Narasimha Jayanti 2024: Method of worship and mythology
Narasimha Jayanti fast is observed on the Chaturdashi date of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month. According to mythological beliefs, on the prayer of devotee Prahlad, Lord Narasimha appeared on this day to kill Hiranyakashipu. Devotees observe a fast with determination on Narasimha Chaturdashi. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped along with Lord Narasimha and at the end, Aarti of Lord Narasimha is performed with conch, bell and gong and Jagran is performed at night. Narasimha is the fourth incarnation among the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. In this incarnation, Lord Vishnu’s body was half human and half lion. Let us know the Narasimha Jayanti fast puja method and story…
When is Narasimha Jayanti?
Chaturdashi Tithi is starting from 5.40 pm on 21st May and will end at 6.48 pm on 22nd May. This birth anniversary is observed during the sunset period of both the days in case of vyapti or avayapti of Chaturdashi. Lord Vishnu took the Narasimha incarnation in the evening because Hiranyakashyap had the boon that he could die neither during the day nor at night. Therefore, this year Narasimha Jayanti will be celebrated on 21st May because on the first day of Chaturdashi Tithi, Chaturdashi Tithi will prevail in the evening.
Narasimha Jayanti Puja Vidhi
On the day of Narasimha Jayanti fast, spread a red or yellow cloth on a post and keep a picture or idol of Lord Narasimha. If there is no picture or idol of Narasimha avatar, then you can also keep the picture of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi. After this, sprinkle Ganga water all around and keep puja related materials like fruits, saffron, panchmeva, coconut, flowers, Akshat, Pitambar etc. in the puja. Along with this, offer black sesame, Panchgavya and havan materials. After this, worship as per the rituals and offer food with Tulsi plant. A flute should also be given to Lord Krishna on this day. It is believed that keeping vigil at night on the day of Narasimha Jayanti gives special results.
Narasimha Jayanti fasting story
According to the legend, when Hiranyaksha was killed, his brother demon king Hiranyakashyap was very sad. Hiranyakashyap performed severe penance to avenge his brother’s death. The demon king pleased Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva and obtained a boon from them that he would not be killed by humans, gods, birds, animals etc. After getting the boon, Hiranyakashyap started giving severe punishment to those who worshiped the Lord and made them all worship him. He started giving various kinds of tortures and troubles to his subjects and due to this the subjects remained extremely unhappy. Pleased with the praise of the gods, Lord Vishnu assured of killing Hiranyakashyap.
During these days, Hiranyakashyap’s wife Kayadhu gave birth to a son, who was named Prahlad. Despite being born in a demon clan, Prahlad started worshiping Lord Narayana since childhood. He also used to preach religion to the children of the palace. Hiranyakashipu made several unsuccessful attempts to divert Prahlad’s mind from devotion to God, but he could not succeed. One day, angry Hiranyakashipu called Prahlad in the court and scolded him and said that you acted against him on someone’s orders. Then Prahlad said that Lord Narayana is everywhere and he has created the entire universe. Leave this feeling of yours and concentrate your mind at the feet of Shri Hari.
After listening to Prahlad, Hiranyakashyap said that if your God is everywhere then why is he not visible in this pillar. Saying this, Hiranyakashyap, furious with anger, jumped on the throne with his sword and punched the pillar with force. Then Lord Narasimha appeared from inside the pillar, half of his body was like a human and the other half was like a lion. Taking Hiranyakashipu on his thighs, he tore his chest on the door frame with his nails and protected his devotee.
