Narasimha Jayanti

History

Narasimha Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha- Nara means Human Simha means Lion, a half-lion and half-man, to protect his devotee Prahlada and to destroy the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The story is narrated in the Bhagavata Purana, one of the ancient Hindu scriptures.

Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king, had gained a boon from Lord Brahma that made him nearly invincible. The asura desired the inability to be slain neither inside his house nor outside, by day nor night, by any weapon, neither on the ground nor in the sky, by neither men nor beasts, deva nor asura, nor any being created by Brahma. He also asked for rulership of all living beings and the three worlds(TriLok, Trailokya). However, his son Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, which enraged Hiranyakashipu. Despite numerous attempts, the demon king failed to sway Prahlada's devotion. In a final attempt to kill his son, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to show him Lord Vishnu. At that moment, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha from a pillar, embodying the traits of both a lion and a man, and killed Hiranyakashipu, thus restoring dharma (righteousness).

Narasimhadeva appeared at dusk on the Shukla Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the bright fortnight) in the month of Vaishakha (May). Devotees fast till dusk on this day.

Rituals

Narasimha Jayanti is observed with great devotion and various rituals, which typically include:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a day-long fast, which begins from sunrise and continues until the next day's sunrise. Some may choose a Nirjala fast, abstaining from even water, while others may observe a partial fast with fruits and milk.

2. Morning Bath and Purification: The day begins with a ritualistic bath early in the morning. Devotees often take a bath in holy rivers or at home with sanctified water.

3. Temple Visits and Puja: Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Narasimha. Special pujas and prayers are offered to invoke the blessings of Lord Narasimha.

4. Chanting and Hymns: Devotees chant mantras and sing hymns dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Reciting the Narasimha Kavacham, a protective hymn, is considered highly auspicious.

5. Reading Scriptures: Devotees read the story of Lord Narasimha from the Bhagavata Purana and other sacred texts to remember his divine deeds and the protection he offered to his devotee Prahlada.

6. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake during the night, singing bhajans and reciting prayers in honor of Lord Narasimha.

Pooja Vidhi (Procedure)

The pooja (worship) of Lord Narasimha is performed with dedication and follows a specific vidhi (procedure):

1. Sankalpa (Vow): Begin the pooja by taking a vow (sankalpa) to perform the rituals with devotion and sincerity. This is done by holding water in the right hand and reciting prayers, expressing the intent to observe the pooja.

2. Dhyana (Meditation): Meditate on Lord Narasimha, visualizing his form and remembering his divine qualities and deeds.

3. Invocation (Avahana): Invoke the presence of Lord Narasimha by reciting specific mantras and offering flowers.

4. Abhishekam (Bathing the Deity): Perform an abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the deity or idol of Lord Narasimha with water, milk, honey, ghee, curd, and other sacred items, symbolizing purification.

5. Alankaram (Decoration): After the abhishekam, the idol is cleaned and adorned with new clothes, flowers, and jewelry. The deity is decorated beautifully.

6. Offerings (Naivedya): Offer various items such as fruits, sweets, and other food preparations to Lord Narasimha. Tulsi leaves are especially significant and are offered in abundance.

7. Arti (Ritual of Light): Perform the arti by lighting a ghee lamp and waving it in a circular motion in front of the deity while singing devotional songs and ringing bells.

8. Mantra Chanting: Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Narasimha, such as:

   • "Om Namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya"

   • "Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityor Mrityum Namamy Aham"

     ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

     श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

     ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

     हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

9. Prayers and Hymns: Recite prayers and hymns like the Narasimha Stotra and Narasimha Kavacham, seeking protection and blessings from Lord Narasimha.

10. Circumambulation (Pradakshina): Perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the deity, symbolizing respect and devotion.

11. Prostration (Pranam): Complete the pooja by offering prostration (pranam) to Lord Narasimha, expressing gratitude and surrender.

12. Distribution of Prasad: After the pooja, distribute the offered food (prasad) among family members and devotees.

By following these rituals and pooja vidhi with faith and devotion, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Narasimha, who is revered as the protector against evil and the upholder of dharma.

Religious  Practice in Various parts of India

Karnataka

1. • In Karnataka, the famous Yoga Narasimha Temple in Melkote and the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Bhadravati are significant centers for Narasimha Jayanti celebrations.

   • Special abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Narasimha idol is performed with various sacred substances like milk, curd, honey, ghee, and holy water.

   • The deity is beautifully decorated with flowers, garlands, and traditional clothing.

     Kerela

   1. • In Kerala, the Narasimha Moorthy Temple in Shingari and the Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswami Temple in Thalassery are prominent for Narasimha Jayanti observances.

      • Elaborate poojas, including abhishekam and alankaram, are conducted with great fervor.

      • Every year on Narasimha Jayanti, a traditional folk dance known as the bhagavata mela is publicly performed in Melattur, a village in Tamil Nadu.

      • Folk dance enacts stories from the Bhagavata Purana using specific dance techniques and karnatāka musical style.One particular performance that is "noteworthy for its dramatic impact and ritual significance" is the story of Prahlada and Narasimha.

Wishes

• No matter how dark it may seem, the light of goodness is constant at the end of the tunnel. Happy Narasimha Jayanti.

• I wish you and your family happiness, prosperity, and the fire of goodness on the auspicious occasion of Narasimha Jayanti.

• This Narasimha Jayanti, keep faith in Lord Vishnu and let him guide us to a life of prosperity and success.

• Happy Narasimha Jayanti from me and mine to you and yours. Have a great day!