Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple- Ahobilam

Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple- Ahobilam

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’.

The Jwala Narasimha idol is unique with 8 arms. Two arms hold the head and legs of Hiranyakashipu 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 Sankha and Chakra. The presiding deity rules planet Angaraka / Mars / Kuja. Also, Idol of Asura Kula Guru Sukracharya seated on the left side of the main idol.

Legend

It is believed that the entire area of Ahobilam was actually Hiranyakashipu’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.

Idols of Narasimha fighting with the demon king, Lord Narasimha is seen coming out of the pillar, Hiranyakashipu and Prahladha 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.However, when the water is taken in our palm it is in its natural colourless form.

Serving the Lord ensures success in all efforts, marriages are made. Lighting a ghee lamp in the month of the Karthika and meditating on Lord dispels all sins and brings fame and name. This temple is the toughest to reach compared to other Narasimha temples.