Narasimha
The Divine Story
Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu, celebrated in the Narasimha Purana as 'Bhakta-vatsala' (devotee-loving). The Bhagavata Purana glorifies him as the fierce protector who manifested to save devotee Prahlada and destroy evil.
First Manifestation
Narasimha manifested in Satya Yuga as described in the Bhagavata Purana, appearing from a pillar in Hiranyakashipu's palace to protect devotee Prahlada and destroy the demon king.
Divine Purpose
To protect sincere devotees from persecution, destroy evil forces that oppress the righteous, demonstrate that divine love manifests in any form necessary, and establish that devotion is the supreme protection.
Spiritual Significance
In the Narasimha Purana, he represents 'Bhakta-raksha' (protection of devotees) and 'Ugra-dayalu' (fierce compassion). He embodies the principle that divine love manifests in any form necessary to protect pure devotion.
Sacred Stories & Legends
Prahlada Raksha - Protection of Devotee
The Bhagavata Purana narrates how Narasimha manifested from a pillar to protect young Prahlada from his demon father Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill him for worshipping Vishnu.
Teaching: Demonstrates that divine protection is always available to sincere devotees and that God manifests in any form necessary to save those who surrender completely
Hiranyakashipu Vadha - Divine Justice
The Vishnu Purana describes how Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu at twilight, on the threshold, with his claws, thus circumventing all the demon's boons and establishing divine justice.
Teaching: Shows that no evil, however protected by boons or power, can escape divine justice, and that God's intelligence always finds a way to protect righteousness
Divine Family
Divine Consort
Lakshmi as Narasimha Priya
Divine Children
None in this avatar
Divine Parents
Manifestation of Vishnu
Sacred Festivals
Narasimha Jayanti
Timing: Vaishakh Shukla Chaturdashi (April/May)
Significance: Celebrates the fierce avatar's manifestation. The Narasimha Purana describes this as the day when divine protection incarnated for devotee welfare
Sacred Temples & Holy Shrines
Ahobilam Narasimha Temple
Location:Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Period:Ancient temples with historical significance
Architecture:Dravidian temple architecture
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: Sacred site with 9 Narasimha temples, believed to be where Narasimha manifested