Ahobilam: A memorable Trip.

I have been to Ahobilam very recently. First I have gone to Srisailam along with my family and was there for a night. And then we went to Mahanandi and was there for a night. From there we went to Ahobilam. All these three places are in the great Nallamala Forest in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. I have already been to Srisailam and Mahanandi so I felt nothing new. But it was first time I went to Ahobilam. The temple was on a hill amidst the wild forest of Nallamala. The wilderness is the most attraction of the site. I experienced an altogether different world. The rocks and Water-falls beside the temple is very suitable for people who long for adventure and trekking. Here I wish to give some information for you to plan your trip to Ahobilam. You can as well visit from there to Mahanandi and Srisailam.

Mahanandi:

Mahanandi is about 20 kms from Nandyala. The place is famous for its holy pond. Irrespective of seasons and drought conditions, the pond retains the same level of water besides supplying water for irrigation. The water is so pure and holy that the stones, coins in the pond are seen to the people standing outside. Most of the people go to Mahanandi to have a holy dip in the pond.

About Ahobilam

Sri Ahobila Matham, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Matham. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels. Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai.

The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Nrisimha located around a 5 KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. Due to security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple. Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam. Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Chenchulakshmi among the Chenchu, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.

How to reach Ahobilam From Hyderabad?

The distance between Hyderabad and Ahobilam is about 380 KM. By train, take Thungabadra Express from Hyderabad (Kacheguda) to Kurnool. This train leaves Hyderabad (Kacheguda) at 7:00 p.m. and reaches Kurnool 10:30 p.m. From Karnool, Ahobilam is about 150 KM. You may hire a taxi or take a bus for this part of the journey. The approximate cost would be Rs. 1400 for the round trip. The return train arrives Kurnool at 1:15 a.m. and reaches Hyderabad at 5:20 a.m.
You may also take a bus from Hyderabad to Allagadda. From Allagadda, Ahobilam is about 30 KM. Town busses ply between Allagadda and Ahobilam every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves Ahobilam to Allagadda at 9:45 p.m. You may also hire a taxi from Allagadda

How to reach Ahobilam From Bangalore?

From Bangalore, Ahobilam is about 350 K.m. The train timing is not very convenient from Bangalore. Prasant Express leaves Bangalore at 2:00 p.m. and reaches Nandiyal at about 11:50 p.m. From Nandiyal, Ahobilam is about 60 KM via Allagadda. The return train to Bangalore leaves Nandiyal at about 11:10 p.m. and reaches Bangalore at 10 a.m.

By road, the travel is via Madanapalli, Cuddapah, and Allagadda. The drive is about 7:30 hours.

How to reach Ahobilam From Chennai?

The drive from Chennai is through Renigunta, Kadappa, and Allagadda. It will take about 9 to 10 hours of hard driving. Avoid night driving if you can.