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YADAGIRI

Yadagiri is one of the most pilgrimage centres in Andhra Pradesh. The main deity at Yadagiri, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in the form of Jwaalaa Narasimha Swamy, is considered to be the most powerful god and bestower of boons and eliminator of sorrows. In fact, Yadagiri is famous for Pancha (5) Narasimha Kshetraas. The five forms of lord here are Jwaala Narasimha Swamy, Yogaananda Narasimha Swamy, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Gandabherunda Narasimha Swamy and Ugra Narasimha Swamy.

The main temple is located on a hill called Yadagiri, with which the place acquired the name. The hill is green and serene, which drives any visitors towards devotion and makes one forget all the material things.

The kshetra paalaka at Yadagiri is Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman). There is a mention of this temple in Nrusimha Purana, Skaandha Purana and Brahmaanda Purana. The legend has it that there was a demon king by name Hiranya Kashipa. He had a son called Prahlaada, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. The demon king developed enemity with Lord Vishnu. However, the lord, who comes on to the Earth in different incarnations for upholding dharma, took the incarnation as Narasimha (a combination of man and lion). The ferocious Ugra Narasimha killed Hiranya Kashipa. Later Prahlaada and different gods pacified the ferocious Narasimha.

According to Nrusimha Puraana, Lord Narasimha killed Hiranya Kashipa at a place called Ahobilam, which is near to Srishailam in Andhra Pradesh. Later the lord along with Goddess Lakshmi came to bless the devotees from Yadagiri on the request of gods.

Yadagiri is also known as Prahlaadagiri since he did his penance here. The hill has a pond called Vishnu Teertha on it. A dip in it is said to cleanse devotees from sins and diseases.

Yaada Rishi, son of a great sage Rishyasringa, did penance on Yadagiri for Lord Narasimha, after which the hill is named. There is a chakra on the gopura of the temple and this has great importance in the temple story. It is said that the chakra has great power and appears like a lamp in the night.

Yadagiri also has medicinal importance. The temple is famous for curing physical, mental problems. Many pilgrims also believe that a stay on the hill keeps away evil spirits from the devotees. People living here believe that great sages come to Yadagiri, even today, in their heavenly forms to worship the lord.

Apart from daily poojas, Brahmotsavam is celebrated every year at the temple.

How to reach: The place is about 70 kms from Hyderabad. It is located on Hyderabad-Warangal road and can be reached by the bus service run by the state road transport corporation. These buses go upto the temple. One can even hire a private transport from Hyderabad to reach the temple. The place is also connected by railway. Those taking the rail route should get down at Raigiri station. The temple is about 4 kms from the station. From the railway station, one can either take the RTC bus service or a private vehicle.

The temple management has also constructed enough infrastructure up the hill for those interested in staying there. For engaging this accommodation, one should contact the temple authorities well in advance.

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