08/05/2014
STUDY OF TEMPLES
Lord Narasimhadev, Vedadri Temple
The holy dhama of Ahobilam is populated by nine prominent Forms of Lord Narasimha, worshipped throughout the Ahobilam Hills. These Nava Narasimha Kshetra manifestations of the Lord are surrounded by many other Nrsimhadeva shrines located throughout the countryside of Andhra Pradesh.The upper Ahobilam temple is located at about 2,800 ft. above sea level and is positioned in a v...alley between two sacred hills: Garudadri and Vedadri, through which the River Bhavanasani flows. These two hills are conceptualized as the separation of the pillar from which the ferocious Lord Narasimhadev emerged to destroy Hiranyakasipa. The Vedadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located on the River Krishna, approximately 10 kms. from Chillakallu, near Vijayawada. Here, Ugra Narasimha is the presiding Deity.The temple structure is conventional, being brightly colored and ornamented with a variety of images. A beautiful Form of Narasimha Swami in yoga pose (above) greets devotees on the outside of the temple. The Lord is joined by murtis of Lord Varaha, Laksmi devi, Garuda, Hanuman, and other transcendental personalities and figures. The utsava idols are extraordinarily high and impressive, and the dwajasthamba of imposing girth and height. In the waters of the Krishna River, Lord Narasimha can also be found in Salagram form.
