Shri Narasimha Jayanthi

Shri Narasimha Jayanthi Mahotsava falls on Vaisakha Shukla Chaturdashi.

Perform Devaru Pooja and chant whatever Narasimha slokha you are aware of.  For those of you who have Lord Narasimha as family deity (Kula Devaru), perform pooja as per your family traditions and give Arghya without fail. 

Sri Narasimha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who took a unique half-man, half-lion form to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu. This festival, which falls on the 14th day of the waxing moon in the month of Vaishakha (April/May), highlights the triumph of divine power over evil.

The Story Behind Narasimha Jayanti

Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon, received a boon from Lord Brahma making him invulnerable to death by any weapon, human, demigod, or animal. This boon led him to terrorize the universe, especially targeting Vishnu's devotees, including his own son, Prahlada, who was a devoted follower of Vishnu.

To protect Prahlada and restore cosmic order, Lord Vishnu manifested as Narasimha, a form that was neither fully man nor fully lion. Narasimha appeared at twilight, a time not classified as day or night, and tore Hiranyakashipu apart with His claws, thus circumventing the demon’s boon and fulfilling His mission.

Celebrations and Rituals

On Narasimha Jayanti, devotees engage in various religious activities to honor Lord Narasimha:

Saligrama Pooja: Devotees worship Saligrama stones, which are sacred representations of Lord Vishnu, with special rituals and offerings.

Chanting of Narasimha Slokas: Reciting hymns and prayers dedicated to Narasimha, such as the Narasimha Stotra, to seek His blessings and protection.

Special Pujas and Offerings: Temples and homes conduct special pujas, offer sweets, fruits, and other items, and perform traditional rituals to celebrate the Lord’s divine act of saving Prahlada.

Devotional Acts: Devotees may engage in reading the Narasimha Purana or recounting the story of Narasimha’s victory over Hiranyakashipu.

The festival serves as a reminder of the power of divine intervention and the protection of righteousness against evil forces. It is a day filled with reverence, devotion, and celebration of Lord Vishnu’s fierce yet compassionate avatar.