One of the most popular murtis of Narasimha Avatar
of Vishnu is called Jwala Narasimha. This is the most fierce form of Narasimha.
In this posture, he is tearing the body of demon Hiranyakashipu. Fire emanates
from the body and hence the name Jwala Narasimha.
Jwala Narasimha murti is depicted with four arms. Hiranyakashipu lies on the lap of the murti. Two hands are tearing the body of the demon.
Jwala Narasimha murti is depicted with four arms. Hiranyakashipu lies on the lap of the murti. Two hands are tearing the body of the demon.
If we look carefully at the murti, one can find young
Prahlada standing with folded hands.
The murti is worshipped mainly in temples in Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana and Karnataka.
The most important Jwala Narasimha temples are located in
Upper Ahobilam, Yadagirigutta and in Bidar.
At Yadagirigutta in
Telangana, Jwala Narasimha is depicted as carving on a rock. The murti is
associated with a serpent that looks like a flame.
Jwala Narasimha Temple In Ahobilam
Nestled 2 km below Ugra Stambha and 5 km above the Ahobila
Narasimha Temple, you’ll find the Jwala Narasimha Temple. This sacred site
marks the precise location where Lord Narasimha is said to have slain the demon
Hiranyakashipu.
The setting is breathtaking—surrounded by towering peaks
with a waterfall cascading just 50 yards away. To this day, the rocks here bear
a deep reddish tint, believed to be the enduring mark of Hiranyakashipu’s
blood.
Inside the Jwala Narasimha Sannidhi
The inner sanctum houses a powerful, eight-armed depiction
of the Lord in a fierce seated posture:
- The Act of Justice: Two hands are shown tearing open the chest of Hiranyakashipu.
- Divine Symbols: Two hands hold the Shanka (Conch) and Chakra (Discus).
- The Posture: His left leg is folded while the right rests on the ground.
- The Devotee: Little Prahalada stands at the Lord's feet in a posture of deep prayer.
To the right of the main idol, another carving depicts the
intense battle leading up to the final moment of Hiranya Samharam.