Ahobilam Brahmotsavams 2026 – Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Festival Dates, Schedule & Travel Guide

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Location

• Ahobilam Temple, Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh.
• A major shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha, with Upper Ahobilam and Lower Ahobilam complexes.

2026 Festival Dates

• Commencement: February 20, 2026
• Conclusion: March 7, 2026 (including Teppotsavams at Lower Ahobilam)

Upper Ahobilam

• Feb 20 (Fri): Selvar Kuthu Utsavam (6 PM)
• Feb 21 (Sat): Ankurarpana (6 PM)
• Feb 22 (Sun): Dwajarohana (8 AM), Bheri Puja (4 PM), Simha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 23 (Mon): Hamsa Vahana Seva (7 AM), Surya Prabha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 24 (Tue): Hanumantha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 25 (Wed): Sesha Vahana Seva (7 AM), Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 26 (Thu): Sarabha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 27 (Fri): Ponna Chettu Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 28 (Sat): Gaja Vahana Seva (4 PM), Tiru Kalyanotsavam (7 PM)
• Mar 01 (Sun): Thotti Tirumanjanam (4 PM), Aswa Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Mar 02 (Mon): Rathotsavam (9:15 AM)
• Mar 03 (Tue): Dwadasaaradanam, Pushpa Yagam (4 PM), Garudotsavam, Dwajavarohanam (10 PM)

Lower Ahobilam

• Feb 21 (Sat): Selvar Kuthu Utsavam (6 PM)
• Feb 22 (Sun): Ankurarpana (6 PM)
• Feb 23 (Mon): Dwajarohana (5:50 AM), Bheri Puja (4 PM), Simha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 24 (Tue): Hamsa Vahana Seva (7 AM), Surya Prabha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 25 (Wed): Garuda Vimanam (7 AM), Hanumantha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 26 (Thu): Sesha Vahana Seva (7 AM), Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 27 (Fri): Mohini Alankarna (5 AM), Sarabha Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Feb 28 (Sat): Sri Venu Gopala Alankarna (7 AM), Ponna Chettu Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Mar 01 (Sun): Gaja Vahana Seva (4 PM), Tiru Kalyanotsavam (7 PM)
• Mar 02 (Mon): Thotti Tirumanjanam (4 PM), Aswa Vahana Seva (7 PM)
• Mar 03 (Tue): Rathotsavam (8 AM)
• Mar 04 (Wed): Chakra Snanam (7 AM), Dwadasaaradanam, Pushpa Yagam (4 PM), Garudotsavam, Dwajavarohanam (10 PM)
• Mar 05–07 (Thu–Sat): Teppotsavams

Highlights

• Dwajarohana: Flag hoisting to mark the start.
• Daily Vahana Sevas: Lord Narasimha taken in procession on different mounts (Simha, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Gaja, etc.).
• Tiru Kalyanotsavam: Divine wedding on Feb 28, March 01 (both Upper & Lower Ahobilam).
• Rathotsavam: Grand chariot procession (Mar 2 Upper, Mar 3 Lower).
• Chakra Snanam: Ritual bath of Sudarshana Chakra (Mar 4 Lower).
• Teppotsavam: Float festival (Mar 5–7 Lower).

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Ahobilam is about 60 km from Nandyal and 150 km from Kurnool.
• Regular buses and taxis connect from Nandyal, Kurnool, and Hyderabad.
• By Train:
• Nearest railway station: Nandyal (well connected to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Bengaluru).
• From Nandyal, taxis or buses take ~1.5 hours to reach Ahobilam.
• By Air:
• Closest airport: Kurnool Airport (~150 km).
• Larger airports: Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) ~340 km, Tirupati Airport ~230 km.
• Local Transport:
• Jeeps and autos are available to cover the Upper Ahobilam shrines (trekking paths and forest routes).

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Brahmotsavams (Feb–Mar) or cooler months (Nov–Feb). Summers can be hot, while monsoons make trekking difficult.
• Stay: Limited lodges and guesthouses near Ahobilam; better options in Nandyal or Kurnool. Book early during festivals.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred; modest clothing expected.
• Footwear: Carry trekking shoes or sturdy sandals for Upper Ahobilam forest shrines.
• Essentials: Carry water, snacks, and basic medicines—facilities are limited in the hills.
• Pilgrimage Circuit: Plan at least 2 days to cover all Nava Narasimha shrines (Upper + Lower Ahobilam).
• Festival Crowds: Arrive early for major events like Dwajarohana, Rathotsavam, and Garudotsavam to secure good darshan spots.
• Local Customs: Respect temple traditions—avoid photography in sanctum areas, follow archaka instructions.