Nine forms of Lord Narasimha Swamy in Ahobilam (7, 8)

From the Bhakti List Archives

• March 7, 2000


Dear Bhakti List Members:

7.	Pavana Narasimha Swamy
On the Southern side of Garudadri, situated on the banks of
the river Pavana, is the shrine dedicated to Pavana Narasimha
Swamy uder the canopy of the seven-hooded Adisesha.  Lord
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is seen with his two upper hands,
right and left, holding Chakra and Sankha respectively while
the lower right hand is in Abhaya hasta mudra and the lower
left hand holding Sri Mahalakshmi seated on His lap.  The
Lord is shown in the Sukhasana pose with His left leg folded
while the right leg is shown bent at the knee and at ease.

8.	Bhargava Narasimha Swamy
This place  is located on the hill near the sacred pond
"Bhargava Tirtham' at a distance of about 1 mile from the
lower Ahobilam.  It is believed that Bhargava Rama or
Parasurama performed penance.  He visited and worshipped
Lord Narasimha during his tirtha yatra.  Hence, the shrine
here is known as Bhargava Narasimha Swamy.  The Lord is
shown with the two upper hands, right and left, holding
Chakra and Sankha, respectively.  The lower two hands
depicting destruction of Hiranyakasipa by opening his
stomach.  Hiranyakasipa is shown with His right hand
holding a sword.  Sri Prahalada is shown on the right
side of the Lord in sthanaka, Anjali hasta pose.  The
crown on Lord Narasimha as well as the Dasavatara bas-
relief on the thorana which forms an integral part of
the sculpture.  There is an Akshaya Tirtham close by
which provides water at all times.  Hence, Vyasa
Bhagawan, who visited this place, called it
"Akshayam Rakshakam Bhuvanascha" (the water
from Akshayam will safeguard the needs of the
Universe).  It is believed that visiting this
place and Akshaya Tirtham is equivalent to visiting
Ganges. In doing so, one can be assured of salvation
after life.

To be continued...

The credit for the information provided herein should be
given to "Sapthagiri" which is a Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams Publication.  The original article was written
by Acharya Komanduri Ranga of Stillwater, OK.

adiyen rAmAnuja dAsan,
Venkata Yatiraj Anand
______________________________________________________

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