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Narasimha is one of the most powerful and fiercest avatar of Hindu god Vishnu in an incarnation of half lion and half man to destroy evil and end religious oppression on earth, thus restoring dharma.
This mixed creature was incarnated to kill the demon king Hiranyakashyap, who was blessed with a boon that he would be neither killed by a man or beast, nor in day or night and not even inside or outside a building; he tried to kill his son Prahlada for worshipping Vishnu, therefore Lord Vishnu as Narasimha (semi-man and semi-beast) knocked the asur (demon) down a pillar which was neither inside nor outside.
Narasimha is aptly sculpted here in the torso and lower body of a human with the face of a lion, having a dreadful wide mouth, projecting teeth and fiery eyes of rage and anger; blessing the devotees of fearlessness and carrying the iconic Sudarshan Chakra and Conch, carved stylistically in his rear hands. This crowned head is garbed in a short length dhoti, fashioned in diagonal stripes, with its ends falling on either sides and ornamented in all powerful jewels.
Unleashing the Power of Narasimha: The Divine Avatar of Lord
Vishnu
Narasimha Dev is an incarnation of the Supreme Lord Vishnu or
Krishna. He assumed a special form of half-man (Nara) and
half-lion (Simha) to protect His five-year-old devotee Prahlad
from the ghastly attacks of his demoniac father Hiranyakashipu.
He killed the demon to prove that whoever is surrendered to His
lotus feet is always taken care of by Him. Lord Narasimha is
worshiped in many parts of South India and is considered an
important deity in the Vaishnava Sampradaya.
What does Narasimha symbolize?
Although the form of Lord Narasimha appears fierce to the
general people, it appears as beautiful and sweet as the lotus
flower to His devotees. His ferocious yet transcendental form
signifies His rage towards the demoniac persons who try to harm
or blaspheme His devotees who are very dear to Him. The devotees
always worship and remember Lord Narasimha in their minds
because He is the source of all bliss and fortune and is also
the cause of all causes. The Vaishnav Acharyas explain that the
Lord"s killing of Hiranyakashipu symbolizes the killing of
Anarthas such as lust, anger, greed, illusion, attachment, and
false ego residing in our hearts. One who has taken the shelter
of the lotus feet of Lord Narasimha is at once purified of all
contamination which is a barrier in Bhakti.
Which day is for Lord Narasimha?
Since Lord Narasimha is Vishnu Tattva, the Vaishnavas worship
Him and observe fasting from grains on Ekadashi which comes on
every 11th day in the Hindu or Vedic calendar. On this day, the
devotees either completely refrain from eating and drinking
anything (Nirjala) or only take grain-free Prasad for satisfying
their hunger. They chant the Lord"s holy names, visit temple,
and read His pastimes mentioned in the Vedic scriptures. Being
completely absorbed in the thoughts of the Lord, the devotees
peacefully observe the fast and remain blissful. Another very
important day dedicated to Lord Narasimha Dev is “Narasimha
Chaturdashi” which comes once a year. It is celebrated as the
appearance (His advent on this planet) day of the Lord. On this
day, the Vaishnavas congregate in the temples and chant His
unending glories and beg for His causeless mercy so that they
may eternally be engaged in His devotional service.
Where is Narasimha Swamy statue?
You can find many statues or deities of Lord Narasimha in
different states of India such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Uttar Pradesh, etc. The most revered place for the Vaishnava
community is Ahobilam situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
This is the holy site where Lord Narasimha chose to appear from
a stone pillar indicating that He is present everywhere. The
Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam is where all the nine forms
of Narasimha Dev are situated; Prahlad Varada Narasimha,
Chatravata Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, Kroda
Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha, and Pavana
Narasimha. Thousands of people from across the globe visit this
temple to take the divine blessings of the Lord.
The Vedic scriptures such as Srimad Bhagavatam advise everyone
to worship and take the divine shelter of Lord Narasimha dev,
the Supreme Lord, in all circumstances, knowing that He is our
only hope. Those who do so experience the highest form of bliss
and never get bewildered even in adverse conditions of life.
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