History of the place

Prahladha, son of demon Hiranya Kasipu was a staunch Vishnu devotee while the father was adamant claiming that he alone was supreme. He demanded his son to show him his Lord. Undettered by the threat of his father, Prahladha said that He was omnipresent and also in the pillar. Hiranya hit the pillar with his weapon. Lord Narasimha appeared from the pillar and destroyed the demon. The palace where Prahladha said to have lived was reduced to ruins later and is now a jungle. The hill is called Garudachalam and Garudatri as Sri Garuda performed penance here. As Thirupati is called Seshadri, Ahobilam is called Garudatri.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasasanam (hymns) by Thirumangai Azhwar.

Speciality of this temple

The presiding deity at the foot hill is in standing posture facing east under the cave vimana design. "Aho" means Lion. "Pilam' means cave. As the Lord appeared before His devotee Prahladha, He is praised as "Prahladha Varadhan". This place is also called Nava Narasimha Kshetram. Praying the 9 Narasimhas in a day means worshipping all the nine planets at a time. It is said that when Perumal left Vaikunda for Narasimha incarnation, He married Mother Mahalakshmi here in the guise of hunter. Papanasinin water falls on the hills. This is the headquarters of all Ahobila Mutts. The pillar (Ugra sthambam) from where Lord Narasimha appeared for his devotee Prahladha is in the hill temple.

Pariharam

Prayers to the Lord are submitted for relief from the threats of enemies.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform abishek and do archanas with Tulsi leaves.