping in Aadhiseshan. He could not be so calm since he was not greeted and taken care properly by Brahma devan and as a result he had given them the Sabham.

As a result, he burst out like Volcano and went straight towards Sriman Narayanan and kicked him on his Thirumaarbhu (divine chest). After being kicked, Sriman Narayanan woke up and asked Brighu Maharishi to sit and did Padha pooja for him. Brighu Maharishi is a person who has an eye on his feet. Because of this he was so angry and the perumal plucked the eye from his feet and as a result he lost all of his anger and finally thought that all of the Yoga credit must be given to Sriman Narayanan and came to the Yoga place.

As we can notice, it was Brahma devan that who started the process of finding to whom the yaga credit should be given but finally he was given the sabham that he should not be worshiped in the earth. Its all a written one and it is fate that these are the things that should happen.

But, as Brighu Maharishi kicked the thirumaarbhu (divine chest) of Sriman Narayanan, Lakshmi piratti left him from Sri Vaikundam and came towards the earth. Because of this, Sri Vaikundam, the Moksham lost its grace and brightness and all of these are said to be only because of Kaliyugam.

After being alone in Vaikundam, Sri Vishnu could not be in Vaikundam and came towards the Bhoologam in search of Sri Mahalakshmi. Aadhiseshan turned as the mountain of Tirumala and the perumal roamed all along the earth without knowing what to do. He forgot all of his duties and he lost his conscious and sat like a person without having food, water and anything else.

On seeing this, Brahma devan and Shivaperuman came down towards the Bhoologam as a cow and calf and were finally handed over towards the Chozha king.

Once an cowherd person took the cow and the calf for making them to eat. But in the land, the cow (Brahma devan) and the calf (Shiva peruman) went towards the putru (a small mountain surrounded by sand), where Sri Vishnu was found. The cow and the calf went towards the putru and gave Sriman Narayanan the milk. This happened daily. But the cowherd could not understand why this particular cow is not giving milk while the other do. so, finally he made up in his mind that he should follow the cow and the calf and whats the reason for not giving milk.

The next day he took all the cows for the grass to the plains but his eyes was watching only the cow (Brahma) thats not giving milk daily. As a daily practice, the spiritual cow went towards the Putru and gave all of the milk inside it, where Sriman Narayanan is found.

On seeing this, the cowherd went to the Chozha and told the reason why the cow is not yielding milk. Then, the king sent some of his soldiers and asked them to destroy the Putru. On that time, the cow asusual went towards the Putru and gave milk. But at the same time, the cowherd tried to hit the cow with his axe and because of this, he threw the axe towards the cow. But, to help the cow, the perumal came out from the Putru and held the axe in his head. The axe directly struck the forehead of the perumal and made a deep cut and as a result, the blood came out and finally it fell on the earth and thus, finally the earth was freed from all sorts of evil activities thats being done by Kalki.

As the Emperumaan divine feet was stamped on the Bhoologam, it got its purity and the perumal gave his seva first to the cowherd inspite of throwing the axe on him and made wound on him. But, as said by the perumal in Bagavath Gita, "Do your duties, without expecting the return". As said by the perumal, the cowherd did the right duty of stopping the cow which gave the milk to the perumal. He didnt expected anything. Its his duty to take the cow out and get the milk from them. As a result, he was the first person to get the dharshan of the perumal.

Varaghar and Sri Srinivasar:
After coming out from the Putru, the perumal went towards Sri Varagha moorthy who helped out Bhoomipiratti from Hiranyatshakan, when the perumal took the Avathar as "Sri Varaghar". The perumal asked for some place to stay in the hill. As Varaghar could easily feel that the perumal is feeling the absence of Lakshmi piratti, he offered the perumal some land on the hill and he asked for a varam. It is that every bhaktas should worship Varagha swamy first then only they should worship the Sri Srinivasa perumal.

If they worship him directly with praying Varagha moorthy, the perumal should not give his blessing nor take their offerings. The perumal accepted it and promised him that the Prasadham and his darshan will be offered first to Varagha moorthy and then only it would be offered to the perumal in Tirupathi. Thus, the perumal got the place to stay on and this hill is the Venkatachala hill (Tirumala). Varagha moorthy also sent Vakula maligai along with the perumal to help him out in the house. Vakula maligai is none other than Yasodha the mother of Sri Krishnan in Sri Krishna Avathaar. During that avathaar, the perumal had promised her that in Kali Yugam that she will be given his seva and she will be seeing the perumal in Kalyana Vaibhavam, as Kalyana Moorthy.

 

Theertham (Pushkarani)

Aksha Ganga theertham:
This is said to be one of the sacred pushkarani of this sthalam and is found two miles away from the temple and it is believed that devars regard this theertham as "Amirtham" (nectar).

Papavinasa Theertham:
This theertham is found 3 miles away from the temple. As the name implies, if taken bath in this theertham, one can get rid from all of his sins.

Pandava theertham, Ramakrishna theertham, Jabali theertham, kapila theertham, Vaikunta theertham, Tumburu Punya theertham, Kumara dharma theertham (are some of the theerthams found in this sthalam).

Utsavams and Dharshans

The temple is opened all of the day but closed only for some hours of time. This implies how the perumal is giving his seva to his bhaktas.

In the morning, Suprabhadha dharshan is done, during which the Bhoga Srinivasar murthi is taken from the sayana mandapam to Garbagriham. Mangala Harathi and a mixture of cow's milk, butter and sugar are mixed as offered to the perumal and this is given as Prasadham to the Bhaktas.

Sahasranama Archanai is done during which the Thriunamam (names) of the perumal is said.

On Thursday a special pooja by name "Poolangi seva" is done. During this, the perumal is seen only in a dhoti and a uthriyam, without mere ornament and an garland. It is one of the special seva that all bhaktas should see.

Next on Friday, Arjitha seva is done Brahmotsavam and Ratha Sapthami are the grand utsavams done for the perumal. The Brahmotsavam is also known as "Purattasi month Utsavam" and it is done during September and October.

During Brahmotsavam, the perumal (Utsava murthi) gives his seva on Various Vahanams. On the nights of the utsavam, he is found on Hamsa Vahanam, Peddha Vahanam, Muthyapupandri Vahanam, Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam, Garuda Vahanam, GajaVahanam, Chandraprabai Vahanam, Ashwa Vahanam. Likewise on the day, he is found on sesha Vahanam, Simha Vahanam, kalpavriksham Vahanam, Mohini Avathara Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya Prabhai Vahanam are done.

Garuda seva on the fifth day of the Brahmotsavam is one among the special Vahanam during which the special and precious Makara Kandigai is worn for the Utsava murthi.

On the 11th day, Theerthavari is done for the perumal is Swami Pushkarani. Theerthavari means the perumal is taken to the Swami Pushkarani and dipped in the theertham (ie) he is given bath in that pushkarani and after that all the bhaktas take bath there and finally all their sins are made vanished.

 

 

Thiru Singavel Kundram - Sri Nava Narasimhar Temple, Ahobilam

 

Temple Location :

Ahobilam is situated at a distance of 74 Kms from Nandyal (Kurnool District), around 365 Kms from Hyderabad and around 75 Kms from Tirupathi. Lots of transportation facilities are available. Bus facilities from Cuddapah, Nandyal and Banganapalli are available and frequent.

This Ahobila sthalam is also known as "Singavel Kundram". This sthalam is dedicated to Sri Narasimhar, one of the Avathaars taken by Sri Maha Vishnu to kill Hiyanyakasibhu. This sthalam is also known as "Nava Narasimha Kshetram" since 9 forms of Narasimhar Moorthies is found.

Specials:

Thiru Singavel Kundram is also called as "Ahobilam". This divyadesam is said to be found as two mountains (ie) Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam. From lower Ahobilam, we have to travel around 6 Kms to reach upper Ahobilam through bus. This Ahobilam sthalam is also named as "Nava Narasimha Kshetram".

This Sthala Perumal gives his seva in 9 different ways and it is believed to be so powerful as NavaGrahaas.

This sthalam is found inside mountain and the perumal, Narasimhar is giving his seva in 9 different stages.

1.   Ahobila Narasimhar

2.   Varagha Narasimhar

3.   Malola Narasimhar

4.   Yoganandha Narasimhar

5.   Bhavana Narasimhar

6.   Kaaranja Narasimhar

7.   Chathra Vada Narasimhar

8.   Bharghava Narasimhar

9.   Jwala Narasimhar

If we assume the group (or) series of mountains in Andhra Pradesh State, it will be like Aadhiseshan. Being the head part of the Aadhiseshan can be treated as the Thiruvenkadamudayaan's Tirupathi, the body part is treated as this sthalam, Ahobilam and the tail part is considered to be assumed as "Sri Sailam", Where Lord Shivan is found. The Ahobila perumal, Narasimhar is well sung and praised by Aadhi Shankarar, Udayavar Ramanujar and Sri Madhava Chariyar. These 3 great persons are considered to important and should be given respect, since they worked very hard to attain the perumal and they worked hard for the humanity to live their life in peace. Other than these 3 great personalities, 3 more who were given the Sthanam (position) (position) of Alwars (ie) Garudalwar, Pragaladhalwar and Thirumangai Alwar has also praised on this Ahobila varadhan.

In Upper Ahobilam, lots of wild animals are found and because of this, bhaktas are allowed to go to Upper Ahobilam only in groups along with proper guides. Bhaktas are also advised to return back to lower Ahobilam in the noon, itself.

Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangai alwar - 10 Paasurams.

Utsavam:
During Maasi month of every year, a grand Utsavam, the Brahmotsavam is celebrated in a grand way and ends on Pournami.

This sthalam is also related to the Kali yugam. The perumal has a close relation with Lord Murughan. How Murugapperumal married Valli, who is considered to be one among the women in mountain, this sthala perumal also married Senji Lakshmi thaayar who belonged to the same category. Lord Murugan is also named as "Vel". And since, Narasimhar married Senjilakshmi thaayar who belong to the Vedar family (Hunter) this perumal is named as "Singavel" and since the perumal is found in Kundru means the "Top of the Hill". And since, this sthalam is said to be the continuous (or) series of Eazhumalayan's Kundram, this sthalam is called as "Singa Eazhkundram".

 

9 Different Forms of Sri Narasimhar

Since Sri Narasimhar is giving his seva in 9 different stages or forms, this Ahobilam sthalam is also named as "Nava Narasimha Kshetram".

1.   Ahobila Narasimhar

2.   Varagha Narasimhar

3.   Malola Narasimhar

4.   Yoganandha Narasimhar

5.   Bhavana Narasimhar

6.   Kaaranja Narasimhar

7.   Chathravada Narasimhar

8.   Bharghava Narasimhar

9.   Jwala Narasimhar

When we travel from Lower Ahobilam to upper Ahobilam, in around 2 1/2 Kms, we can be able to get the dharshan of 2 Narasimhas namely "Chakkaravada Narasimhar" and "Yoganandha Narasimhar".

Chathravada Narasimhar:

This Narasimhar is found beneath the Arasa Maram (tree) in Veetriruntha thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards East direction on Aadhiseshan. This perumal is said to have an specific attention towards music and showing Gambheeram (erect) seva.

He is found along with chakkaram which is said to be the hamsam of wealth. The Arasa maram which is the symbol of Gnanam serves as the umbrella for this Narasimhar.

Yoganandha Narasimhar:
This Narasimhar is found inside a small temple where he is found his one leg is put on another leg and both of his hands are placed on his legs, thus the perumal gives his seva in Yoga position. Because of this Yoga seva, this Narasimhar is called as "Yoganantha Narasimhar". To make himself calm after the Vadham (Killing) of Hiranyakasibhu, the perumal is said to be found in this seva.

 

Sthalapuranam of Ahobilam

This sthalapuranam is related to the 4th Avathaar of Sri Vishnu - the Narasimha Avathaar. Once there lived a king by named "Hiranyan". While knowing about this sthalapuranam, first we should know the story of Hiranyan.

The Dhwarabalagas (the two soldiers) who are found as the persons found on the entrance of the Paarkadal where Emperumaan is found, were very much proud that they are protecting the perumal. But, this proud changed their mind and as a result they got the sabham from Maharishis and this Sabham will be continued for 3 decades.

In the first decade, they were born as Jaya - Vijayan and in the second, they born as Hiranyatshakan and Hiyanyakasibhu. They both did tapas towards Brahma devan and got the varam that the world should be under the control of them. Hiranyatshakan took Bhooma devi into the Badhala Lokam (below the Earth) and finally, Sriman Narayanan took the Avathaar as "Varagha Moorthy", killed Hiranyatshakan and returned along with Bhooma devi.

At the same time, Hiranyakasibhu got a typical varam from Brahma devan. It is that he should not be killed either by any devars (or) by humans (or) by any animals and even the creator, Brahma Devan. At the same time, he should not be killed by using any weapons and he should not be killed in the morning (or) in night. He also added that he should not be killed inside the palace nor outside it. And finally he said that, if he is killed and if even a drop of the blood comes out of his body, it will be considered to be as effective as 1000 Hiranyakasibhu and they has to emerge from it. Like this kind of Varam he asked from Brahma devan.

After getting this kind of Varam from Brahma devan, he started to explore his strength and spread his victory on many countries. He ordered to the people from then, all should worship him as the God and all poojas has to be dedicated to him. If anyone worshipped Sriman Narayanan, he started to kill them. Like this, he became wild and was in opposition to Sriman Narayanan.

He had 4 boy children named Anukiladhan, Samakiladhan, Kiladhan and the last child, Prahaladhan. He had on girl child by named Simaki. But, Hiranyakasibhu should his love and affection to his last child, Prahaladhan.

But, Prahaladhan was gifted with the knowledge and had much affection towards the Emperumaan and always said the Great slokam, the "Om Namo Narayana". On seeing this activity of his child, Hiranyakasibhu got angry and gave severe punishment to him. But, it didn't affect him and still continued to say the Sri Hari's name. Finally, he thought that there is one sakthi behind him and he wanted it to come infront of him. As a result he asked his son that he is asked his son that he is always telling the name of Sri Vishnu and asked where is he found ? For this, Prahaladhan said that he is found in this mighty world as trees, rivers, mountains, etc. He is also found everywhere, even in the heart of his father.

On hearing this, he almost came near to the entrance of his palace where a huge and broad pillar was found. He asked whether his Narayanan is found in this pillar too. For this, Prahaladhan answered that he is found in the pillar and also even in a small piece of iron. On hearing this, Hiranyakasibhu got wild and strike the pillar using his leg. As soon as he striked the pillar, Sriman Narayanan burst out from the pillar as Narasimhar.

As the varam got by him from Brahma devan, the Narasimhan killed Hiranyan by placing his body in his lap using his nails. His varam was that he should not be killed in the earth nor in the sky. Because of this, the Narasimham kept him on his lap. In his varam, he had asked that he should not be killed by an animal nor by an ordinary human. Because of this, the perumal took the Narasimha avathaar, as his head was the head of the lion and rest of the body as an ordinary human. He was not killed inside the palace not outside, he was killed in the midst of it and he was not killed using any harmful weapons instead he was killed by the Nails of the Nrasimhar. He was not killed in the morning nor in the night instead, he was killed in the evening, which is said to the lowering time of the day and emerging of dark. So, Sriman Narayanan killed Hiranyakasibhu as in the varam, which he had asked. But, after being killed, his blood flowed in the earth. The Narasimhar took the blood from the earth and draked it. Because of this, as asked by Hiranyakasibhu, it had the effect of 1000 Hiranyakasibhus and because of this, the perumal was bursting in anger and he could not be controlled. All the Devars and Brahma devar was afraid to see this and seeked the help of Lord shivan. Finally, Lord Shivan asked the right person who could reduce the anger of Narasimhar in Lakshmi devi and finally she came and reduced the anger of Narasimhar.

Prahaladhan was given the seva as Ugraha Narasimhar.

This sthalam explains about the bhakti of Prahaladhan and it is clearly explained through the Narasimha Avathaaram that he will come for his bhaktas. When Hiranyakasibhu was killed by Narasimhan, the devars who were seeing this roared about the Balam (strength) of him and said that how much Balam he has got. They roared as "Ahobilam" and "Ahobalam". This means that praising of the strength of Narasimham. This, this divyadesam is finally called as "Ahobilam". This kshetram is also called as "Veera Kshetram".

In the first 3 Avathaars (Matsya, Koorma and Varaham), the Perumal didn't give his seva to Garudan. Because of this Garudan did a strong tapas towards Sriman Narayanan and finally, in the 4th Avathaar, the Narasimhan he gave his seva to Garudan in this sthalam is also called as "Garudathri".

Kashyabha Maharishi, father of Garudan advised him to do tapas in this sthalam towards the Emperumaan. At that time, Indiran sent all the Apsaras (Deva loka Kannis) towards Garudan to destroy his tapas. But, instead he is doing the tapas only to be dedicated for Narayanan and not doing for any thrones. By saying this, he sent all the Apsaras. From this, we can clearly understand the Bhakti of Garudan and he was given the Sthanam (position) of alwar and from then he is said to be "Garudalwar".

Similarly, Prahaladhan who showed his bhakti to Sriman Narayanan is the Key person for making Sri Vishnu to take the Narasimha Avathaar. So, he was also given the sthanam of Alwar and he is also called as "Prahaladha Alwar".

 

Theerthams of Ahobilam

In this sthalam, 13 theerthams are found which is said to cure all kinds of diseases, evils and doshams.

1. Kaalava Theertham:

This theertham is also called as "Asalathruvam". It is said only on the shore of this theertham, Kaalava Maharishi did tapas towards Emperumaan and finally got the seva. This theertham is found in the west side where Jwala Narasimhar is seen. If any human, takes bath in Karthigai month, it is believed that we can attain wealth and finally attain Mukthi.

2 & 3. Rama - Lakshmana theertham:
The 2nd and 3rd theertham are collectively called as "Rama - Lakshmana theertham". This theertham is said to be the theertham where Sri Ramar and Lakshman took bath after they lost Seeta Pirattiyaar and worshipped the Narsimhar. So these theerthams are said to be "Maha Punya theerthams".

4. Bheema Theertham:
It is believed that this theertham is found to be constructed by Lord Shivan. Bheeman means Bayangaran (terrific). So, if any person who takes bath in this theertham, his pabham (sin) itself is terrified by the effect of this theertham and ridded off from us. If we do viradham and say the Gayathri Jabham near this theertham, we can find good results and can attain good position in our life.

5. Sanga theertham:

In this theertham, a rishi by named "Sangar" along with his brother "Likithar" did tapas for the good of the world. It is believed that if we take bath in this theertham for around six years, we can remember of pervious Janmha. And if we give food for the Brahmanas is the shore of this theertham, it is said to be equivalent for doing the after funeral and to generations are said to gain the good stage in life.

6. Varaha Theertham:
It is believed that only shore of this theertham, Varahar explained the puranas to Bhoomi piratti. It is also said that this theertham emerged from a drop of water that came from varahar after he got out Bhoomi piratti. It is said that near this theertham, if we give the dhaanam of clothes, in Chitirai Dvadesi and Pournami, it is a special one.

7. Sudharsana Theertham:
As advised by Brahma devan, Ambhareesha king told the Sudharsana mantram near this theertham and got the complete Arul of Chakkarathalwar.

8. Soodha Theertham:
This is the theertham where all 18,000 rishis stayed on the shore and did tapas. The perumal stood near this theertham as a mango tree thereby giving fruits and leaves as food for the animals. Swarna, flower and Kannika Dhaanam are said to be the effective dhaanams near this theertham.

9. Thaara Theertham:
Using this theertham only, the food (or) Naivedhuam for Narasimhar is done and it is said to be theertham of purity. By giving cow, Salagramam near this theertham is a special one in Aadi month - Dvadesi.

10. Gaja Kundam:
It is said to be the theertham where groups of elephants come to take the water. Eventhough, Lion being the enemy for Elephants, they wish to take the theertham from this Gaja kundam.

11. Vinayaka Theertham:
On the shore of this theertham, it is believed that Vinayaka perumal is said that he is doing tapas for the entire world to live in happiness. Doing Anna dhaanam (food Dhaanam) in Maargazhi is said to be special dhaanam in this theertham.

12. Bairava Theertham:
It is believed that Brairava Moorthy cut his head and dedicated it to the Bavanasisni Nadhi which came so fast. Bairavar cut his head to stop the fast flow of the Bavanasisni river. It is said that Bairavar is doing tapas without head on the shore of this theertham.

13. Rattha Theertham:
It is said that in this theertham only Narasimhar washed his hands after the Vadham (killing) of Hiranyakasibhu.

It is said these 13 theerthams not a separate theerthams, but all are considered to be the Bavanasini Nadhi, but it is categorised into 13. On the shore, there are 3 Gughais (Cave) in which 3 Narasimhars are found to give this seva. In the middle, the Narasimhar is Ugaraha Narasimhar in Veetrirundha thirukkolam facing his thirumugham along the east direction. He is found along with Lakshmi thaayar.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )