Photo 1 / 4Upper Ahobilam gopuram in the gorge. Photo: Rengeshb, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ahobilam Narasimha Temples
About the Temple
Ahobilam lies in the Nallamala forest of Nandyal district, where nine shrines to Narasimha are spread through the ravines of Upper Ahobilam and the Prahladavarada temple stands in Lower Ahobilam. Several shrines are reached only on foot through forest, and one, Pavana Narasimha, is usually reached by jeep. Plan it as a full day or two, and check on the treks before you take elders or small children.
Why visit
- Visit all nine forms of Narasimha in one forest valley, plus the Prahladavarada temple below.
- Combine worship with forest treks to shrines such as Jwala Narasimha.
Temple Timings
- Morning
- 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Afternoon
- 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Reported by outlooktraveller.com, checked 23 Oct 2026 · Source
Reported hours for Lower Ahobilam (Prahladavarada). Upper Ahobilam is reported open from 07:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00. The forest shrines keep their own hours and may stay shut if no priest is present, so start early. The annual Brahmotsavam in Feb and Mar draws large crowds. Lower Ahobilam darshan has been closed for weeks at a time, as in Jun and Jul 2024.
Before You Go
- Time to allow
6 hours to 16 hours inside the temple. This is a planning allowance, not a queue time; festival days take longer.
- Dress
Not confirmed. No temple or government dress rule was found. Wear modest, traditional clothes, with sturdy footwear for the forest paths.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Phones
Not confirmed. No phone rule was found; ask at the temple office.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Access
Upper Ahobilam is about 8 to 12 km up a forest road from Lower Ahobilam. Jwala Narasimha is about 4 km on foot from the Upper temple on an arduous path with steel stairways on steep stretches, and the Ugra Stambham rock beyond it is harder still. Pavana Narasimha is about 6 km from the Upper temple by rocky forest path, or by a rough jeep track through the forest; ordinary cars cannot use it, and it closes in the monsoon. In Aug 2026 six devotees lost their way returning from Pavana, so go with a local guide.
Reported by greenmesg.org, checked 23 Oct 2026 · Source
Highlights
- Nava Narasimha
The Nandyal district says worship is offered to nine forms of Narasimha at Upper Ahobilam, with the Prahladavarada temple down the hill at Lower Ahobilam.
- Jwala Narasimha and Ugra Stambham
About 4 km from the Upper temple on an arduous path with steel stairways on steep stretches. Above it, a still harder climb leads to the Ugra Stambham rock, where by legend Narasimha emerged.
- Pavana Narasimha
A remote shrine deep in the Nallamala forest, reached by a long forest walk or a rough jeep track that closes in the monsoon.
- Prahladavarada temple
The main temple at Lower Ahobilam, dedicated to the gentle form of Narasimha and dating mainly from the 16th century.
Sources: nandyal.ap.gov.in, greenmesg.org, tirthayatra.org, en.wikipedia.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
How to reach Ahobilam Narasimha Temples
- By train: Nandyal · about 45 km
- By road: Ahobilam is about 68 km from Nandyal, 28 km from Allagadda and 160 km from Kurnool by road.
Sources: outlooktraveller.com, nandyal.ap.gov.in · checked 22 Oct 2026
Nearby Places
- Bhargava NarasimhaOne of the nine shrines, reached on foot through forest above the Bhargava Teertha tank.2 km by road
- Yogananda NarasimhaOne of the nine shrines, on the road towards Chatravata Narasimha.2 km by road
- Upper Ahobilam (Ahobila Narasimha)The earliest shrine, in the fierce form, and the start of the forest treks.12 km by road
- AllagaddaThe nearest town, with buses to Ahobilam.28 km by road
Sources: greenmesg.org, nandyal.ap.gov.in · checked 22 Oct 2026
Questions Visitors Ask
Is there a dress code at Ahobilam Narasimha Temples?
Not confirmed. No temple or government dress rule was found. Wear modest, traditional clothes, with sturdy footwear for the forest paths.
Can I take my phone inside Ahobilam Narasimha Temples?
Not confirmed. No phone rule was found; ask at the temple office.
What are the Ahobilam temple timings?
Reported hours are 06:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00 at Lower Ahobilam, and 07:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00 at Upper Ahobilam. No official timetable was found, so confirm locally.
How hard is the trek to Jwala Narasimha?
It is about 4 km from the Upper Ahobilam temple on a steep path with steel stairways in places. Elders and young children may find it too hard.
How do I reach Pavana Narasimha?
By a rough jeep track through the forest or a long forest walk. Ordinary cars cannot use the track, and it closes in the monsoon. Ask locally about jeeps and go with a guide.
Can I see all nine Ahobilam shrines in one day?
Fit walkers who start early may manage it in a long day with a guide. Families usually need two days. This is a planning estimate, not a rule.