Ahobilam Temple Celebrates Centuries Old Tradition of Paruveta Utsavam

The Ahobilam Paruveta festival is an annual Hindu festival celebrated at the Ahobilam temple complex located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The festivities span over 10 days in the month of February or March according to the Hindu calendar.

Background and Significance

• The Ahobilam temple complex is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is worshipped there as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
• It comprises of 9 temples situated around the Nallamala forest range spread over a 35 km radius
• The main temple is the Lower Ahobilam temple of Prahlada Varada Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
• The utsavam or festival, called ‘Paruveta’ is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by thousands of devotees who throng the temples during this period

Key significance

• Commemorates the divine incident of Lord Narasimha blessing Prahlada after slaying the demon king Hiranyakashipa
• The processional deity of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is taken out on a procession in various vahanams or vehicles around the Lower Ahobilam temple and parts of the Upper Ahobilam area
• Showcases various rituals including special pujas, abhishekams, cultural programs which offer a visual treat for visitors

Timeline Over the Years

• The Paruveta utsavam has been celebrated for several centuries at Ahobilam as per historical accounts and records
• Earlier it used to be a subdued event spanning over 5 days with basic rituals and limited participation
• Over the past few decades, it has gained more prominence across South India
• The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department also boosted arrangements leading to larger scale celebrations

The timeline of milestones is highlighted below:

Schedule and Rituals

The elaborate schedule of rituals and events unfold in the packed 10-day timeframe:

Pre-Festival Rituals

Kalyanotsavam

• 5 days before the start of Paruveta, the processional deities or utsava murtis of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy along with His Consorts are adorned as the divine couple in wedding attire
• This is known as Kalyanotsavam or celestial wedding and special pujas and homams are conducted amidst chanting of vedic hymns

Ankurarpanam

• The sanctum sanctorum and Ahobilam temple premises are cleaned thoroughly before the commencement of the festivities in a ritual called Ankurarpanam
• This signifies growth and prosperity for the coming celebrations

Main Festivities

The major events unfold over 10 days filled with processions, music and religious fervor:

Dwajarohanam

• On the first day, Dwajarohanam is performed when the holy flag with Lord Narasimha’s emblem is hoisted upon the flag post signaling the start of Paruveta

Processions or Vahana Sevas

• From the 2nd to the 9th day, the utsava murtis of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy along with His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are taken out on different vahanams in procession around the Lower Ahobilam temple
• The vahanams include Hamsa vahanam, Simha vahanam, Muthyalam vahanam, Garuda vahanam, Hanumantha vahanam, Pallaki vahanam, Gaja vahanam, Rishabha vahanam, among others
• On the 5th day, Lord Narasimha is dressed up as Sri Krishna in flute bearing form during the Mohini Alankaram and Kalpavriksha vahanam

Chakra Snanam

• The processional deities are given a holy bath or abhishekam on the 8th day known as Chakra Snanam
• Vedic rituals are conducted and deemed as symbolic removal of evils plaguing humanity

Dwajavarohanam

• On the final day, Dwajavarohanam is conducted when the holy flag is lowered and the festivities are brought to an end with distribution of tirtham and prasadams

Other Rituals

• Several other rituals like jyoti archana, sahasrakalasabhishekam, pushpayagam etc. are conducted on various days
• Veda pathana or chanting of vedic scriptures also takes place alongside the processions

Cultural Programs

• Cultural events showcasing Indian art forms are held in the evenings from classical dance performances like Kuchupudi to folk dances like Bathukamma depicting the rich cultural heritage

Participation and Turnout

The Ahobilam Paruveta festival attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims from across India which has enhanced over the past decade:

• As per the Endowments Department statistics in 2023, around 1.5 lakh devotees attended the celebrations over 10 days
• Majority were from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana comprising 60% of visitors
• Close to 30% came from neighboring states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc.
• Remaining 10% were from other states including international tourists of Indian origin

The age-wise representation of crowds is given below:

Accommodation Arrangements

With surging crowds over the past decade, accommodation remains a prime consideration:

• Over 1000 rooms available in choultries, dormitories and private lodges in Lower Ahobilam area at budget rates
• Additional 1500 rooms created through mobile AC dormitories and tented accommodation in open grounds
• Rooms allotted on sharing basis; charges fixed by Endowments department

Transport Arrangements

Key highlights regarding transportation:

• Free bus services from major towns to Ahobilam organized by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
• Private taxi sharing services promoted through mobile apps introduced in 2023
• Helicopter services launched in 2022 from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Chennai airports directly to Ahobilam

The unique celebrations, natural scenic beauty and spiritual ambience make the Ahobilam Paruveta stand apart on Andhra Pradesh’s festival calendar.