Narasimha Jayanti 2024 Date and Time: Lord Narasimha Puja Vidhi, Rituals, and Significance

Narasimha Jayanti 2024: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Narasimha Jayanti 2024, also referred to as Narasimha Chaturdashi, will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, as per the Hindu calendar. On Narasimha Jayanti day, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha, a half lion and half man, to kill Demon Hiranyakashipu. This sacred occasion occurs during the bright fortnight known as Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Vaishakha.

Narasimha Jayanti 2024 Date and Time

Observing Narasimha Jayanti Vratam is deemed highly auspicious when Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi coincides with Swati Nakshatra on a Saturday. Devotees eat only single meal one day before Narasimha Jayanti. All type of grains and cereals are prohibited during Narasimha Jayanti fasting. Parana, which means breaking the fast, is done next day at an appropriate time.

Narasimha Jayanti Significance

Narasimha incarnated as a half-man, half-lion symbolizing the balance between fury and compassion to put an end to religious persecution and reestablish dharma (righteousness) on Earth. Narasimha is renowned for safeguarding his devotee Prahlada and vanquishing the evil demon, Hiranyakashipu. His form includes a human torso, a leonine face, and claws. He disemboweled Hiranyakashipu on his lap. Narasimha is revered as the deity of destruction, often referred to as Kala (time) or Mahakala (great-time), and is also associated with Yoga.

Narasimha Jayanti Rituals

On Narasimha Jayanti, devotees conduct special pujas for Lord Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi, presenting offerings of coconuts, sweets, and fruits, and chanting holy mantras. Traditionally, a fast is observed from sunrise on the day of Narasimha Jayanti until the sunrise of the following day. Below are the main aspects:

• Fasting: Devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset to purify their minds and bodies.
• Puja (Worship): In temples and homes, special pujas are conducted to venerate Lord Narasimha. Devotees engage in offering prayers, chanting mantras, and reading holy scriptures.
• Processions and Celebrations: Cultural festivities, including processions, enactments of the Narasimha avatar, and various music and dance performances, are vibrant displays of Hindu cultural heritage.
• Distribution of Prasad: Devotees are given sanctified food (prasad) following the puja ceremony.
• Spiritual Message: Narasimha Jayanti imparts teachings of devotion, safeguarding, and the victory of righteousness over malevolence.