Lord Narasimha (Narasimha Bhagwan)

According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu manifested in the divine form of Narasimha — a half-man, half-lion incarnation. His face and hands resemble that of a lion, while the rest of His body is human. Especially worshipped by the Vaishnava tradition, Lord Narasimha emerged from a pillar to protect His devotee Prahlad, slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu, and granted divine protection to the devotee. This form represents the divine assurance that God always protects His devotees in times of distress.

Among the twenty-four incarnations (or the more popular ten — Dashavatara) of Lord Vishnu, the incarnations of Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, and Vamana hold special significance. Their Jayanti (birth festivals) are celebrated with devotion across the Sanatan tradition. Lord Narasimha’s complete story is found in the Seventh Canto of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, while other incarnations are described in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Vamana Purana.

Narasimha Chaturdashi Vrat (Fast) – Decision & Method

This fast is observed on the Chaturdashi (14th lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha in Vaishakh month. If Chaturdashi falls during sunset, that day is considered most auspicious. If it coincides with a Saturday and Swati Nakshatra, the merit multiplies manifold.

The celebration of Lord Narasimha’s appearance involves:

• Worship of various deities,

• Sacred bath (Abhishekam) of the Lord with Panchamrit and other sacred items,

• Devotional rituals performed strictly under Vedic procedures by learned Brahmins.

Note: Worship of Lord Narasimha can be performed in any auspicious month, day, time, or lagna, guided by Vedic traditions and rituals under a qualified priest.

Ritual Process

Puja Method & Abhishek of Narasimha Bhagwan

1. Invocation with Swasti Vachan and Shanti Path

2. Sankalp (ritual vow)

3. Worship of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri

4. Installation of Kalash and worship of Varun and other deities

5. Punyahavachan and Vedic Mantra Chanting for purification

6. Worship of Shodasha Matrika (16 Divine Mothers)

7. Worship of Sapta-Ghrita Matrika

8. Chanting of Ayushya Mantras for longevity

9. Symbolic Nandi-Mukha Shraddha (auspicious ancestral offering)

10. Navagraha Mandal worship

11. Invocation and worship of Adhidevata and Pratyadhidevata

12. Worship of Panchalokpalas, Dasha Dikpalas, and Vastu Purusha

13. Raksha Vidhan (protective rituals)

14. Worship of the Principal Deity (Lord Narasimha)

15. Ritual reading (Path Vidhan)

16. Abhishekam (divine bath) and final worship

Benefits of Narasimha Puja

• Destruction of enemies: All life obstacles are removed and enemies are pacified.

• Mental & social peace: Brings clarity of mind and harmony in social relationships.

• Relief from illnesses: Aids in healing mental and physical ailments.

• Economic prosperity: Improves business, financial status, and invites abundance.

• Freedom from past sins: Brings peace to ancestors and removes karmic burdens.

Puja Samagri (Required Items)

General Items

• Roli, Kalawa (sacred thread)

• Sindoor (vermillion), Lavang (clove)

• Elaichi (cardamom), Supari (betel nut)

• Haldi (turmeric), Abir, Gulal (colored powders)

• Abhrak (mica), Ganga jal, Rose water

• Attar (scent), Honey

• Dhoop sticks, Cotton wicks

• Yajnopaveet (sacred thread), Yellow mustard

• Desi ghee, Camphor, Matchbox

• Dona (leaf bowls), Panchmeva (five types of dry fruits)

• Coconut (whole, grated)

• Small variety of rice

• Saptamrittika (seven types of soil)

• Sarva-aushadhi (herbal mixture)

• Yellow cotton cloth

Havan (Fire Offering) Materials

• Black sesame seeds

• Rice

• Kamal gatta (lotus seeds)

• Havan samagri (herbal mixture), Ghee, Guggul

• Gur (jaggery or powdered sugar)

• Copper Havan Kund (10×10 or 12×12 inch, as available)

• Navagraha wood sticks

• Havan sticks (samidha)

• Kusha grass

• 2×2 wooden chowki (for altar)

• Cow milk – 100 ml

• Curd – 50 ml

• Sweets as per requirement

• Assorted fruits

• Durva grass – 1 handful

• Betel leaves – 7

• Variety of fresh flowers – 1 kg

• Flower garlands – as required