अहोबिलमाहात्म्यम् Ahobila Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Of Vishnu, whose form is all-pervading and whose effulgence is limitless, His special presence is clearly manifest in various places.

śrīsadgururuvāca

sarvavyāpakarūpasya viṣṇoramitatejasaḥ|

tatra tatrāpi sānnidhyaṃ vyaktameva prakāśate

सर्वव्यापकरूपस्य · sarvavyāpakarūpasya — of the one whose form is all-pervading

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Vishnu

अमिततेजसः · amitatejasaḥ — of the one with limitless effulgence

तत्र तत्र · tatra tatra — in various places

अपि · api — even

सान्निध्यं · sānnidhyaṃ — special presence

व्यक्तम् · vyaktam — manifest

एव · eva — certainly

प्रकाशते · prakāśate — shines forth

अमिततेजसः सर्वव्यापकरूपस्य विष्णोः सान्निध्यं तत्र तत्रापि व्यक्तमेव प्रकाशते।

of the one whose form is all-pervading · of Vishnu · of the one with limitless effulgence · in various places · even · special presence · manifest · certainly · shines forth

This verse establishes the theological premise that while the Lord is omnipresent, He manifests in specific holy places to facilitate the devotion of His followers. It sets the stage for the specific glories of Ahobilam.

In the great holy place of Ahobilam, in the caves of Garuḍādri (Garuda's mountain), He, Narasimha, the ocean of mercy, shines forth in nine forms.

ahobile mahākṣetre garuḍādrerguhāsu saḥ

narasiṃhaḥ kṛpāsindhurnavamūrtirvirājate

अहोबिले · ahobile — in Ahobilam

महाक्षेत्रे · mahākṣetre — in the great holy place

गरुडाद्रेः · garuḍādreḥ — of Garuda's mountain

गुहासु · guhāsu — in the caves

सः · saḥ — He

नरसिंहः · narasiṃhaḥ — Narasimha

कृपासिन्युः · kṛpāsindhuḥ — ocean of mercy

नवमूर्तिः · navamūrtiḥ — having nine forms

विराजते · virājate — shines forth

सः कृपासिन्धुः नरसिंहः अहोबिले महाक्षेत्रे गरुडाद्रेः गुहासु नवमूर्तिः सन् विराजते।

in Ahobilam · in the great holy place · of Garuda's mountain · in the caves · He · Narasimha · ocean of mercy · having nine forms · shines forth

This verse introduces the specific location, Ahobilam, and identifies the presiding deity as the nine-fold Narasimha, establishing the central theme of the chapter.

In ancient times, to liberate his mother, Garuda, having seized the nectar, waged war with the gods. Then, recognizing Mukunda as superior even to the gods, and desiring to attain his own place upon Vishnu's banner, the great one performed penance on this very mountain, meditating on Lord Nṛsiṃha.

pūrvaṃ mātṛvimocanāya garuḍo hṛtvā sudhāṃ nirjaraiḥ|

kṛtvā yuddhamatho mukundamadhikaṃ jñātvā surāṇāṃ tathā |

viṣṇorapyuparidhvaje nijapadaṃ saṃprāptukāmo mahā-

nasminneva girau cakāra ca tapo devaṃ nṛsiṃhaṃ smaran

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — in ancient times

मातृविमोचनाय · mātṛvimocanāya — for the liberation of his mother

गरुडः · garuḍaḥ — Garuda

हृत्वा · hṛtvā — having seized

सुधाम् · sudhām — the nectar

मुकुन्दम् · mukundam — Mukunda

अधिकं ज्ञात्वा · adhikaṃ jñātvā — knowing as superior

निजपदम् · nijapadam — his own position

संप्राप्तुकामो · saṃprāptukāmo — desiring to attain

तपः चकार · tapaḥ cakāra — performed penance

पूर्वम् मातृविमोचनाय सुधाम् हृत्वा निर्जरैः युद्धं कृत्वा, मुकुन्दं सुराणां अधिकं ज्ञात्वा, विष्णोः उपरिध्वजे निजपदं संप्राप्तुकामः गरुडः अस्मिन्नेव गिरौ देवं नृसिंहं स्मरन् तपः चकार।

in ancient times · for the liberation of his mother · Garuda · having seized · the nectar · Mukunda · knowing as superior · his own position · desiring to attain · performed penance

This verse provides the historical context of Garuda's penance at Ahobilam, validating the site's power for those seeking spiritual elevation and divine grace.

The person who desires to ascend to the highest position should worship the illustrious Nṛsiṃha, who is affectionate to His devotees.

uttamaṃ sthānamāroḍhuṃ yaḥ kāmayati mānavaḥ

śrīnṛsiṃhaṃ pūjayedbhaktavatsalam

उत्तमं स्थानम् · uttamaṃ sthānam — the highest position

आरोढुम् · āroḍhum — to ascend

यः कामयति · yaḥ kāmayati — whoever desires

मानवः · mānavaḥ — a human

श्रीनृसिंहम् · śrīnṛsiṃham — illustrious Narasimha

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

भक्तवत्सलम् · bhaktavatsalam — who is affectionate to devotees

यः मानवः उत्तमं स्थानम् आरोढुं कामयति, सः भक्तवत्सलं श्रीनृसिंहं पूजयेत्।

the highest position · to ascend · whoever desires · a human · illustrious Narasimha · should worship · who is affectionate to devotees

This verse serves as an exhortation to the reader, connecting the historical example of Garuda to the practical benefit for any devotee seeking spiritual success.

Having lifted the earth, which was submerged in the great ocean, with the tip of His tusk in His form as Varāha (the Boar), the Lord, who also lifts up all people submerged in the waters of the ocean of worldly existence, resides in a cave on the peak of Garuḍācala, bestowing fearlessness upon His devotees, worshipped by Bhūmi (the Earth goddess) herself out of compassion.

daṃṣṭrāgreṇa dharāṃ mahājalanidhau magnāṃ samuddhṛtya ca

svāmī sarvajanān bhavāmbudhijale magnān varāhātmanā |

uddhṛtya garuḍācalasya śikhare cāste guhāyāṃ hari-

rbhaktānāmabhayapradaḥ karuṇayā bhūmyā svayaṃ pūjitaḥ

दंष्ट्राग्रेण · daṃṣṭrāgreṇa — with the tip of the tusk

धराम् · dharām — the Earth

महाजलनिधौ · mahājalanidhau — in the great ocean

समुद्धृत्य · samuddhṛtya — having lifted up

वराहात्मना · varāhātmanā — in the form of Varaha

भवाम्बुधिजले · bhavāmbudhijale — in the waters of the ocean of worldly existence

अभयप्रदः · abhayapradaḥ — bestower of fearlessness

भूम्या पूजितः · bhūmyā pūjitaḥ — worshipped by Bhumi

स्वामी वराहात्मना महाजलनिधौ मग्नां धराम् दंष्ट्राग्रेण समुद्धृत्य, भवाम्बुधिजले मग्नान् सर्वजनान् उद्धृत्य, गरुडाचलस्य शिखरे गुहायां आस्ते, सः भक्तानां अभयप्रदः भूम्या स्वयं पूजितः।

with the tip of the tusk · the Earth · in the great ocean · having lifted up · in the form of Varaha · in the waters of the ocean of worldly existence · bestower of fearlessness · worshipped by Bhumi

This verse describes the Varaha-Narasimha form, bridging the mythological act of lifting the Earth with the spiritual act of lifting souls from the ocean of samsara.

A person who sees that Varāha Narasiṃha on the peak of Vedādri attains a kingdom, and a king regains his lost land.

**7. ** Having slain the great demon, the ocean of mercy, worshipped by Prahlāda, seeing His own fierce yet fear-dispelling form, consoled the frightened Śrī (Lakshmi). Placing her on His lap, the Guru of the three worlds, peaceful and the refuge of the good, the Lord Hari, who delights in Lakshmi, resides on the bank of Lakṣmī-tīrtha.

vārāhaṃ narasiṃhaṃ taṃ vedādriśikhare naraḥ

paśyan rājyamavāpnoti rājā naṣṭāṃ bhuvaṃ punaḥ

वाराहं नरसिंहम् · vārāhaṃ narasiṃham — Varaha Narasimha

वेदाद्रिशिखरे · vedādriśikhare — on the peak of Vedadri

नरः पश्यन् · naraḥ paśyan — a person beholding

राज्यम् · rājyam — a kingdom

अवाप्नोति · avāpnoti — attains

राजा · rājā — a king

नष्टां भुवम् · naṣṭāṃ bhuvam — lost land

पुनः · punaḥ — again

वेदाद्रिशिखरे वाराहं नरसिंहं पश्यन् नरः राज्यम् अवाप्नोति, राजा तु नष्टां भुवं पुनः अवाप्नोति।

Varaha Narasimha · on the peak of Vedadri · a person beholding · a kingdom · attains · a king · lost land · again

This verse provides the phala-shruti (fruit of hearing/worshipping) for the Varaha-Narasimha form, specifically addressing material and political prosperity.

hatvā daityavaraṃ kṛpājalanidhiḥ prahlādasaṃpūjito

dṛṣṭvograṃ nijarūpamapyabhayadaṃ bhītāṃ śriyaṃ sāntvayan |

āropyāṅkatale jagattrayaguruḥ śāntaḥ śaraṇyaḥ satāṃ

lakṣmītīrthataṭe virājati vibhurlakṣmīvilolo hariḥ

हत्वा दैत्यवरम् · hatvā daityavaram — having slain the great demon

कृपाजलनिधिः · kṛpājalanidhiḥ — ocean of mercy

प्रह्लादसंपूजितः · prahlādasaṃpūjitaḥ — worshipped by Prahlada

भीतां श्रियम् · bhītāṃ śriyam — frightened Lakshmi

सान्त्वयन् · sāntvayan — consoling

जगत्त्रयगुरुः · jagattrayaguruḥ — Guru of the three worlds

लक्ष्मीतीर्थतटे · lakṣmītīrthataṭe — on the bank of Lakshmi-tirtha

विराजति · virājati — shines

दैत्यवरं हत्वा, प्रह्लादसंपूजितः कृपाजलनिधिः, भीतां श्रियं सान्त्वयन्, अङ्कतले आरोप्य, जगत्त्रयगुरुः शान्तः शरण्यः विभुः लक्ष्मीविलोलो हरिः लक्ष्मीतीर्थतटे विराजति।

having slain the great demon · ocean of mercy · worshipped by Prahlada · frightened Lakshmi · consoling · Guru of the three worlds · on the bank of Lakshmi-tirtha · shines

This verse depicts the tender, compassionate side of the Lord after the destruction of evil, highlighting His role as the protector and consort of Lakshmi.

A destitute person who takes refuge in that Mālola Narasiṃha becomes equal to Kubera. What is difficult for devotees to obtain?

mālolaṃ narasiṃhaṃ tamāśritya kṛpaṇo naraḥ

kuberatulyo bhavati bhaktānāṃ kiṃ sudurlabham

मालोलं नरसिंहम् · mālolaṃ narasiṃham — Malola Narasimha

तम् आश्रित्य · tam āśritya — having taken refuge in Him

कृपणः नरः · kṛpaṇaḥ naraḥ — a destitute person

कुबेरतुल्यः · kuberatulyaḥ — equal to Kubera

भवति · bhavati — becomes

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānām — for devotees

किं सुदुर्लभम् · kiṃ sudurlabham — what is difficult to obtain

मालोलं नरसिंहं तम् आश्रित्य कृपणः नरः कुबेरतुल्यो भवति। भक्तानां किं नाम सुदुर्लभम्?

Malola Narasimha · having taken refuge in Him · a destitute person · equal to Kubera · becomes · for devotees · what is difficult to obtain

This verse emphasizes the accessibility of the Lord's grace, promising that even the most destitute can attain prosperity through surrender to Malola Narasimha.

When the lotus-born Brahmā was about to create the worlds, he found his intellect had become dull, deluded by a demon. He then installed Lord Narahari here, and by devotedly worshipping Him, the ocean of mercy in His Yogananda (bliss of yoga) form, he regained his pure intellect and also his own position of Parameṣṭhin (the highest creator).

lokān sraṣṭumupasthitaḥ kamalajo buddhiṃ jaḍatvaṃ gatāṃ

jñātvā daityavimohitāṃ narahariṃ hyatra pratiṣṭhāpya ca |

yogānandatanuṃ kṛpājalanidhiṃ saṃpūjya bhaktyā punaḥ

prajñāṃ prāpa sunirmalāmapi tathā svaṃ pārameṣṭhyaṃ padam

लोकान् स्रष्टुम् · lokān sraṣṭum — to create the worlds

कमलजः · kamalajaḥ — Brahma

बुद्धिं जडत्वं गताम् · buddhiṃ jaḍatvaṃ gatām — intellect having become dull

नरहरिम् · naraharim — Narahari

प्रतिष्ठाप्य · pratiṣṭhāpya — having installed

योगानन्दतनुम् · yogānandatanum — in the form of Yogananda

प्रज्ञां प्राप · prajñāṃ prāpa — attained pure intellect

पारमेष्ठ्यं पदम् · pārameṣṭhyaṃ padam — the position of creator

लोकान् स्रष्टुम् उपस्थितः कमलजः दैत्यविमोहितां जडत्वं गतां बुद्धिं ज्ञात्वा, अत्र नरहरिं प्रतिष्ठाप्य, योगानन्दतनुं कृपाजलनिधिं भक्त्या संपूज्य, सुनिर्मलां प्रज्ञां तथा स्वं पारमेष्ठ्यं पदं प्राप।

to create the worlds · Brahma · intellect having become dull · Narahari · having installed · in the form of Yogananda · attained pure intellect · the position of creator

This verse illustrates the intellectual and spiritual restoration of Brahma, positioning Yogananda Narasimha as the source of clear intellect and divine authority.

By seeing Yogananda Hari on Garuḍācala, the indomitable fickleness of the intellect of devotees is destroyed; there is no doubt.

yogānandaṃ hariṃ dṛṣṭvā bhaktānāṃ garuḍācale

durdamaṃ buddhicāñcalyaṃ vinaśyati na saṃśayaḥ

योगानन्दं हरिम् · yogānandaṃ harim — Yogananda Hari

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

गरुडाचले · garuḍācale — on Garudachala

दुर्दमम् · durdamam — indomitable

बुद्धिचाञ्चल्यम् · buddhicāñcalyam — fickleness of intellect

विनश्यति · vinaśyati — is destroyed

न संशयः · na saṃśayaḥ — no doubt

गरुडाचले योगानन्दं हरिं दृष्ट्वा भक्तानां दुर्दमं बुद्धिचाञ्चल्यं विनश्यति, अत्र न संशयः।

Yogananda Hari · having seen · on Garudachala · indomitable · fickleness of intellect · is destroyed · no doubt

This verse offers a direct remedy for the 'fickleness of intellect' that plagues spiritual seekers, prescribing the sight of Yogananda Hari as the cure.

A great sage named Gobhila, his mind agitated by the analysis of various scriptures, seeking supreme and pure knowledge, meditated on Lord Nṛsiṃha. Here, near a Karañja tree, he attained divine insight, directly realized the supreme, eternal, and unborn Truth, and became tranquil.

nānāśāstravivecanākulamanā jñānaṃ ca śuddhaṃ paraṃ

prāptuṃ gobhilanāmako munivaro dhyāyannṛsiṃhaṃ prabhum |

asminneva karañjavṛkṣanikaṭe saṃprāpya divyāṃ matiṃ

sākṣātkṛtya paraṃ sanātanamajaṃ tattvaṃ praśānto'bhavat

नानाशास्त्रविवेचनाकुलमनाः · nānāśāstravivecanākulamanāḥ — mind agitated by analysis of scriptures

गोभिलनामको मुनिवरः · gobhilanāmako munivaraḥ — the great sage named Gobhila

ध्यायन् · dhyāyan — meditating

करञ्जवृक्षनिकटे · karañjavṛkṣanikaṭe — near the Karanja tree

दिव्यां मतिम् · divyāṃ matim — divine insight

साक्षात्कृत्य · sākṣātkṛtya — having directly realized

प्रशान्तः अभवत् · praśāntaḥ abhavat — became tranquil

नानाशास्त्रविवेचनाकुलमनाः गोभिलनामको मुनिवरः शुद्धं परं ज्ञानं प्राप्तुं नृसिंहं प्रभुं ध्यायन्, अस्मिन्नेव करञ्जवृक्षनिकटे दिव्यां मतिं संप्राप्य, परं सनातनमजं तत्त्वं साक्षात्कृत्य प्रशान्तोऽभवत्।

mind agitated by analysis of scriptures · the great sage named Gobhila · meditating · near the Karanja tree · divine insight · having directly realized · became tranquil

This verse highlights the intellectual journey of the sage Gobhila, showing how meditation on Narasimha leads to the direct realization of the Absolute Truth.

A person who worships Narasiṃha at the root of the Karañja tree attains divine knowledge, just as the great sage Gobhila did.

karañjavṛkṣamūle tu narasiṃhaṃ bhajannaraḥ

divyajñānamavāpnoti munīndro gobhilo yathā

करञ्जवृक्षमूले · karañjavṛkṣamūle — at the root of the Karanja tree

नरसिंहं भजन् · narasiṃhaṃ bhajan — worshipping Narasimha

नरः · naraḥ — a person

दिव्यज्ञानम् · divyajñānam — divine knowledge

अवाप्नोति · avāpnoti — attains

मुनीन्द्रो गोभिलो यथा · munīndro gobhilo yathā — just like the great sage Gobhila

करञ्जवृक्षमूले नरसिंहं भजन् नरः मुनीन्द्रो गोभिलो यथा दिव्यज्ञानम् अवाप्नोति।

at the root of the Karanja tree · worshipping Narasimha · a person · divine knowledge · attains · just like the great sage Gobhila

This verse generalizes the experience of Gobhila, inviting all seekers to the Karanja tree to attain the same divine knowledge.

Under a wondrous banyan tree that serves as an umbrella (Chatravaṭa), the Lord Narahari, whose exploits are constantly sung by Indra and other celestial beings, shines forth, beloved by His devotees. The two Gandharvas named Hāhā and Hūhū, having obtained the boon of excellent singing from Narahari, became the foremost among Gandharvas in heaven by the grace of Śrī Nṛsiṃha.

citre chatravaṭe vibhurnarahariḥ śakrādibhiḥ santataṃ

gīrvāṇairabhigīyamānacarito bhaktapriyo rājate |

hāhāhūhvabhidhānakau naraharergānaṃ varaṃ prāpya tau

gandharvāṇāṃ pradhānau divi ca bhavataḥ śrīnṛsiṃhaprasādāt

चित्रे छत्रवटे · citre chatravaṭe — at the wondrous Chatravata

विभुर्नरहरिः · vibhurnarahariḥ — Lord Narahari

शक्रादिभिः · śakrādibhiḥ — by Indra and others

गीर्वाणैः · gīrvāṇaiḥ — by celestial beings

हाहाहूह्वभिधानकौ · hāhāhūhvabhidhānakau — the two named Haha and Huhu

गानं वरं प्राप्य · gānaṃ varaṃ prāpya — having obtained the boon of song

गन्धर्वाणां प्रधानौ · gandharvāṇāṃ pradhānau — foremost among Gandharvas

चित्रे छत्रवटे विभुर्नरहरिः शक्रादिभिः गीर्वाणैः सन्ततं अभिगीयमानचरितः सन् राजते। हाहाहूह्वभिधानकौ नरहरेः गानं वरं प्राप्य श्रीनृसिंहप्रसादात् दिवि गन्धर्वाणां प्रधानौ भवतः।

at the wondrous Chatravata · Lord Narahari · by Indra and others · by celestial beings · the two named Haha and Huhu · having obtained the boon of song · foremost among Gandharvas

This verse introduces the Chatravata Narasimha, linking the Lord's grace to the arts, specifically music, through the story of the Gandharvas.

People on earth who see Narasiṃha at Chatravaṭa obtain the power of song and eloquence in assemblies.

narasiṃhaṃ chatravaṭe ye paśyanti narā bhuvi

labhante gānaśaktiṃ te sabhāyāṃ vāvadūkatām

नरसिंहं छत्रवटे · narasiṃhaṃ chatravaṭe — Narasimha at Chatravata

ये पश्यन्ति · ye paśyanti — those who see

नराः भुवि · narāḥ bhuvi — people on earth

लभन्ते · labhante — obtain

गानशक्तिम् · gānaśaktim — power of song

सभायाम् · sabhāyām — in assemblies

वावदूकताम् · vāvadūkatām — eloquence

ये नराः भुवि छत्रवटे नरसिंहं पश्यन्ति, ते गानशक्तिं सभायां वावदूकतां च लभन्ते।

Narasimha at Chatravata · those who see · people on earth · obtain · power of song · in assemblies · eloquence

This verse provides the practical benefit for devotees visiting Chatravata, promising eloquence and musical mastery.

In ancient times, Vasishtha and others, by meditating on the Lord who resides on the bank of Bhārgava-tīrtha, attained a high position, great knowledge, and fame here. Even today, Bhārgava (Paraśurāma), solely devoted to the worship of Achyuta, serves this Lord Śrī Narasiṃha, the bestower of all desired things to His devotees.

devaṃ bhārgavatīrthatīranilayaṃ dhyātvā vasiṣṭhādayaḥ

pūrvaṃ sthānamavāpuratra mahatīṃ vidyāṃ ca kīrtiṃ tataḥ |

adyāpyacyutabhaktimātranirataḥ saṃsevate bhārgavo

bhaktānāṃ sakaleṣṭadāyakamamuṃ śrīnārasiṃhaṃ prabhum

भार्गवतीर्थतीरनिलयम् · bhārgavatīrthatīranilayam — residing on the bank of Bhargava-tirtha

ध्यात्वा · dhyātvā — having meditated

वसिष्ठादयः · vasiṣṭhādayaḥ — Vasishtha and others

अच्युतभक्तिमात्रनिरतः · acyutabhaktimātranirataḥ — solely devoted to Achyuta

भार्गवः · bhārgavaḥ — Parasurama

संसेवते · saṃsevate — serves

सकलेष्टदायकम् · sakaleṣṭadāyakam — bestower of all desires

पूर्वं वसिष्ठादयः भार्गवतीर्थतीरनिलयं देवं ध्यात्वा अत्र महतीं विद्यां कीर्तिं च अवापुः। अद्यापि अच्युतभक्तिमात्रनिरतः भार्गवः भक्तानां सकलेष्टदायकम् अमुं श्रीनारसिंहं प्रभुं संसेवते।

residing on the bank of Bhargava-tirtha · having meditated · Vasishtha and others · solely devoted to Achyuta · Parasurama · serves · bestower of all desires

This verse connects the Bhargava-tirtha site to the lineage of sages and the ongoing worship by Parasurama, emphasizing the site's historical and current sanctity.

The person who worships Nṛsiṃha on the bank of Bhārgava-tīrtha attains the supreme position and prominence among his own people.

tīre bhārgavatīrthasya nṛsiṃhaṃ yo bhajennaraḥ

sthānaṃ paramavāpnoti prādhānyaṃ svajaneṣu ca

तीरे भार्गवतीर्थस्य · tīre bhārgavatīrthasya — on the bank of Bhargava-tirtha

नृसिंहं यो भजेत् · nṛsiṃhaṃ yo bhajet — whoever worships Narasimha

नरः · naraḥ — a person

स्थानं परम् · sthānaṃ param — supreme position

अवाप्नोति · avāpnoti — attains

प्राधान्यम् · prādhānyam — prominence

स्वजनेषु · svajaneṣu — among his own people

यः नरः भार्गवतीर्थस्य तीरे नृसिंहं भजेत्, सः परमं स्थानं स्वजनेषु प्राधान्यं च अवाप्नोति।

on the bank of Bhargava-tirtha · whoever worships Narasimha · a person · supreme position · attains · prominence · among his own people

This verse outlines the specific rewards for worshipping at Bhargava-tirtha, promising social prominence and spiritual status.

One should see Lord Jvālā Nṛsiṃha, the best of gods, who resides in this liberation-granting place, and there, one should light a pure lamp with ghee. It was here that Brahmarṣis, devoted to the yoga of devotion to Achyuta, attained the abode of Vishnu. A seeker of liberation should worship that Vishnu here.

muktikṣetranivāsinaṃ suravaraṃ jvālānṛsiṃhaṃ prabhuṃ

paśyettatra ghṛtena dīpamamalaṃ coddīpayenmānavaḥ |

atraivācyutabhaktiyoganiratā brahmarṣayo vaiṣṇavaṃ

dhāma prāpuriha mumukṣuriha taṃ viṣṇuṃ samārādhayet

मुक्तिक्षेत्रनिवासिनम् · muktikṣetranivāsinam — residing in the liberation-granting place

ज्वालानृसिंहम् · jvālānṛsiṃham — Jvala Narasimha

घृतेन · ghṛtena — with ghee

दीपम् · dīpam — a lamp

उद्दीप्येत् · uddīpyet — should light

ब्रह्मर्षयः · brahmarṣayaḥ — Brahmarshis

वैष्णवं धाम · vaiṣṇavaṃ dhāma — abode of Vishnu

मुमुक्षुः · mumukṣuḥ — a seeker of liberation

मुक्तिक्षेत्रनिवासिनं सुरवरं ज्वालानृसिंहं प्रभुं पश्येत्, तत्र मानवः घृतेन अमलं दीपं च उद्दीप्येत्। अत्रैव अच्युतभक्तियोगनिरता ब्रह्मर्षयः वैष्णवं धाम प्रापुः, इह मुमुक्षुः तं विष्णुं समाराधयेत्।

residing in the liberation-granting place · Jvala Narasimha · with ghee · a lamp · should light · Brahmarshis · abode of Vishnu · a seeker of liberation

This verse introduces Jvala Narasimha as the Lord of liberation, prescribing the specific ritual of lighting a lamp to symbolize the removal of darkness and the attainment of Vishnu's abode.

A person who offers the flame of a lamp before Jvālā Nṛsiṃha becomes free from the forest fire of worldly existence.

jvālānṛsiṃhaṃ dṛṣṭvāgre dīpajvālāṃ samarpayet |

saṃsāradāvajvālāyā mukto bhavati mānavaḥ

ज्वालानृसिंहम् · jvālānṛsiṃham — Jvala Narasimha

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

दीपज्वालाम् · dīpajvālām — flame of a lamp

समर्पयेत् · samarpayet — should offer

संसारदावज्वालायाः · saṃsāradāvajvālāyāḥ — from the forest fire of worldly existence

मुक्तः · muktaḥ — free

भवति · bhavati — becomes

ज्वालानृसिंहं दृष्ट्वा अग्रे दीपज्वालां समर्पयेत्। ततः मानवः संसारदावज्वालायाः मुक्तो भवति।

Jvala Narasimha · having seen · flame of a lamp · should offer · from the forest fire of worldly existence · free · becomes

This verse provides the immediate spiritual benefit of the lamp-offering ritual, equating the lamp's flame with the destruction of the 'forest fire' of worldly existence.

This is a sacred tīrtha (holy water body) where Lord Hari as Nṛsiṃha resides. In the past, the sage Bharadvāja, with great self-control, performed severe penance here. What fortunate person on earth would not take refuge in this holy, sin-destroying, renowned, pure, knowledge-bestowing place, which is served by sages and which destroys all afflictions?

tīrthaṃ pāvanametadatra bhagavānāste nṛsiṃho hari-

rbharadvājamuniḥ purā'tra vidadhe ghoraṃ tapaḥ saṃyataḥ |

puṇyaṃ pāpaharaṃ praśastamamalaṃ jñānapradaṃ maunibhiḥ

sevyaṃ tāpavināśanaṃ bhuvi naraḥ ko nāśrayedbhāgyavān

तीर्थं पावनम् · tīrthaṃ pāvanam — sacred Tirtha

भरद्वाजमुनिः · bharadvājamuniḥ — Sage Bharadvaja

घोरं तपः · ghoraṃ tapaḥ — severe penance

पापहरम् · pāpaharam — sin-destroying

ज्ञानप्रदम् · jñānapradam — knowledge-bestowing

तापविनाशनम् · tāpavināśanam — destroyer of afflictions

भाग्यवान् · bhāgyavān — fortunate person

एतत् पावनं तीर्थं यत्र भगवान् नृसिंहो हरिः आस्ते। पुरा भरद्वाजमुनिः अत्र संयतः सन् घोरं तपः विदधे। पुण्यं पापहरं प्रशस्तममलं ज्ञानप्रदं मौनिभिः सेव्यं तापविनाशनं एतत् तीर्थं भुवि को भाग्यवान् नरः नाश्रयेत्?

sacred Tirtha · Sage Bharadvaja · severe penance · sin-destroying · knowledge-bestowing · destroyer of afflictions · fortunate person

This verse highlights the sanctity of Pavana-tirtha, emphasizing its power to destroy sins and afflictions through the grace of the Narasimha installed by Bharadvaja.

On the bank of Pāvana-tīrtha, one should see the sin-destroying Narasiṃha, installed by Bharadvāja, for the destruction of sins.

tīre pāvanatīrthasya narasiṃhaṃ pāpanāśanam

paśyet pāpavināśāya bhāradvājapratiṣṭhitam

तीरे पावनतीर्थस्य · tīre pāvanatīrthasya — on the bank of Pavana-tirtha

नरसिंहम् · narasiṃham — Narasimha

पापनाशनम् · pāpanāśanam — sin-destroying

पश्येत् · paśyet — should see

पापविनाशाय · pāpavināśāya — for the destruction of sins

भारद्वाजप्रतिष्ठितम् · bhāradvājapratiṣṭhitam — installed by Bharadvaja

पापविनाशाय भारद्वाजप्रतिष्ठितं पापनाशनं नरसिंहं पावनतीर्थस्य तीरे पश्येत्।

on the bank of Pavana-tirtha · Narasimha · sin-destroying · should see · for the destruction of sins · installed by Bharadvaja

This verse concludes the specific site descriptions by instructing the devotee to visit Pavana-tirtha for the final annihilation of sins.

For those who hold in their hearts the Lord of the king of birds' mountain (Ahobila Nṛsiṃha), the one named Potri (Varāha), the one united with the daughter of the ocean (Mālola), the one named Yoga (Yogananda), the excellent one of the Karañja site, the banyan tree preceded by 'Chatra' (Chatravaṭa) which yields abundant fruit, the one named Jvālā, the one named Bhārgava, and that holy one named Pāvana—all contemplated by the best of yogis dear to the Lord—it yields excellent results.

pakṣīndraṃ potrisaṃjñaṃ jaladhitanayāsaṃyutaṃ yogasaṃjñaṃ

kārañjakṣetravaryaṃ phalitaphalacayaṃ chatrapūrvaṃ vaṭaṃ ca |

jvālākhyaṃ bhārgavākhyaṃ bhagavadabhimatairbhāvitaṃ yogivaryaiḥ

puṇyaṃ tatpāvanākhyaṃ hṛdi ca kalayatāṃ kalpate satphalāya

पक्षीन्द्रम् · pakṣīndram — the Lord of the king of birds (Ahobila)

पोत्रिसंज्ञम् · potrisaṃjñam — named Potri (Varaha)

जलधितनयासंयुतम् · jaladhitanayāsaṃyutam — united with Lakshmi

योगसंज्ञम् · yogasaṃjñam — named Yoga (Yogananda)

कारञ्जक्षेत्रवर्यम् · kārañjakṣetravaryam — the excellent site of Karanja

फलितफलचयम् · phalitaphalacayam — yielding abundant fruits

छत्रपूर्वं वटम् · chatrapūrvaṃ vaṭam — the Banyan tree named Chatra

ज्वालाख्यम् · jvālākhyam — named Jvala

भार्गवाख्यम् · bhārgavākhyam — named Bhargava

भगवदभिमतैः · bhagavadabhimataiḥ — by those dear to the Lord

योगिवर्यैः · yogivaryaiḥ — by the best of yogis

पावनाख्यम् · pāvanākhyam — named Pavana

हृदि · hṛdi — in the heart

कल्पते · kalpate — yields/results in

योगिवर्यैः भगवदभिमतैः भावितं पक्षीन्द्रं पोत्रिसंज्ञं जलधितनयासंयुतं योगसंज्ञं कारञ्जक्षेत्रवर्यं फलितफलचयं छत्रपूर्वं वटं च ज्वालाख्यं भार्गवाख्यं पुण्यं तत्पावनाख्यं हृदि कलयतां सत्फलाय कल्पते।

the Lord of the king of birds (Ahobila) · named Potri (Varaha) · united with Lakshmi · named Yoga (Yogananda) · the excellent site of Karanja · yielding abundant fruits · the Banyan tree named Chatra · named Jvala · named Bhargava · by those dear to the Lord · by the best of yogis · named Pavana · in the heart · yields/results in

This verse serves as a summary of the nine forms of Lord Narasimha described in the chapter, emphasizing that internalizing these forms leads to spiritual fruition. It acts as a meditative bridge for the devotee to contemplate the totality of the Ahobilam pilgrimage.

In the great holy place of Ahobilam, the best of all holy places on earth, the sight of these nine Nṛsiṃhas is thus the destroyer of sins.

ahobile mahākṣetre sarvakṣetrottame bhuvi

evaṃ navanṛsiṃhānāṃ darśanaṃ pāpanāśanam

अहोबिले · ahobile — in Ahobilam

महाक्षेत्रे · mahākṣetre — in the great holy place

सर्वक्षेत्रोत्तमे · sarvakṣetrottame — the best of all holy places

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

एवम् · evam — thus

नवनृसिंहानाम् · navanṛsiṃhānām — of the nine Narasimhas

दर्शनम् · darśanam — the sight/vision

पापनाशनम् · pāpanāśanam — is the destroyer of sins

भुवि सर्वक्षेत्रोत्तमे अहोबिले महाक्षेत्रे एवं नवनृसिंहानां दर्शनं पापनाशनं भवति।

in Ahobilam · in the great holy place · the best of all holy places · on earth · thus · of the nine Narasimhas · the sight/vision · is the destroyer of sins

This concluding verse serves as the phala-shruti of the chapter, declaring the ultimate efficacy of visiting Ahobilam. It confirms that the darshan of the nine Narasimhas is the definitive remedy for all sins.