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Travel to Ahobilam, which is nestled in the Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh along the hilly region of Eastern Ghats. Ahobilam is based on the Nallamalai Hills, about 400 KM northwestern region of Chennai. Ahobilam is positioned adjacent to the Allagadda taluk head office, along the Nandyal - Cuddapah highway in Andhra Pradesh. Ahobilam is famous for its temple where the Sthala Puraana of Ahobilam as per the Sanskrit language, stands for the nine shrines of Lord Narasimha, which is placed along the area's hills. The nine forms of Narasimha at Ahobilam are named as: • Jvaalaa Nrusimha, • Ahobila Nrusimha, • Maalola Nrusimha, • Kroda Nrusimha, • Kaarancha Nrusimha, • Bhaargava Nrusimha, • Yogaananda Nrusimha, • Chatravata Nrusimha, and • Paavana Nrusimha. There are two temples in Ahobilam, one being the Upper Ahobilam temple that lies about 8 kms. away from town. The place is bounded by lime stone hills along with the presence of natural caves. The Upper Ahobilam consists of the Nava Narasimha shrine while Diguvu or Lower Ahobilam consists of the Lakshmi Narasimha shrine. Apart from these nine shrines, the temple of Prahaladavarada Varadhan even exists along the mountain foothills. This temple is devoted to God Narasimha Swamy along the Lower Ahobilam area. Apart from this there are two more shrines existent within the region, which are Ugra Sthambham and Prahlaada Mettu. Ahobilam stands as a holiest place on the earth after Krutasoucham, Simhaachalam, and Harampapam as per the Khetra Mahaatmyam of the Simhaachalam temple. Ahobilam has its mention in the Mahabhaarata, Ramayana, Koorma Puraana, Padma Puraana and the Vishnu Puraana. As per history, Ahobilam is a sacred destination of Hiyanyakasipu kingdom where Lakshmi Narasimha emerged out of pillars and ruined him. Seeing the devastating effect, Lord extolled and uttered “Aho Balaâ€?, which meant ' Behold the mighty strengthâ€?. It was just after this incidence the place got its name as “Ahobilamâ€?. This place is recognized with different names like Vedaachalam, Garudaachalam, Veera Kshetram, and Singavel Kundram. So spend few moments with your near and dear ones at this amazing destination of Ahobilam.
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