Malola Narasimha Swamy – The Murti Of Narasimha That Ahobila Math Jeeyars Carry During Their Sancharas or Tours
Ahobila Math is referred to as a ‘temple on the move’ and, therefore, has no headquarters because the jeeyars are required to be on sanchara or tours most of the time and not to stay put at one place. The murti or idol or vigraha of Narasimha the Ahobila Math Jeeyars (head) carry during the tour is known as Malola Narasimha Swamy.
Srimad Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar, the first of the 46 pontiffs, was an ardent devotee of Vishnu who had vision of Narasimha Avatar. The Malola Narasimha Swamy murti was received by Srimad Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar and it said that it settled softly in his hands.
Story Of Malola Narasimha Swamy
Narasimha form of Vishnu appeared to Srimad Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar in the form of a saint and initiated him into sannyasa ashrama and also formed the Ahobila Mutt. Narasimha instructed him to go to door to door to preach the message of Vaishnavism, and take along with him the utsava murthi of Narasimha.
Srimad Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar was confused as to which utsava murti he has to carry with him. He performed meditation to find out which utsava murti of Narasimha to choose.
Soon the utsava murti of Sri Malola Narasimha came from the temple flying to his hands. This murti of Sri Malola Narasimha is adorned with a paduka (sandal) indicating that Narasimha is ready to proceed on a tour. From that day Utsava Murti of Sri Malola Narasimha has been traveling with the Jeeyars of Ahobila Mutt and has been blessing devotees all around the world.
Malola Narasimha Swamy is a graceful and pleasing aspect of the Narasimha Avatar. Mahalakshmi is seated on the thigh of Narasimha. Ma means Lakshmi and lola means dear or beloved. This murti has four hands.
Malola Narasimha Swamy temple is one of the nine Narasimha temples in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located around 2 km from upper Ahobilam. The temple is also known as Markonda Lakshmi Kshetra.