A visit to Ahobilam

Sri Chaitanya Chandra Das: We visited recently in Andhra the Lord of mountains
Appearing in 9 different forms amidst thick plantains
His name is “Narsimhadev” situated in place called Ahobilam
Where He appeared for dear Prahlada from the hallowed column.
Jwala, Ahobila, Malola, Kroda, Karanja, Bhargava, Yogananda, Kshatravata, Pavan
Are His different names attracted to whom even demigods come to adulate from heaven.
Never before in life did I think of such adventure even for a minute.
Seeing the precipitous slope ahead I could only reminisce ‘vertical limit’
This was once upon a time the palace of Hiranyakashipu, lover of slumber and gold
He had an acquitted son Prahlada only 5 years old but was very intrepid and bold.
We also visited Prahlad’s school where he studied under demoniac teachers
Who taught the students, the sons of demons how to be adept cheaters
But Prahlad never liked the idea to discriminate between a friend and foe.
He spoke to his friends in recess about how in Bhakti one should grow.
Seeing this the demoniac teachers on Prahlad became livid and wild
They complained to his father, “Infecting others is this your child!”
Hearing this Hiranyakashipu started shuddering and his lips quivering in extreme anger
The living entities in the whole universe considered now their lives are in real danger.
But little Prahlada was impervious & stood there deferentially folding his hands.
Because he was constantly meditating on the Lord who is master of all the lands.
Hiranyakashipu threatened, “Is your Lord in this pillar? Let’s see today how’ll He give you protection”
Prahalad serenely replied, “Yes my dear Father, Lord is everywhere even in this pillar without mention”
Indignantly Hiranyakashipu trembling with ire hit his fist onto the gargantuan pillar.
Incredulously from the pillar appeared half lion half man who eventually became his killer.
We strenuously climbed on the colossal Ugra stamba, the same pillar from where Lord appeared.
Bowing our heads we prayed to the Lord for strength, thus all our distress and fatigue disappeared.
We visited Rakta kunda where Lord washed His hands tainted with the demon’s blood from his intestine
We drank the cool red waters from the kund which was touched by His lotus hands turning the water divine
We returned home contented while pondering on the Lord’s divine mercy
Transformation occurred within us, Lord is everywhere now we could see