HOLY RITUAL: Chief priest Kidambi Venugopalacharya (right) and his assistant decorating the palanquin to carry the idols of Sri Narasimha Swamy and his consorts Chenchu Laxmi and Laxmi Devi in a procession marking the start of `Brahmotsavam' at Upper Ahobilam in Kurnool district on Sunday.

KURNOOL : The 10-day annual `Brahmotsavam' at Ahobilam temple near Allagadda, 150 km from here, got off to a traditional start on Sunday. As a prelude to the festival, 45th Jeer of Ahobilam Mutt Sri Narayana Yatindra Mahadesikan performed `Ankurarpana' at Upper Ahobilam. All celebrations began one day late at lower Ahobilam.

`Dwajarohanam'

On Sunday, chief priest of Upper Ahobilam temple Sri Kidambi Venugopalacharya and his assistants performed `Dwajarohanam' hoisting the temple flag marking the celebrations. The processional deities of Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy, Laxmi Devi and Chenchu Laxmi were taken out in a colourful palanquin. The rituals will continue at upper Ahobilam till March 14 and March 15 at lower Ahobilam.

The pontiff of Ahobilam Mutt Sri Jeer Swamy and his disciples will stay at Ahobilam till the end of the celebrations and officiate all important rituals. Ahobilam temple, located in the picturesque hill range of Nallamalais, attracts around one lakh pilgrims during the celebrations every year. Pilgrims in large numbers from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka worship at the shrine.

Temple complex

Upper Ahobilam is a complex of nine temples (Nava Narasimhas) where the presiding deity appears in different forms. Ugra Narasimha Swamy or Sri Ahobilas Narasimhar is considered the important oldest temple where the idol is situated in a cave. The remaining nine temples surround the upper Ahobilam temple. A motorable road developed up to upper Ahobilam while trekking through the steep hills is required to visit other temples.

The lower Ahobilam temple, which is situated at the foot of hills is considered the 10th Narasimha Swamy temple. Local Chenchu tribes actively take part in the rituals and temple celebrations as they consider Lord Narasimha their `son-in-law'.

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