Ahobilam

Name : 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".

Sthala Theerthams : 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.

Website : http://www.divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/andhra/ahobilam-sthpuranam.shtml

http://www.vaisnava.cz/clanek_en.php3?no=5

Sholingur Hanuman Temple

Name : Yoga Anjaneyar

Location : It was half a kilometre away from the foot of the Sholingur Narasimha Perumal hill.

No of Steps : 400 Steep Steps. The Small Mountain (Chinna Malai) is about 200 feet where lord Anjaneya is found in sitting position found along with Sangu and Chakkaram in west facing direction. Here, Sri Vishnu gave His dharshan to Anjaneyar. Aanjaneyar is considered to be the resemblence (or) Avathaar of Shiva, but here he is resembling the avathar of Sri Vishnu.


Description : Hanuman has four arms (chatusbuja) with a Sanka and Chakra in two arms. Here Hamuman is known as Yoga Anjaneya. HE is also seated in a yogic posture with a Jap Mala and Jap Sanka and meditating upon Lord Narasimhan.Lord Rama Patabisheka is engraved on his Krida (crown) of Hanuman. Lord Hanuman here protects devotees and grants them various boons. Nowhere else in India is Lord Hanuman seen with Sanka and Chakra given by Lord Narasimha himself to protect the devotees. Hence, a visit to this temple will definitely ensure devotees a prosperous life.

Website : http://sudhamukunthan.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/04/sholingur-a-wonderful-hill-temple.htm

Sholingur Hill Temple

Name : Kadikachalam. The other names of the Perumal are "Thakaan" and "Akkarakani". Akkaram means Money and Wealth.

Location : Sholingur town is located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Vellore is the district headquarters and is about 43 kms away from Sholingur. The nearest metro is Chennai, about 120 km south-east. A famous pilgrimage centre in the vicinity of Sholingur is Thiruttani, 25 kms away. ( Home to Lord Murgua, who is again seated on a hilltop).

Deity : Yoga Narasimhar in Yoga stage on the Periya Malai

Trekking Adventure : It has always been a challenging and an adventurous experience for us when we go to this particular temple at Sholingur. Like Tirupati, this is also on top of a hill. It is located at an altitude of 750 feet. And, one has to climb 1,305 steep steps to reach the temple. After800-odd steps, there are a few rather steep curves. Once we negotiate these, there we come to final 100-odd steep and straight steps, leading into the temple. One has to walk the steps to arrive at this temple. There is no other transportation mode to reach this hill temple. You have to really sweat it out physically to have an audience with this Lord!Many attempts by well meaning people to provide a bus route and other means of transport have come to a naught. Devotees, young and old alike, make a slow step-by-step climb to savor the ultimate pleasure of having the glimpse of Lord Yoga Narasimha, seated ever so comfortably in a yogic posture.

Legend : Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Dasavathara. Lord Narasimha, after slaying the demon, Hiranyakashipu, in the Narasimha avatar reached this hill to bless the saptha rishis, who were doing penance at the Kadikachalam hill. The sapta (seven) rishis are: Vasistha, Kasyapa, Athiri, Jamadagni, Gautama,Bharathwaja and Viswamitra. They did penance at this hill for a Kadigai (24 minutes), prostrating before Lord Narasimha. Lord Narasimha protected his devotee Prahalada after slaying demon Hiranyakashipu and reached here straight from Ahobilam (in Andhra Pradesh) and granted moksha to these Maharishis. Hence this place came to be called as Kadikachalam. Those who worship this Lord for a Kadigai, they will be blessed by this God. It is also believed that Sage Viswamithra meditated here for a Kadigai and obtained the Brahma Rishi title. Kadikachala Kshetra Mahatmiyam is described in Brahma Kaivartha Purana.

Pushkarani :
There are Four Pushkaranies.

* Amirtha Theertham (Thakkan Kulam).
* Narasimma Theertham.
* Hanumantha Theertham.
* Brahma Theertham.

There is also a temple for Hanuman or Anjaneya in this place. It is also atop a hill. One has to climbaround 400 steps to have a darshan of Hanuman.Steps here are also equally steep. Hanuman has four arms (chatusbuja) with a Sanka and Chakra in two arms. Here Hamuman is known as Yoga Anjaneya.

Kailasagiri

Name : Kailasagiri

Location : Kailasagiri, the charming hillock on the seafront , is located at an altitude of 130 mts. above sea level. Sprawled over an area of 350 acres, it is one of the most attractive tourist spot with an enchanting view of the sea, beaches, lush green forests and the bustling city.

Deity : The 40 feet tall magnificent Shiva-Parvathi idol atop the Kailasagiri hill, with lighted mountains in front are worth seeing. The major attractions here are the Shanku Chakra Naama which symbolizes the image of Lord Vishnu in its pristine form, floral clock, titanic view point, jungle trails, manicured lawns and flower beds, art gallery, children play park etc. The entire area is illuminated and presents a fantastic sight when viewed in the night from any part of the city. The ropeway that starts from the foot hill (Appughar) to the picturesque Kailasagiri is an added attraction.

Kailasagiri is a gliders paradise with excellent gliding facilities and the gliding point provides ample opportunities to test the gliding skills of the gliders.

Bheemunipatnam

Name : Bheemili or Bheemunipatnam

Location : Bheemunipatnam popularly known as 'Bheemli' is located at a distance of 24 Kilometers North east of Visakhapatnam. The place derived its name from 'Bhima', one of the Pandava Brother.

Deity : Lord Narasimha

The beautiful beach at Bheemli is considered to be one of the safest and calmest for swimmers. On the top of a hill, there is a light house and a small shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

Once a Dutch settlement, the 17th century ruins of a fort and cemetery built by the Dutch are seen here. The cemetery named Hollanders Green has some tombs embossed with the skull and cross bones motif of sea pirates.

Lord Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple

Name : Simhachalam hill

Location : Simhachalam - the hill of the lion is located at a distance of 18 km from Vishakapatnam

Deity : Varaha Lakshminarasimha, combining the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha. The image resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandal paste. It is only once a year, during the Chandana Visarjana that the sandal paste is removed, and the image is seen by pilgrims.

Legend has it that the Ugra (angry) form of Narasimha as he killed the demon Hiranyakashipu was so fierce that the image is kept covered by sandal paste throughout the year.

Temple History: Kulottunga Chola I of Tamilnadu, made endowments to this temple, as evidenced from inscriptions dating back to the year 1087. The Vengi Chalukyas of Andhra Pradesh renovated the original shrine in the 11th century. Much of the structure as it stands to day is the result of renovation by Narasimha I, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the second quarter of the 13th century CE. Krishna Deva Raya, the Vijayanagar monarch visited this temple in the year 1516, as seen from inscriptions here. There are as many as 525 inscriptions in this temple.

It is said to be the second richest temple in the State after the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirupati, the Simhachalam temple in the city draws a large number of devotees not only from Andhra Pradesh but also from neighbouring Odisha and other states.

Noteworthy features of the temple: This temple boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu. Narasimha, the man lion incarnation of Vishnu is seen in several depictions throughout the temple.

Website : www.templenet.com/Andhra/simha.html