Narasimha Jayanti 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Vishnu: Followers of Vishnu observe this fast and puja to honour his fierce Narasimha avatar, who protects the faithful from fear and evil.
• Those Seeking Protection: Families pray to Lord Narasimha for courage, freedom from fear, and protection from enemies and troubles (Raksha).
• Parents and Seekers of Devotion: Many keep this vrat in the spirit of Prahlada, praying for steady faith and for the well-being of their children.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The day begins in the Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hour) or early morning with a bath, the Sankalp, and the start of the fast.
• Puja Muhurat: The main Narasimha puja is done in the evening during Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset), the hour at which the Lord appeared. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Breaking the Fast: The fast is traditionally broken the next morning after a short puja and a simple sattvic meal (some families break it after the evening puja).

About the Festival

Narasimha Jayanti is a widely observed Vaishnava festival, celebrated across India, that marks the appearance of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha, the man-lion. It takes place on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Prahlada and Lord Narasimha)

Long ago, the demon king Hiranyakashipu won a boon from Lord Brahma that he could be killed neither by man nor beast, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither by day nor by night, and neither on earth nor in the sky. Proud and fearless, he declared himself lord of the three worlds and forbade the worship of Lord Vishnu.

His own son, Prahlada, however, was a devoted follower of Vishnu from childhood. Hiranyakashipu tried again and again to turn him away from his faith, but Prahlada never gave up the name of the Lord. In his rage, the king tried to harm his own son, yet Prahlada was protected each time by his faith.

When the king demanded to know where Vishnu was, Prahlada answered calmly: "He is everywhere, even in this pillar." Furious, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar of his palace hall with his mace. At that moment the pillar split open, and Lord Vishnu emerged in the form of Narasimha, half man and half lion. At twilight, on the threshold of the hall, he placed the demon on his lap and destroyed him with his claws, keeping every condition of the boon.

Pleased with Prahlada's unshakeable devotion, the Lord blessed him and calmed his fierce anger. Since that day, devotees have observed Narasimha Jayanti with fasting and prayer, in the faith that the Lord protects those who take refuge in him.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the evening puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Narasimha (or Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash or small vessel filled with fresh water
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Panakam (jaggery water), Vadapappu (soaked moong dal), fruits, and sweets
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense sticks, and a Kalava (sacred red thread)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow or white).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Narasimha, today I observe this fast with devotion. Protect me and my family from fear and sorrow, and keep my faith steady."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day, taking only fruits and water if needed (many devotees keep a strict fast until the evening puja).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Late Afternoon)

1. Clean the puja space in your home, preferably the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone).
2. Place the image or idol of Lord Narasimha on a Chowki (wooden stool) covered with a clean yellow or red cloth.
3. Place the Kalash filled with water near the idol, and arrange the flowers, Tulsi leaves, and Naivedya within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Evening Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it in front of Lord Narasimha.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the idol.
3. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves, and tie a piece of Kalava around the Kalash.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place the Panakam, Vadapappu, fruits, and sweets before the Lord.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the story of Prahlada and Lord Narasimha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the held grains and petals at the Lord's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Prayers (Pradosh Kaal)

1. Chant the name of Lord Narasimha and recite the Narasimha Stotra or any prayers your family follows.
2. Perform the Narasimha Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
3. Offer a final bow with folded hands, praying for courage and protection for your family.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members, especially the children.
3. Break your fast with the prasad and a simple sattvic meal, either after the puja or the next morning as your family tradition follows.