Ahobilam yatra ( Part-3)

UGRA STHAMB

( The pillar from which Lord Narasimha emerged)

உக்ர ஸ்தம்பம்

On the third day early in the morning we went for a bath in the water falls situated near the Ahobila Narasimhar temple had a refreshing natural bath and started our trek to Jwala Narasimhar shrine. Though the distance is only 3 Kms unlike the other trek route this route is difficult in the way that there is no proper path we have just jump over the rocks on either side of the river crisscrossing the river at many points. Simians give us company all the way be careful with your belongings as we didn’t see much fruit bearing trees they are dependent on pilgrims only for food so you can carry some eatables for them. Though it was not difficult but this was a different experience. In the earlier days no roads were there up to upper Ahobilam also so pilgrims used to trek along the river like this so many pillared halls had been built for the benefit of them now we can see many such halls in disuse. After trekking to about 2 Kms we could see the ugrasthamb . After this we climb the mountains where the route is little better. As we near the shrine of the Lord we are greeted with a mighty water fall. We have to cross the water fall to reach the cave shrine of the Lord but don’t worry about getting drenched enough space is available to walk without getting wet and thoughtfully chains have been installed for the convenience of the pilgrims. We reached the shrine as priest was not available we did the pooja to the Lord of compassion and ferocious , He was most compassionate to Prahalada at the same time was He was most ferocious to Hiranya. Thus the Lord gives darshan as an embodiment of auspicious qualities here. There is a small just outside the shrine called Raktha Kund( Blood pond) and is supposed to be the pond where Narasimha washed His hands after killing Hiranya. After the satisfaying darshan of all the nine forms of the Lord manifested at Ahobilam hills we undertook the most interesting part of the trip.

JWALA NARASIMHAR SHRINE

ஜ்வாலா ந்ருஸிம்ஹர் சன்னதி

Our guide encouraged us to climb the Ugra sthamb. Unlke the other trek routes this is akin to rock climbing on a steep mountain the distance is just 3 Kms but as there is no fixed route we have to climb very carefully and slowly so We left out the old and unwilling and about 10 persons started the rock climbing and this was really a different and satisfying experience. We reached the top of the Ugrasthamb and worshipped the feet of the Lord installed there from there we could clearly see the shape of the Garudatri hills akin to that of bird with beak in the middle and spread wings on both sides. The mountains were full of incense trees like sambirani and Javvadu. Then we descended down and once again visited the shrine of the Lord witnessed ablutions being done to Him and returned back to guest house by lunch time.

We really achieved more than what we have asked for it was a complete tour , it is a collage of spiritual, trekking, rock climbing, and natural baths. The best part for a city dweller like me was that I was completely cut off from busy city life and was in union with nature not even cellphones rang and disturbed us. After a successful and most satisfying trip we returned to the busy city of Chennai .

நவ ந்ருஸிம்ஹர் திருக்கோவில் வரை படம்

Location : Situated in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. About 400 Km from Chennai and 350 Km from Hyderabad. Can be reached by road. Nearest rail head is Cudappah.

Significance: Abode of Narasimha, the half man half lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Lord has manifested himself in nine forms spread over the place.

Speciality : Though pilgrimage offers added trekking, rock climbing and nature watching opportunities also. The best part is you can rewind yourself completely even cell phones can’t disturb you.

Season: Throughout the year better to avoid monsoon periods if interested in trekking .

Accomodation: Decent accomodaton are available at Lower Ahobilam and Upper Ahobilam they provide both boarding and lodging.

Duration: In three days the whole place can be covered comfortably.

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