Ahobilam Brahmothsavam

Ahobilam in Nandyal District Andhra Pradesh is the Avatara sthala of Bhagavan Narasimha Swamy. Brahmothsavam is the Annual Festivals Celebrated by Brahma in a temple. According to Pancharatra Agama sastra, Brahma celebrates Brahmothsavam for the well-being of People. Sage Vyasa gives a detailed account on Ahobilam Brahmothsavam in Ahobila Kshetra Mahatmyam of Brahmanda Purana.During Brahmothsavam Lord Narasimha Swamy will be taken in Procession on different Vahanas(Vehicles). On the first day of Brahmothsavam , Dhwaja Rohanam is performed, a ritual to invite all Devas (Gods) to the abode. A special ritual – BHERI THADANAM (Playing drums) is performed by Archakas in order to invite all Devas as a part of which respective Raga, Thala and Nrtya are played and performed in front of the deity. The unique practice of Ahobilam Brahmothsavam is that Garuda Seva is performed on the final day of Brahmothsavam unlike other Vaishnava temples. On the seventh day of Brahmothsavam Kalyanothsavam is celebrated to Goddess Maha Lakshmi and Narasimha Swamy. On the ninth day of the festival marks the celebration of Rathothsavam (Chariot festival) Ahobilam Brahmothsavm is Celebrated every year from Phalguna Suddha Panchami to Pournami (corresponding to 15-03-2024 to 25-03-2024 in Upper Ahobilam this year) after the completion of Paruveta Utsavam, a grand unique festival that is celebrated for 45 days as a part of which the deity is taken in procession to 32 Villages. Recently Government of Andhra Pradesh had recognised Ahobilam Paruveta Utsavam as State Festival. It is the belief of the Devotess that the Lord Narasimha Swamy is coming to their Villages to invite them for his marriage with Chenchu Lakshmi. According to Brahmanda Purana, all the sacred rivers and theerthas of Bharatha will merge in Bhavanasini River that fows in Ahobilam. Chenchus, the local tribal people perform Aggiseva (Fire ritual) during Garuda Seva. Cultural programs like Classical Dance, Sankeerthana, Natakam (Drama) and Burrakatha are performed as mark of Joy. Theppothsavm (Float Festival) will be celebrated after Brahmothsavam in Pushkarini (Temple Tank)