Ugra Stambham, Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh

About Place

Ugra Stambham is a natural rock formation near Upper Ahobilam in Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. It is located amidst the dense Nallamala forests. This is a huge rock jutting out of a rock cliff. This natural rock formation is the remain of the pillar from which Lord Narasimha appeared. It is said that when the Lord emerged out of the pillar, the whole pillar was shattered to pieces. His first step produced 172 sounds which are the first basic tenets of 172 classical ragas. Of these only 52 melakarta ragas exist today and even these cannot be mastered by any individual of this material creation.

About Temple

This is also called as Ukku Stambha. Ukku in Telugu means steel. Atop Ugra Stambha there is an impression of the lotus feet of Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu who visited this place during his south Indian trip. The trek to Ugra Stambham starts after the water falls near Jwala Narasimha. It is a steep 80 degrees climb along a dangerously treacherous path. It would take about total 2.5 hours to visit this place from Jwala Narasimha temple and comeback. One need to carry enough water and should be careful while climbing.