The Ahobilam Brahmotsavam is one of the grandest annual festivals celebrated at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. Ahobilam is revered as the sacred place where Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada and destroy the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The temple is famous for the Nava Narasimha shrines, each representing a unique form of Lord Narasimha.
The festival is celebrated every year during the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March) and usually lasts for nine to eleven days. Devotees from across India gather to participate in the sacred celebrations and seek the blessings of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. According to the Pancharatra Agama, Brahmotsavam is believed to have been first performed by Lord Brahma for the welfare and prosperity of humanity.
The celebrations begin with Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting), marking the commencement of the festival. Every day, the deity is taken in magnificent processions on various Vahanas (divine vehicles), accompanied by Vedic chanting, devotional music, and cultural performances. Important rituals include Kalyanotsavam (celestial wedding) of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi, Garuda Seva, Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival), Chakra Snanam, and Dwajavarohanam, which marks the conclusion of the festival. A unique tradition of Ahobilam is that Garuda Seva is performed on the final day, unlike many other Vaishnava temples.