AHOBILAM - MAHANANDI (FROM HYDERABAD)

At a distance of 8 km from Lower Ahobilam, Upper Ahobilam is the abode of main shrine called Ahobaleswar. This is the main temple and the earliest of all nine Narasimha temples in Ahobilam. It is the prime place to visit in Ahobilam.

According to history of Ahobilam, Lord Narasimha gave his darshan to Prahlada after killing Hiranyakashipa. His anger was so intense when he finished slaying Hiranyakashipu that none of the Gods including Lord Shiva could calm him down. So they went to Mahalakshmi to seek her help. She came down as a girl from the Chenchu tribes and married him after which his anger got reduced.

The Upper Ahobilam Temple consists of mukha mantapa, maha mantapa and faces east but whereas the garbha griha faces north because of the orientation and situation of the natural cave. Adjoining the mukha mantapa, a dwajasthamba and an ornate Bali pith are situated. The sides and eastern gate leads to Malola and Jwala Narasimha .....

At a distance of 250 m from Ahobilam Bus Stand, The impressive and beautiful 800 years old Prahladavarada Narasimha Temple in the town of Lower Ahobilam is the abode of the Prahladavarada Narasimha, the form of Lord Narasimha blessing Prahlada. It is among the top places to visit in Ahobilam.

The Lower Ahobila Temple lies in the center of three Praakaras built in Vijayanagara style. The main temple at the lower Ahobilam consists of a Sanctum, a Mukhamantapam and a Rangamantapam all of which are decorated with excellent sculptures on the pillars. The massive composite pillars in the Rangamantapam are carved with figures of Yakshas riding on Yalis and horses with their rear legs mounted on the Makaras. Large figures of musicians, sensuous women, divine figures of Rama and Laxmana are in good shape. The Narasa Nayaka figure of Vijayanagara Empire in the temple is attractive.

In lower Ahobila, Narasimha Swami can be seen in a peaceful .....

Just opposite to Mahanandi Bus Station, Mahanandishwara Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine Nandi shrines known as Nava Nandis and Mahanandishwara temple is the prime temple. The temple is said to have been built by Chalukyas in 7th century and was later enhanced by local Nanda Dynasty (10th century) and Vijayanagara Kings (15th century).

Located to the east of Nallamala forest range, the main attractions of the temple are Pushkarini and tower (Vimana) over the Garbha gruha built in Badami Chalukyan style. Other structures in the temple are in Vijayanagara style. The linga in the central sanctum is unique because it is like a rough uncut rock, with two cavities. According to the legend, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in the 10th century AD and they built a number of temples and worshipped their ancestral deity, Nandi.

The holy tank (Pushkarini) inside .....

At a distance of 23 km from Kurnool, 53 km from Nandyal, 45 km from Alampur, 56 km from Yaganti, 70 km from Mahanandi & 237 km from Hyderabad, Orvakal Rock Garden (also known as Orvakallu) is a wonderful site with abundant natural beauty of rock formations. It is situated on Kurnool - Nandyal highway at a distance of 3 km from Orvakal village.

Orvakal Rock Garden is a rare silica and quartz rock formation site with beautiful surroundings. The rocks are formed around a natural lake in the middle of the site that enhances the beauty of the place. This is one of the must visit places in the surrounding of Kurnool. The rocks are spread across an area of 50 acres adjacent to Kurnool - Nandyal highway.

The garden is well developed by AP Tourism with a restaurant at the entrance and cottages spread across the garden. There is a walkway built .....