Stability depends on balance. Take a pair of weighing scales, for instance. If one side carries more weight, the scales will not be balanced. A similar principle is at work in the Universe too. When everything is in balance, things work smoothly. But when the balance is lost, things fall apart.
Hindus have grown up on stories of Vishnu’s Dasavatar – the 10 avatars or incarnations of Vishnu. Each avatar was taken to restore balance in the Universe and save it from destruction. On each occasion, evil forces in the form of demons became dominant and threatened the established order. They unleashed mayhem in all the 3 worlds. Dharma took a backseat as Adharma ran riot.
Vishnu is the preserver archetype in Hindu mythology. His remit is to preserve the Universe from chaos. Whenever evil forces get the upper hand, he incarnates to restore order. He has incarnated in every Yuga, according to Hindu mythology.
The Legend behind Narasimha Avatar
Narasimha is Vishnu’s 4th avatar. As half-man and half-lion, Narasimha is a fierce form of Vishnu. He took this form to protect his devotee, Prahlad, who was the son of the demon, Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu loathed Vishnu as he killed his brother, Hiranyaksha. He acquired a powerful boon from Brahma and became invincible. Drunk on power, he ordered everyone to stop worshipping Vishnu and worship him as God instead.
Ironically, his own son, Prahlad, turned out to be an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Despite his father’s orders, the boy continued to worship Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu did his best to sway his son’s mind but failed. Neither threats nor inducements worked on him. An enraged Hiranyakashipu finally decided to kill his son.
The demon made 18 attempts to kill Prahlad. He tried to poison him, pushed him off a cliff, sent an elephant to trample him to death, and so on. All attempts failed as Vishnu saved Prahlad on each occasion. When he tried to kill Prahlad with the help of his sister, Holika, it was she who died.
One day, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlad to prove that his God was omnipresent. He pointed to a pillar and asked him if God was inside the pillar. The boy said he was. In anger, the demon struck the pillar, which split open. Narasimha emerged from the pillar and killed the demon with his claws on the threshold of his palace. It was twilight - neither day nor night. He took this form because, as per the demon’s boon, he could not be killed by man or animal, during the day or night, or by any weapons and neither inside nor outside. Thus, none of the conditions of the boon were flouted by Vishnu.
When is Narasimha Jayanthi?
Narasimha Jayanthi falls on the 14th day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishaka month. One of the popular avatars of Vishnu, Narasimha has many temples in India, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He is also mentioned in many holy scriptures like Ramayana, Vishnu Purana, Padma Purana, Agni Purana, Shiva Purana, etc.
Narasimha in Iconography
Lord Narasimha has the head of a lion, while the torso and lower body are those of a human. He wears a fierce look on his face. The eyes are bulging. He has four to sixteen hands that hold various weapons, which include a mace, discus, conch, axe, etc. One free hand is in Abhaya mudra (blessing posture).
How is Narasimha Jayanthi Celebrated?
Devotees wake up at dawn on Narasimha Jayanthi and take a bath in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, etc. Those who are unable to do it can take a bath in a water body nearby while chanting Mantras of Vishnu and Ganga.
A Pooja is performed for Narasimha. The offerings include Chandan (sandalwood paste), coconut, saffron, flowers, fruits, diyas, and incense sticks.
Devotees chant Mantras and Slokas during the worship.
Finally, they offer Aarti to invoke the deity’s blessings.
Many devotees also observe a fast on this auspicious day. After the Aarti ritual, they break the fast.
Mantras of Narasimha
Chanting the Mantras of Narasimha can protect one from enemies, evil forces, and other problems. Here are some Narasimha Mantras:
Om Nrisimhaye Vidmahe Vajranakhaya Dhimahi tanno Simhah Prachodayat
Narasimha Maha Mantra
Ugram viram maha-vishnum jwalantam sarvato mukham
Nrishimham bhishanam bhadram mrityur mrityum namamy aham
Narasimha has more than 74 forms, depending on his posture and weapons. Each form must be worshipped with strict discipline. Of these 74 forms, 9 are well-known. They are Krodha Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Varaha Narasimha, Karanja Narasimha, and Lakshmi Narasimha. As Lakshmi Narasimha, he is depicted sitting with his consort, Lakshmi, on his lap. This form is calm, unlike the other ones.
Narasimha Jayanti 2023 is on May 4.
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