Kurnool: Trekkers find Ahobilam magical, challenging

Kurnool: Enterprising youths from the district have resolved to set out to Ahobilam to climb all the way up to Ugra Stambham, the pinnacle included in the temple complex for Lord Narasimha.

The Ugra Stambham is a huge rock jutting out of a mountain cliff just a few meters from the waterfall near Jwala Narasimha Temple. It is believed to be the pillar from where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranya Kashyap.

Trekkers believe the pinnacle to be the main attraction of Ahobilam and a must try for all adventure junkies.

The trek to Ugra Stambham is essentially a narrow path full of small and slippery rocks, which makes for a tough climb.

Coming down from the hill has been reported as equally difficult. “It’s magical and exhausting,” said Ravi Kumar, a student at Silver Jubilee Government Degree College.

Physiographically, Kurnool consists of two important mountain ranges, namely Nallamalas and Erramalas, running parallel to each other from north to south.

The Nallamalas are located in the eastern part of the district while the Erramalas are situated in the centre.

Tourism minister Bhuma Akhila Priya has set up facilities like a canteen, accommodation, and dholi services for the old and infirm enthusiasts to make Ahobilam a destination for adventure junkies.

Every weekend, the Nava Narasimha Kshetram, which includes nine temples seeded in the rocky mountains around Ahobilam, witnesses thousands of pilgrims coming from all over the world.

Iskcon devotees consider the Nava Narasimha Kshetram to be an ideal shrine for pujas like Swathi, etc, the temple administrator said.

“A quick glance at the starting point of the trek is enough to kill most aspirants’ determination as there is no real pathway leading upwards, only a steep climb. That is why a lot of trekkers find this climb extremely challenging and fulfilling,” he said.

At a distance of eight km from the Upper Ahobilam temple, Ugra Stambham is said to be the place where the Lord appeared in the form of Narasimha. The cleft, which divides the mountain into two parts, is visible even to distant viewers. It is considered the most challenging trek in Ahobilam.

The path from the Upper Ahobilam temple is fairly narrow with deep drops on the side.

The duration of the trek from the temple is around two hours.