Ahobilam mathawas are one of the influential mathas of the Vadagalai sect. The Jiyars of this math appear to have played an important part in popularizing Srivaishnavism.

Van-Satgopa Jiyar (1436-1516), the founder of the matha, is said to have been born at Melkote and did his studies at Kanchi and is believed to have received initiation into sannyasa asrama at the direct hands of Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam. This happened way back on the fifth lunar day of bright fortnight in the saka year 1320(1398 A.D.) – Bahudanya, Purattasi-exactly when he was only 20 years old. By the arrangement of Lord, he received a Deity of LakshmiNarasimha. Since then This is the processional Deity that Ahobilam jiyars have been worshipping and carry wherever they go for religious propagation. Sri Satakopa Yati, as he was popularly called, settled at Ahobilam in the inhospitable regions and finding that the chenchus (the tribals) were already the votaries of the Lord, he decided to work amongst them and uplift them. He also appointed a class of missionaries known as ‘Ahobila Dasars’ to work among them and bring about a transformation in their life. He organized regular worship at Ahobilam. He returned to Tirunarayanapuram (Melkote, Karnataka) at the latter part of his life and left his body here. His Samadhi can be visited at Tirunarayanapuram.

Photo Of Upper Ahobilam