The short answer
Penna Ahobilam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: what visitors should know first
Take it as a long day trip if you already plan to go toward Anantapur. The temple is remote, with basic facilities, so check the timings and carry water.
History and context
The story behind Penna Ahobilam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
District records place the temple's construction in the Salivahana year 1478, under Krishnadevaraya or Sadashivaraya; another account says the Vijayanagara king Sadashivaraya installed a large idol and expanded the temple in 1472 CE. The dating is therefore unsettled. The temple stands on a hill near the Penna rivulet.
Useful facts
Penna Ahobilam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Penna Ahobilam, Uravakonda mandal, Anantapur district
- Faith
- Hindu (Vaishnava)
- Deity/dedication
- Lakshmi Narasimha; adjacent shrine to Udbhava Mahalakshmi
- Visitor note
- Hilltop temple; reported hours 6 am-1 pm and 2-7 pm
- Built
- Vijayanagara period; dating unsettled
Why it matters
Why Penna Ahobilam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is worth your time
Penna Ahobilam is a smaller counterpart to the famous Ahobilam in Kurnool district, and local tradition links the footprint in the sanctum to Narasimha. District records say the temple was built in the 1470s under Vijayanagara patronage, and an inscription records a grant of the village to the temple.
The temple matters to the region because it is still a working pilgrimage site, with marriages and the annual car festival drawing local families. For a traveller who wants a quiet Vijayanagara-era site beyond the main circuit, it is a good addition, as long as the long road is acceptable.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The footprint
A footprint of Narasimha about five feet long is worshipped in the sanctum.
- 02
Rakthakundam
A pond about 2 km downhill is linked to the temple legend.
- 03
The car festival
An annual car festival is held in April, drawing local crowds.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Travel by car and treat this as a separate outing from Gooty, because the temple lies on the other side of Anantapur district near Uravakonda. Check the road conditions and the darshan hours before you leave, and carry water, since services around the hill are basic.
The temple is Vijayanagara in style, with gopurams, mandapas and subsidiary shrines, and an adjacent shrine to Udbhava Mahalakshmi. In the sanctum, a footprint of Narasimha about five feet long is worshipped, which gives the place its name. Walk the courtyards slowly and notice the monolithic pillars.
About 2 km downhill is Rakthakundam, a pond linked in local legend to the battle between the deity and the demon. After the monsoon, nearby streams and falls are an added draw. Go in the morning and avoid April's car festival if you want a quiet visit.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Confirm temple hours before you go
- Carry water and snacks
- Avoid the April festival for a quiet visit
- Plan the long road with a driver
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Uravakonda, about 36 km from Anantapur
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours on site; a long day with travel
- Best time
- Morning; October to February
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The temple sits on a hill, so expect some climbing and sun. There is limited seating and few services, so older visitors should go with a driver and rest between stops.
- Tickets and access
- Entry to the temple is by darshan, and hours are reported as roughly 6 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm; local sources differ, so confirm before you go. Footwear off and modest dress are expected.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Penna Ahobilam Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The temple sits on a hill, so expect some climbing and sun. There is limited seating and few services, so older visitors should go with a driver and rest between stops.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Penna Ahobilam from Gooty?
It lies near Uravakonda, about 36 km from Anantapur, so allow a long drive from Gooty and confirm the route with your driver.
What is the footprint?
A footprint of Narasimha, about five feet by three, is worshipped in the sanctum.
When is the festival?
An annual car festival is held in April; dates change each year.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
