Sri Narasimha Jayanti – 22 May 2024

Sri Narasimha Jayanti is the auspicious appearance day of Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Narasimha appeared at dusk on the Shukla Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight) in the month of Vaishakha.

The Supreme Lord appeared as Narasimha to protect His dear devotee Prahlada from the persecutions of his demoniac father, Hiranyakashipu. By performing severe penances, Hiranyakashipu had received a benediction from Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by any living entity created by Brahma (whether demigod, demon, human being, or animal), within or outside a residence, during the day or at night, on the land or in the sky, by any weapon and from any entity – dead or alive.

Endowed with this special benediction, Hiranyakashipu became extremely powerful. He conquered all directions and established his supremacy over everyone else. He was inimical towards Lord Vishnu and His devotees. On the contrary, his son Prahlada was a great devotee of the Lord Vishnu from the beginning of his life. Hence, Hiranyakashipu made several attempts to kill his son in different ways, but every time, the Lord rescued him.

Finally, the Lord assumed a unique half-man half-lion form (this form is neither a human being nor an animal) by emerging from a pillar. He killed Hiranyakashipu in the evening (neither day nor night), in the doorway of the assembly hall (neither within nor outside any residence), keeping the demon on His lap (neither land nor sky) and tearing the demon’s body to pieces with His nails (neither by a weapon nor by any entity – dead or alive). Thus, the Lord effortlessly killed Hiranyakashipu while satisfying all the conditions of Brahma’s boon.

Through this wonderful pastime, the Supreme Lord showed that no one can surpass His intelligence and cheat Him. If the Lord wants to kill someone, nobody can save him, however intelligent and powerful he may be. Similarly, if the Lord wants to save someone, nobody can kill him.

Devotees observe fasting till dusk and offer prayers to Lord Narasimha to seek His mercy and protection from all kinds of dangers and disturbances in their spiritual path. An elaborate abhisheka is performed to the Lord in the early morning and the evening. 

Celebrations at ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple

At 5:30 AM, an elaborate abhisheka is performed to the mulavar Deity of Sri Prahlada Narasimha. The abhisheka is performed with different items like panchamrita, panchagavya, fruit juices, and holy water from kalashas, accompanied by various prayers, Vedic chants, and kirtans. The Lord is then dressed and beautifully decorated with precious jewels and flower garlands and offered a special arati with grand kirtans.

In the evening, the Utsava Deity of the Lord receives a similar grand abhisheka and arati. On this day, a Narasimha Homa is also performed, seeking the blessings and protection of the Lord.

Celebrations at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill

A Narasimha Homa is performed in front of Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple at 8 AM.

The mulavar Deity of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha receives a grand abhisheka at 11 AM.  This is followed by a pravachan on the glories of Lord Narasimha and then arati to Their Lordships, concluding the morning celebrations.

In the evening, at 6 PM, an elaborate abhisheka is performed to the utsavar Deity of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, followed by a pravachan. The celebrations conclude with an arati to Their Lordships while the devotees sing Sri Narasimha Ashtottara Shata Nama Stotra.

We invite you to participate in these divine festivities and receive the blessings of Sri Prahlada Narasimha.

Sri Narasimha Jayanti Sevas

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Related Links: Narasimha Lila| Narasimha Pranama | Narasimha Kavacha | Narasimha Ashtottara | Chandan Alankara