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Festival Profile

Narasimha Jayanti

Birth of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, protector of devotees.

All festivals

Narasimha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, who protected his devotee Prahlada and destroyed the demon Hiranyakashipu.

Stories behind the festival

The protector of Prahlada

Satyuga
The demon king Hiranyakashipu forbade his son Prahlada from worshipping Vishnu. When he challenged Prahlada to show where Vishnu was, Vishnu emerged from a pillar as the man-lion Narasimha and destroyed the demon, saving his devotee.
Bhagavata Purana

Why we celebrate

Narasimha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, who protected his devotee Prahlada and destroyed the demon Hiranyakashipu.
Bhagavata Purana

When

Narasimha Jayanti falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Vaishakha (April-May).

Since when it is followed

The Narasimha legend belongs to the Satyuga, and the festival has been observed for centuries.
Bhagavata Purana

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus, especially Vaishnavas.

Origin

The origin is the Narasimha avatar narrative from the Bhagavata Purana, when Vishnu appeared as Narasimha to save Prahlada.
Bhagavata Purana (Satyuga)

Key deities

Lord Narasimha (the man-lion avatar of Vishnu).

How to celebrate

Fast, perform the Narasimha puja, chant the Narasimha mantra, and recite the story of Prahlada.

Rituals & offerings

Narasimha puja, mantra japa, fasting, and nightlong vigil.

Key facts

Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Vishnu.
Bhagavata Purana