Ahobilam

Ahobilam, deep in the Nallamala forest, is revered as the very place where Narasimha burst from the pillar and slew Hiranyakashipu. Seeing His strength, the devas cried out "Aho balam!" (what strength!), and the name Ahobalam is traced to that cry. Another reading is "Ahobilam", the great cave.

Garuda performed penance on these hills to see the Lord's form, which is why the range is also called Garudadri. Nine shrines of Narasimha are spread across Upper and Lower Ahobilam, linked by forest paths and steep climbs. Together they make Ahobilam a Nava Narasimha kshetra in its own right.