Pavana Narasimha Temple is one of the Nava Narasimha Temples in Ahobilam. Pavana Narasimaha Temple is also known as the Kshetra Ratna – the crest jewel of the pilgrimage of Ahobilam.
The origin of Pavana Narasimha Temple
Ahobilam is the holy place where Garuda Dev performed tapasya and achieved the darshan of Lord Narasimha Dev. After Garuda Dev, many other sages performed tapasya here and achieved the blessings of Lord Narasimha. This special momentum of sages resulted in the manifestation of nine unique forms of Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam Kshetra.
One such unique form is of Sri Pavana Narasimha. Once Bharadwaja Rishi was infested with the go-hatya dosha. To relieve himself of this curse, he came to Ahobilam and began performing Tapasya. His tapasya was so intense and sincere that Lord Narasimha appeared in front of him.
Lord Narasimha relieved him of the curse of killing a cow and then manifested within this forest in a form which is very pleasing to the devotees. Because He relived Bharadwaja Muni of the curse, He is known as Pavana Narasimha. Pavana means to purify.
Lord Narasimha marries Chenchu Lakshmi
After the Narasimha Avatara was concluded, Lord Narasimha headed to Ahobilam to make it His eternal abode. Once He was roaming in the forest and happened to see Chenchu Lakshmi. Lord Narasimha was attracted to her beauty and wanted to marry her.
The then king of Chenchu tribes who used to live in this forest was blessed with Chenchu Lakshmi as his daughter. She was the avatara of Mahalakshmi. When Lord Narasimha approached him for the marriage, he happily relented and got them married.
Even to this day Lord Pavana Narasimha is known as the son-in-law of Chenchu tribes. He is therefore known as Obuleshudu. The Chenchu tribes visit the Pavana Narasimha Temple regularly and offer special food to the Lord including meat and wine.
The Deities of Pavana Narasimha Temple
Among all the Nava Narasimha forms, the Pavana Narasimha Deity is the most peaceful and appealing. He is seated along with Mahalakshmi on His lap and there is Ananta Sesha on His head. Because of which He is also known as Pamuleti Narasimha.
There are two vigrahas in the Pavana Narasimha Temple, the original and the ancient vigraha is no longer worshiped. The new vigraha receives the nitya-puja.
The Temple timings of Pavana Narasimha Temple
The devotee visitors to Pavana Narasimha Temple are too less during the weekdays. During the weekend a lot of visitors visit the temple. The temple is open from 8 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm. During the weekdays if pujari is not available, the temple might not be open. You will have to have darshan through the grilled gate only.
How to reach Pavana Narasimha Temple
Pavana Narasimha Temple is deep within the Nallamalla forest. Out of the Nava Narasimha Temples, this is the most difficult temple to reach. You may reach the temple by a taking up a trek of 7 kms or a bumby jeep ride on 18 kms of a forest road. During the monsoon season the road is closed and the temple remains inaccessible.
Tirtha Yatra conducts tours to Ahobilam from Bengaluru and Chennai every month. You may join these yatras for a spiritually fulfilling comprehensive experience.
If you still wish to venture on an adventure on your own, here are the ways to reach. To visit Pavana Narasimha Temple, one must reach Ahobilam first.
By Air – the nearest airport to Ahobilam is Kadapa Airport. There are direct flights from Chennai or Bengaluru. The other nearest Airports are Chennai, Tirupati and Bengaluru respectively. From Kadapa Airport, you may take a taxi to reach Ahobilam.
By Rail – the nearest Railway station to Ahobilam is Kurnool Railway Station. From here, you may either take Road Transport Services or private cabs.
By Road – the nearest major cities near Ahobilam are Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Ahobilam is well connected with these cities through a National Highway. You may drive from here to Ahobilam.
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