Sri Narasimha Jayanti 2025 at ISKCON Bangalore Temples

Sri Narasimha Jayanti, a major annual observance in the Vaishnava tradition, was celebrated on 11 May 2025 at ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill, ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill and ISKCON Hare Krishna Dham, Whitefield with a series of rituals and ceremonies rooted in ancient tradition. The event commemorates the appearance of Lord Narasimha, an important incarnation in Vedic scriptures known for His protective role and causeless mercy for His devotees.  

Lord Narasimha is described as a unique form, depicted as half-man and half-lion. The observance marks the day—falling on the 14th lunar day (Chaturdashi) of the bright fortnight in the month of Vaishakha—when Lord has appeared to save His pure devotee Prahlada from his demoniac father Hiranyakashipu, a powerful ruler who misused a divine boon and terrorised the whole universe.  

The appearance day of Lord Narasimha offers enduring lessons on the strength of unwavering faith, the dangers of pride, and the protective nature of the Supreme Lord. His intervention to save Prahlada Maharaja demonstrates that sincere devotion is always safeguarded, regardless of circumstance. 

Srimad Bhagavatam Pravachana 

In the morning of Sri Narasimha Jayanti, a special Srimad Bhagavatam discourse was delivered by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON Bangalore. Despite relentless persecution by his father, Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada Maharaja remained unwavering and fearless in his devotion to Lord Vishnu. 

Prahlada Maharaja’s unshakable devotion culminates in the extraordinary appearance of Lord Narasimha, who intervenes to protect him and restore righteousness. Through this divine act, the narrative reinforces a timeless message — that sincere faith never goes unnoticed, and the Lord always stands by those who seek His shelter.  The pravachana was informative and enlightening to strengthen our faith and relationship with Lord Narasimha. 

Ceremonies at ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill  

In the morning at 5:30 AM a ceremonial bathing (abhisheka) was offered to Sri Prahlada Narasimha. The ritual involved the ceremonial bathing of the Deity with sanctified offerings such as milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey, fruit juices, and sacred water, accompanied by the recitation of Sanskrit hymns and traditional chants by the devotees. The Lord was then dressed in grand garments, ornaments and decorated with fresh flower garlands.  

In the evening, a similar ceremonial bathing was performed for the utsava murti (festival form of the Deity). As part of the evening rituals, a sacred fire ceremony known as the Narasimha Homa was conducted. During this rite, offerings were made into the consecrated fire accompanied by the chanting of specific Vedic mantras, signifying collective prayers for divine protection, inner strength, and overall well-being. 

Celebrations at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill  

At ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, located at Kanakapura Main Road, the celebrations included a Narasimha Homa at 8 AM, followed by a elaborate abhisheka to the Deity of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha at 11AM. The morning celebrations concluded with a grand arati accompanied by melodious kirtans.

Later in the evening at 6 PM, a second Abhiṣeka was performed for the Utsava Mūrti (festival Deity), marking one of the key highlights of the day’s celebrations. This sacred bathing ceremony, accompanied by traditional chants and offerings, provided an opportunity for the wider community to participate in the devotional proceedings. The event concluded with a spiritual discourse and congregational singing, drawing a large gathering of devotees and local residents who came to witness and take part in the auspicious occasion. 

Celebrations at ISKCON Hare Krishna Dham, Whitefield 

The Sri Narasimha Jayanti celebrations at ISKCON Whitefield were marked by spiritually uplifting events that brought the community together in a meaningful way. The evening commenced with a Maha Yajna at 5:30 PM, where offerings were made into the sacred fire to invoke divine protection and blessings.

This was followed by group chanting at 7:30 PM, featuring over 250 children who came together in unison to seek grace and strength through collective prayer. At 7:45 PM, the atmosphere resonated with devotional energy as the congregation engaged in kirtans and bhajans, immersing themselves in melodious hymns. The evening concluded with the distribution of prasādam at 8 PM, allowing devotees to partake in the sanctified offering of Lord Narasimha. 

Chandan Alankara and Related Traditions  

The festival also coincided with the summer tradition of Chandan Alankara, where sandalwood paste is applied to Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha to offer relief from the seasonal heat. This practice is inspired by a historical account involving Madhavendra Puri, a revered saint who journeyed on foot to bring sandalwood to cool the Lord’s transcendental form, he worshipped in Vrindavan. In continuation of that tradition, ISKCON temples observe this ritual yearly.  

The pastime of Lord Narasimha highlights that the Lord is not bound by material logic and appears in extraordinary ways to uphold righteousness. Through the fearless devotion of pure Prahlada Maharaja and the downfall of the proud and arrogant Hiranyakashipu, this narrative reminds us that true strength lies in humility, faith and devotion to the Supreme Lord.