Narasimha Chaturdashi

ISKCON

Also known as: Narasimha Chaturdashi, Nrsimha Jayanti

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2026 ISKCON Date

Narasimha Chaturdashi

About Narasimha Chaturdashi

Nrsimha Chaturdashi commemorates the appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva - the half-lion, half-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu - who appeared to protect His devotee Prahlad Maharaj from the demoniac king Hiranyakashipu.

The Lord appeared at twilight on the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Vaishakha. Hiranyakashipu had obtained a benediction that he could not be killed by man or animal, inside or outside, during day or night. Lord Nrsimhadeva ingeniously bypassed every condition, tearing him apart on a threshold at dusk.

In ISKCON temples, this day is observed with fasting until sunset, elaborate abhishekam of the Deity, and distribution of a special feast. Devotees stay up through the night singing the Nrsimhastakam and offering prayers of protection and gratitude.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

A complete fast is observed until sunset, broken after the evening puja of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

Sankalpa Mantra

I observe this sacred fast on the appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva, who appeared to protect His devotee Prahlad and to destroy the demoniac forces that threaten the devotees.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Observe a full fast from grains and beans from sunrise until sunset.
Bathe early in the morning and offer prayers to Lord Nrsimhadeva.
Chant the Nrsimhastakam and Narasimha Kavacham throughout the day.
Break the fast after the evening abhishekam and aarti with prasad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Lord Nrsimhadeva?

Lord Nrsimhadeva is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu - a half-lion, half-man form who appeared to protect the child-devotee Prahlad Maharaj from his demon father Hiranyakashipu.

Q: Why is Nrsimha worshipped for protection?

Lord Nrsimha is the ultimate protector of devotees. His appearance demonstrates that no material force can harm a soul surrendered to God.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.