Ahobilam is located in the Nandyala district of Andhra Pradesh, amidst the majestic hills of the Eastern Ghats range. It is here that the Supreme Personality of Godhead incarnated Himself as Lord Narasimha to kill the demon Hiranyakashipu and save His great devotee Prahlada. This is one of the major pilgrimage centers in South India and is one among the 108 divya-deshams. It is also known as Thiru Singavel Kundram. The Brahmanda Purana states that Ahobilam was the dwelling of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was killed by the Lord. When the Supreme Lord incarnated as Lord Narasimhadev, the half-lion and half-man, he tore apart Hiranyakashipu into pieces. Witnessing this wonderful pastime, the demigods praised Lord Narasimhadev as 'ahobala, meaning 'the great strength'.

In order to have darshan of Lord Narasimhadev, Garuda meditated on one of the mountains in the Nallamallai Hills range for thousands of years. Being pleased by his meditation, the Lord manifested Himself in a cave nearby. Garuda was then informed about the location of this cave. He reached here and had darshan of the Lord. He worshipped the Lord with the selected verses, and after having darshan of the Lord and having worshipped Him, Garuda considered himself blessed, and thus this place came to be known as Ahobilam. The mountain on which Garuda performed austerities came to be known as Garudachala, Garudadri, and Garudashailam.

WHAT IS AHOBILAM?
Ahobilam is the divine place of pilgrimage, which still resounds with the pastime of Lord Narasimhadeva, the Supreme Protector of devotees. Situated in the Nallamalai hills, in between Tirupati & Srisailam, is the divine picturesque Ahobilam Dham, also known as Vedadri, Garudadri, Singavel Kundram & so on…

Nine self-manifest deities of Lord Narasimha eternally reside in the two primary hills of Ahobilam.

“Jwala Ahobila Malola Kroda Karanja Bhargava
Yogananda Kshatravata Pavana Nava Moorthayaha.”

• Jwala Narasimha
• Ahobila Narasimha
• Malola Narasimha
• Kroda/Varaha Narasimha
• Bhargava Narasimha
• Yogananda Narasimha
• Kshatravata Narasimha and
• Pavana Narasimha.

Devotees throng to visit all these 9 Nava Narasimha temples and seek the blessings of the Lord for protection, well-being, removing all anxieties & serve the all merciful Lord Narasimha.
The village-forest like atmosphere immediately brings peace to mind which is absorbed in the city chaos. The trek on two hills (Jwala & Pavana) is quite a bit of exercise to the body. Pilgrims can also choose doli or jeep service to these two hills at some added cost. The “Bhavanasini”(Ganga) river also purifies one’s mind, body & soul, as we trek through her divine waters.

WHAT IS AHOBILAM?
Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, has recommended Sri Narasimha Aradhana by all devotees, seeking His divine protection in their daily services. He says- “Prahläda Mahäräja assures, “This fearful appearance of Your Lordship is very pleasing to the devotees because as soon as they are in fearful condition, they will remember Your this Nåsiàha form and they will be out of that. It is so pleasing.” Just like we sing…, ito nåsiàha, tato nåsiàha yato yato yämi… So our only shelter is Nåsiàhadeva. This world is very, very dangerous. Padaà padaà yad vipadam [SB 10.14.58]. In very step there is danger.”
Hence, it is important to take up Narasimha aradhna/worship for our own good. Ahobilam is the right place to seek the Supreme Lord’s protection.
Ahobilam also got its name because of bila (cave). Long long ago (even before Lord Narasimha appearance to kill hiranyakasipu), Garuda once performed severe penance with a desire to see the darshan of Lord in Narasimha form. Pleased with him, Lord guided Garuda to see his Narasimha avatar form in a nearby huge cave. Garuda proceeded and was benedicted to see this beautiful form in this cave. Hence this area also got its name place of beautiful cave “Ahobilam”.
WHY VISIT AHOBILAM WITH ISKCON?
Hear nectarian Narasimha Lila Special Narasimha prayers, chanting & glorification Visit all 9 Narasimha temples & Prahlada school with devotees ISKCON is conducting these pilgrimages under the divine leadership & guidance of His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. “Tirtha-Guru” is the spiritual master who reveals the place of pilgrimage, pastimes of Lord & His devotees & the glories to the pilgrim.
Pilgrimage is not just about visiting a place, but it is a soul’s journey to come closer to God.
Travelling with devotees/like minded people helps us become spiritually strong, make us free from all our anxieties & re-discover peace in all dimensions of our lives.