“Narasimha Jayanti: Celebrating the Fierce Avatar of Lord Vishnu and Triumph of Good over Evil”

Narasimha Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Narasimha, falls on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakha. The Gregorian calendar marks its occurrence in the month of April or May. This year, Narasimha Jayanti is on the ‘21st May ’24.’

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Narasimha Jayanti” in ’24 is as follows:

Narasimha Jayanti on Tuesday, May 21 ’24

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 05:39 PM on May 21 ’24
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 06:47 PM on May 22 ’24

About Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha Avatar:

"Nara" stands for "human" & "simha" stands for "lion", hence Lord Narasimha has been portrayed as a man-cum-lion avatar. He is often depicted with a human torso and lower body, with a lion face and claws, a demon in his lap with a fierce expression and multiple arms, holding weapons and wearing garlands made of skulls. It is believed that Lord Narasimha is the fourth incarnation (avatar) of Shri Hari Vishnu. He is also known by some other names such as Narahari, Auri Madhya Vishnu, Hiranyakipu Ari, Prahlada Varada, Ugra-Narasimha, Sudarshana-Narasimha, Jwala-Narasimha, Sarvottamamurti, Lakshmi-Narasimha and Yoga-Narasimha. He was born on the auspicious day of Narasimha Jayanti to kill a demon named Hiranyakashipu. He is considered to be one of the most powerful and fearsome forms of Lord Vishnu. And he is worshipped as the protector of the universe.

Legends behind “Narasimha Jayanti”:

There's an amazing legend behind how Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu: Once, there lived a sage couple namely Kashyap & Diti. They had two sons: Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. Both of them had pleased Lord Brahma with their prayers. Ultimately, Lord Brahma blessed them with boons that made them invincible. They became powerful. Considering themselves as the almighty, the two began to conquer all the three realms & set eyes on heaven. Seeing their greed, Lord Vishnu appeared in Varaha avatar and killed Hiranyaksha.
Filled with the anger of taking revenge over his only brother's death, Hiranyakashipu thought of performing penances to Lord Brahma for receiving an undefeatable boon. As a result, Lord Brahma blessed him with a boon that neither human being nor animal, neither in day nor at night, neither in sky nor at land, neither inside or outside would ever be able to kill Hiranyakashipu. He became invincible with this life-long boon.
He had become arrogant and started to challenge the supremacy of the gods. He started forcing everyone to worship him as God.
Meanwhile, Hiranyakashipu and his wife Kayadhu gave birth to a child namely Prahlada. On getting young, Prahlada became a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, and Hiranyakashipu could not tolerate this. Despite several warnings, his son didn't stop worshipping Lord Vishnu. Once, he tried to kill Prahlada by setting him in the fire with Holika (Hiranyakashipu's sister). It was assumed that Holika won't get burnt in the fire because of a boon received from the Almighty. But Lord Vishnu's Leela made it possible and Holika died in that fire while his devotee, Prahlada survived.
Angered by his sister's death, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada multiple times, but each time he was saved by Lord Vishnu.
Finally, one day Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to prove the existence of Lord Vishnu and asked him where he was. Prahlada replied that Lord Vishnu was everywhere, including in the pillar in front of them. Hiranyakashipu attacked the pillar in arrogance. All of a sudden, Lord Narasimha emerged from the pillar. Lord Narasimha was a half-man and half-lion form, and he killed Hiranyakashipu with his bare hands at dusk, on the threshold of a courtyard, neither indoors nor outdoors, thus fulfilling the conditions of the boon that Hiranyakashipu had received. Hence he saved his utter devotee Prahlad from Hiranyakashipu.

This legend of Narasimha Avatar teaches us the importance of devotion to God and the triumph of good over evil.

Rituals followed on “Narasimha Jayanti” & their importance:

In modern times, the festival of Narasimha Jayanti continues to hold great importance for Hindus. It is a time for devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Narasimha for protection, strength, and prosperity. The festival also serves as a reminder to people of the power of good over evil, and the need to uphold moral values and righteousness in their daily lives.
Moreover, Narasimha Jayanti can also be seen as a celebration of diversity and tolerance. Lord Narasimha's appearance as a half-man and half-lion represents the idea that divinity can manifest in various forms, and that all forms of life are sacred and worthy of respect. In modern times, this message of tolerance and acceptance is particularly relevant, as the world continues to grapple with issues of discrimination and intolerance.

Hence on Narasimha Jayanti, the people worship Narasimha Avatar of Shri Hari Vishnu with veneration to win over their enemies, end the misfortunes and get rid of evil forces from their lives. Prayers dedicated to Narasimha are chanted on the day. The best prayer is to read about the avatar of Narasimha in the Bhagavata Purana. Apart from these, two special types of Puja (Shodashopachara Puja & Panchopachara Puja) are performed by men on this day. Coconut, sweets, fruits, Kesar, flowers, and kumkum are offered to the deities. These prayers bless its devotees with protection from diseases, abundance, prosperity, courage, and victory.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Narasimha Jayanti Sayana Kala Puja Time - 04:27 PM to 07:04 PM on 21st May ’24
  Duration - 02 Hours 37 Mins
  and
• Narasimha Jayanti Madhyahna Sankalp Time - 11:13 AM to 01:50 PM on 21st May ’24

It is believed that Lord Vishnu took Narasimha Avatar during the evening, hence the prayers also take place at dawn on this festival. Other than praying rituals, the members of Shri Vaishnava tradition keep a fast until the evening to triumph over their adversaries. The fast is broken, i.e. “Parana” is done by taking Charnamrit on the next day.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Next Day Parana Time for Narasimha Jayanti - before 12:31 PM, 22nd May ’24
• On Narasimha Jayanti Parana Day Chaturdashi Ends beyond 3 Prahar

A special beverage called 'Panakam' is prepared from jaggery and water on this occasion. The South Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and northern Tamil Nadu organize community feasts at Narasimha & Lakshmi Narasimha temples.

A very popular traditional folk dance known as 'Bhagavata Mela' is performed every year in Tamil Nadu on the holy occasion of Narasimha Jayanti.

This day is also considered good to donate clothes, precious metals, and sesame seeds. People offer donations on this day and perform Annadhanam (sacred offering of food).

We can find the references of Narasimha Jayanti in Padma Purana & Skanda Purana as well. In these holy scriptures, Narasimha Jayanti is also referred to as 'Narasimha Chaturdashi.' These scriptures mention the purpose of Narasimha Jayanti as to remove the iniquity and walk on the path of religion, do the right deeds and not harm anyone.

So let's pray to Lord Narasimha for saving us from evil eyes and conspiracies in life & bless us with a religious path this Narasimha Jayanti.

May the fierce and powerful form of Lord Narasimha inspire you to overcome all your fears and obstacles.

|| Shubh Narasimha Jayanti ||