Chenchu Lakshmi is the consort of Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu in Ahobilam. The native Chenchu tribes inhabiting the Nallamala forests consider Bhagavan Narasimha their own as He fell in love with and married Chenchu Lakshmi.
One of the pillars at the Lower Ahobilam temple bears a sculpted image of Lord Narasimha cajoling Chenchu Lakshmi by pleadingly holding her chin.
Vaasantika Parinayam is a Sanskrit play written by Srivan Satakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan, the seventh Jeeyar. The theme of the drama is the marriage of Ahobila Swamy with Chenchu Lakshmi.
The Thayar of the consort at the Upper Ahobilam temple is called Chenchu Lakshmi.
The aboriginal tribe enjoys special privileges during festivals at Ahobilam. As the Paaruveta procession winds its way, Chenchu men shoot arrows in celebration and women dance merrily.
On Kanuman in the Pushya month, the day following Sankranti, utsvamurtis of Narasimha and his consort are taken out for a colorful festival known as Paruveta during which the divine couple stay overnight in each of the 33 specified villages to bless the devotees, as it were, at their doorstep.
By tradition, the first claim of prasadam is reserved for the Chenchus, during the Paruveta festival. No matter how big or prominent a person be, prasadam is first severed to the Chenchus and then only to others.
Obulesu, Obulaiah and Obulamma (colloquial for Ahobilam) are names common in the area, they being corruption of Ahobilesa. The devotees call Narasimha Obulesu because they believe he is guileless. He readily answers their prayers. Grateful Chenchus bring honey, sandalwood, clothes and other things to offer to their “son-in-law.”