Ahobilam Timings: Open, Close, and Darshan

Ahobilam Timings, Opening and Closing Hours for Upper and Lower Ahobilam. Darshan timings and entry fees details.

Ahobilam Temple History

A description in the Padmapurana connects with the Vishnu Purana and a few other Puranic texts. It states that “In a previous being alive, Hiranyakasipu had worshipped Brahma and had received blessings from Him to the effect that he would be so strong that neither a man nor an animal could kill him, that he would not die during the day or at night, and that no weapon of any kind could harm him. It was obvious that he would act arrogantly and irrepressibly toward the gods after receiving these blessings, and it became necessary to have him put to death. However, he also needed to honor the blessing that Brahma granted him. As a result, Vishnu took on the shape of a man-lion and, while sitting on the doorsill of Hiranyakasipu’s palace, tore Hiranyakasipu with his claws during the last moments of daylight before nightfall. None of the blessings that Brahma had given to the demon were reversed or demonstrated to be ineffective in doing so, which is what ultimately caused the demon to die. The Sthalapurana tells the following mythical story about the location and significance of Ahobilam. In the Krtayuga, this holy site was the kingdom of Hiranyakasipu, when Lord Narasimha emerged from the demon’s palace through a pillar. This location has three names: Vedachalam, Garudachalam, and Virakshetram. Another name for it is Singvelkunram. Renowned Vaishnavite saint Tirumangai Alvar praised this Lord, saying, “Nobody can enter this Narasimhakshetra except the Lord.” There are two well-known traditions about this location, Ahobilam, that explain whence the word “Ahobilam” originated. It is said that the devas, or gods, chanted in His glory as “Ahobala” (Lo! the amazing strength) when they observed the horrible appearance (Ugra Kala) he took on to destroy Hiranyakaspu. Thus, Ahobalam has become the name of this location. The gods delighted Lord Narasimha’s strength and praised him.

Ahobilam Temple Timings

• Eguva Ahobilam opens from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Diguva Ahobilam opens from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• A one-hour lunch gap is there with all the temples in Ahobilam.

Ahobilam Temple Darshan Timings

• Diguva (Lower) Ahobilam: 6:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Eguva (Upper) Ahobilam: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Remaining Ahobilam Temples Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Special Darshan ticket cost: Rs. 50 for one person.
• Free darshan is available on all days.
• Darshan duration: 15 to 20 minutes at Lower Ahobilam.

Dress Code: Any decent outfit

Darshan Duration: 10 to 15 mins during weekdays. 20 to 30 mins during weekends and 30 to 45 mins during festival days.

It is said that one must all Nine Narasimha Temples after Sunrise and before Sunset.

Best Time to visit Ahobilam

• Jan 3rd week to Feb 3rd week
• June to July
• Oct to Dec.

During the Rainy season, the paths will be covered with waterfalls, ie between August and September.

How do I reach Ahobilam Temple?

By Air

1. The nearest airport is Tirupati, which is 229 km away.
2. Hyderabad International Airport is at 333 km away.

By Train

1. The nearest railway station is at Prodattur which is 60 km away
2. Jammalamadugu Railway Station is 55 km away

By Road

1. The Direct bus to Ahobilam is available from Kadapa, Kurnool districts.