UGRA STAMBHAM - Ahobilam — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

This is an account by Subhasree Chander who undertook this trek in 1998 wth a group of eight. Subhasree Chander and her group of 8 having visited Jwala Narasimha took rest on the rocky seats of Nallamalai where they met a couple from Chennai who were proceeding to Ugra sthambam . Prodded by them they decided to go with their guide garu. Read the accountof Subashree -Holding on to the sticks provided by guide garu our trek started with giggling and talking nineteen to a dozen and walking bent like old people with our sticks.We were really excited.The path was narrow and there were deep gorges on the way as also dung and footmarks. Are there lions and tigers or other wild animals we asked our guide.'Don't worry they wont come during the daytime he assured us.Are there forest fires we asked while he goaded us to walk faster. We had trekked almost an hour and a half we asked 'are we there yet? No keep walking he said , our talking stopped , all our snacks were over and there was only one bottle of water.The path got narrower and the forest denser and all I could do was chant Lakshmi Narasimha Lakshmi Narasimha . Each one was immersed in his own thoughts and when we asked the guide how much more he said we have done 3/4ths of our journey keep walking. But the heat slowened our pace and we calculated that we would probably reach at 2.00 P.M. Our thoughts went to lower Ahobilam where everyone would be waiting for us to join the Thadeearadhana (lunch) but there was no way but to move forward.Those were days before mobiles so no contact was possible and without a guide there was no way we could way our back.The trekking was in a single line and no talking at all through the narrowest of paths and an invisible rope in the form of forest trees stopped us from falling.The only sound was the swishing of trees and the sound of nine pair of feet walking with sticks with Narasimha in the heart.Walk faster goaded our guide and we walked with a new found energy as we were nearing our destination. Only 15 minutes more announced our guide and our heart beats increased.There was the pillar we had heard about standing majestically before us.We could see only 3/4ths of the pillar.Our guide told us that the last bit of challenge remains.You have to climb this steep rock to see more.Those who can do the climb or jump do it he said and one after the other we watched the steps of the guide and followed cautiously making the jump and as we looked below our stomachs churned so we looked up and saw a platform semicircle in shape with the other part of the pillar on the other side. Yes we were in the cleft of the Ugra sthambam and as looked at the hills below thought 'Was this the hill from where Prahlada was rolled down?We could not believe that we were actually at the spot from where Nrisimha emerged ? Was this where Prahlad stood with folded hands. We folded our palms together in anjali and we seemed to hear the sound of the pillar breaking, the Man -Lion roaring and could not stop our tears flowing automatically. Should we linger on we felt and wait for dusk when probably Narasimha gives darsan ? But descend we had too . Exhausted but satisfied we started our climb down and every tree seemed to say 'Jaya jaya LakshmiNrisimha with me during every step we took.On reaching Jwala Narasimha we drank water that was gushing down the rocks and water never tasted tastier.It was almost 6.00 p.m.when we reached our destination and told about the experience of our lifetime to our worried hosts who were anxiously waiting...

Hiranyakasyapa(son of Sage Kashyapa) asked for specific boons to ensure his immortality and attained demonicpowers due to these boons. Lord Vishnu took form as Lord Narasimha (a complex form of half-man and half-lion) to be able to destroy the demon. Ahobilam is the exact location of the demon Hiranyakashupu’s palace, which the epic stories of Lord Narasimha speak of. This place still has remnants, relics and ruins of the demon’s palace. The pillar from which the God arose is marked by its base stone and can be accessed after an almost vertical climb up the hill. It is believed that the entire mountain split up into two, due to the impact of pillar getting shattered by God and God rising from it subsequently. The pillar’s base stone is thus, on the edge of the cliff. In between the 2 hills is a deep gorge like a cleft. Lower Ahobilam temple deity is said be installed by Tirumala lord Venkateswara himself before his wedding, since the lord of upper Ahobilam has a Ugra (angry) form. There are several Narsimha temples in the surrounding hills like Pamuleti Narasimhaswamy, which are popular among local populations. Lord Narasimha appears in different forms as Ugra Murthi(aggressive form), Shanta Murthy (tranquil form), Yoga Murthy (in penance) and Kalyana Murthy with his consort Sri...

Ugra Stambam is a revered site, known as the place where Lord Narasimha emerged from a pillar to slay the demon Hiranyakashyap. This sacred location attracts pilgrims and adventurers alike, offering a unique experience that combines spirituality with an exhilarating trek. Starting from the Jwala Narasimha Temple, the trek to Ugra Stambam is quite challenging, with a steep ascent that takes about two hours to reach the summit. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with scenic vistas, rugged terrain, and an atmosphere of divine significance.

The path tests endurance but provides a sense of accomplishment, with moments of peace and reflection inspired by the temple and surrounding landscapes. Upon reaching the peak, one feels both a physical and spiritual reward, as if reliving the legendary tale of Lord Narasimha’s powerful emergence. Ugra Stambam offers a blend of adventure and faith, drawing in those who seek more than just a hike—it’s a journey through history and devotion. For devotees and nature enthusiasts alike, the ascent is a chance to experience awe, respect, and inner joy as they stand at the very place where myth and reality converge in a...