SIMHACHALAM

ANTIQUITY

Regardingthe antiquity, legends abound in many episodes connected with this sacred Hill right from the kritayuga. The first mention of its glory begins with Prahlad's ordeals. To begin with - Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha, the earthly manifestations of Jaya Vijaya - the dwarapalakas of Sri Mahavishnu transformed the whole of earth into a veritable hell and made the innocent and devout as the target of their attack. The pious then had no other alternative than to seek refuge in Sri Mahavishnu, who taking the form of Varaha destroyed Hiranyaksha. With s view to wreaking vengeance, Hiranyakasipu did penance and obtained many boons, amongst which, the nature of his death is something extraordinary and fantastic-he would not be killed either by Surasuras, or humans; or animate or inanimate; or any time-night or day; or anywhere - in or out of home; or on earth or in water. Putting on such impregnable Armour, as it were, he began his conquest of the worlds and made living a curse to the pious men in all the lokas. Everywhere there were deaths and unending series of tortures. Moreover, he preached and implemented with utmost scrupulousness his creed 'Ahambrahmasmi' "I am the highest Brahma and the rest must be at my feet." He wanted everyone to follow his creed.

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