Kurnool: The Narasimha Swamy temple authorities have made all necessary arrangements to celebrate Parvetotsavam at Ahobilam on Wednesday. The lord Narasimha Swamy embarked on a journey to visit devotees, continuing a 600-year-old tradition of personally inviting them to his celestial wedding.
As part of this historic event, the lord will tour 33 villages in the Allagadda, Uyyalawada, and Rudravaram mandals over 45 days. Unlike any other Vaishnava temple, the Ahobilam Parvetotsavam features unique rituals and holds deep cultural significance. Every year on Kanuma, the festival begins with Jwala Narasimha Swamy descending from Eguva Ahobilam to Diguva Ahobilam in a grand procession. Narasimha Swamy is carried in a palanquin, accompanied by priests performing traditional rituals.
According to historians, the first Peethadhipathi, Srinivasacharya, initiated the Parvetotsavam to fulfill a divine order from the Lord to guide people toward salvation. During the festival, Jwala Narasimha Swamy and Prahladavarada Swamy share a palanquin and visit devotees in the villages.
Ahobilam has gained recognition as a premier spiritual destination. In 2023, it was awarded the title of "Best Tourist Village" by the Andhra Pradesh government and received silk robes from the Telangana government in acknowledgment of its historical connection to the Kakatiya dynasty. Furthermore, a representation has been submitted to UNESCO to recognise the Ahobilam Parvetotsavam as a heritage event.
Chief priest Kidambi Venugopalan highlighted the festival's profound spiritual significance. Tradition holds that Lord Narasimha Swamy, believed to have emerged from the Ugrastambham in Ahobilam, plays a pivotal role in the rituals. Local Chenchus sought Bharanam from Swamy in exchange for offering their daughter to him. It is believed that the Lord leaves the temple to seek sustenance for his marriage with Chenchulakshmi Ammavaru and personally invites devotees during Parvetotsavam to offer their support. Additionally, the Annakutotsavam ritual, symbolising the preparation of rice, is performed to sustain the festivities for 45 days.
