Diwali – The Festival Of Lights

The third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of LAKSHMI-PUJA, which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. It is celebrated on Amavasya (the new moon day) in the end of the month Ashwin, which ushers in the month of Kartik around October/ November every year. This day is also known by the name of “CHOPADA-PUJA”.

Legend

On this day, Lord Ram (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu) returned from fourteen years in exile to his kingdom of Ayodhya after conquering the tyrant Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka, who had abducted his wife Sita and held her in his island fortress of Lanka. Lord Rama was exiled by his stepmother Kaikeyi in jealousy, because Ram would become the king and not her own son Bharat.

Traditionally, Diwali commemorates the return and coronation of Lord Rama. It is celebrated twenty days subsequent to Vijayadashmi, the day he killed Ravana. Legend has it that Hanuman (the legendary monkey-god and prime devotee of Lord Rama, the god-hero of the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana) delivered the much awaited message of Rama’s return to Ayodhya (Rama’s kingdom) after 14 years in exile. The entire kingdom rejoiced upon hearing the news and Ayodhya was washed, cleansed and dressed up with lights and shimmering earthen lamps to welcome the Lord himself.

It was also on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Ksheera Sagara (Ocean of Milk), when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrutha). Since Goddess Lakshmi was amongst the spectacular treasures that emerged from the great ocean, hence, along with Ganesh, who is customarily invoked before ceremonies are performed, Lakshmi presides over all the ceremonies that are performed during Diwali. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory on this day.

Another legend says that on the night prior to the celebration of Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura freeing the earth from his terror and liberating the 16000 princesses that were abducted by him. Thus, on the next day (Diwali), the people illuminated their houses and celebrated to express their joy and relief.

On this auspicious day Lord Shri Krishna around whom revolved the entire story of the great epic Mahabharata, and the philosopher, who preached Karmayog through his Geeta to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, discarded his body.

According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas too were believed to have returned from their exile around this time.

For the Bengali and Oriya communities in the east, Diwali means Kali puja (worship of Kali, the aggressive manifestation of Shakti or the all-powerful female force) as it is believed that on this day Kali killed the wicked Raktavera. Lord Brahma had granted a boon to Raktavera that every drop of blood which fell from his body would be able to produce thousands more like him. The only way Kali could kill him was to hold him high, pierce him with a spear and drink all his blood as it gushed out. Kali is often portrayed with her tongue hanging out and her mouth dripping blood.

Sikh’s celebrate Diwali to commemorate the release of their sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind from captivity.

Diwali also represents the start of a new business year so all businesses close their accounts and present them to Lakshmi and Ganesh during the Chopda Pujan.

Among the Kashmiri Pundits, the festival of lights is known as Sukhsuptika, which literally means sleep with happiness.

The first Diwali of the newlywed in Tamil Nadu is known as Thalai Deepavali.

Among Jains, Diwali is known as Deva Divali. Lord Mahavir, the Jain prophet attained “Nirvan” on this day.

For farmers, a festival marking the end of one harvest and the beginning of another was a festival heralding the beginning of a New Year (Padava).

In South India, the story widely associated with Diwali is that of Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu. According to a legend, Hiranyakashipu was an evil demon king. He was unjust and cruel to his people. However, he was almost invincible, having extracted a boon from Brahma that he would be killed neither by beast nor man, neither inside nor outside, neither during the day nor at night. When his atrocities became unbearable, the gods sought Vishnu’s help.

Assuming his fourth incarnation of Narasimha, the man-lion, Vishnu killed Hiranyakshipu with his claws in the courtyard just before daybreak, hence steering clear of the boundaries of the boon. For this reason in the south, people light diyas in their houses on the day preceding Diwali.

Rituals & Celebrations

The occasion of Deepavali sees the spring-cleaning and white-washing of houses; decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors and walls. Each and every house is decorated with garlands of flowers as well as strings of tiny colored bulbs.

The faithful believe that on this day Lakshmi goes around visiting her devotees and sets up residence in the house she finds best spruced and lit up and most hospitable.

People take a traditional oil bath before sunrise, which is considered auspicious. New clothes are bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets and to light up their homes. Every home is alit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps – to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

On the night of Diwali “Lakshmi-Puja” is performed in the evenings after sunset in all the homes. Five ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities, naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess and devotional songs are sung in praise of Goddess Lakshmi.  A silver coin is placed in front of the Goddess during the puja. Floral offerings are made and arati is performed. The “Naivedya” is then distributed as “Prasad”.

After the puja, the diyas are placed in and around the house: in the doorway, near the Tulasi plant, the backyard, every room and the back and front gates. Earthen lamps filled with oil having cotton wicks are arranged in neat rows along the walls and parapets in the verandahs to brighten this moonless night and also welcome home the spirits of dead ancestors, who are believed to visit on this auspicious night.

After this, crackers are burst, and people meet friends and neighbors to exchange good wishes and sweets. Feasts are arranged and gifts are exchanged. Gaily dressed men, women and children go to temples and fairs, visit friends and relatives. Spectacular fireworks display fills the night sky.

The business year in many communities begins on Diwali and business people observe chopda pujan (i.e. venerate their business books). On this day merchants close their old ledgers and dealings and open new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year.

In many Krishna temples, Diwali is celebrated as a day of feeding and venerating cows. In Nathdwar there is a day-long feast for cattle called Annakoot. The reason for this special place given to the cow lies deep in the religious consciousness of Indians. The sacredness of the cow goes back to the myth of the churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods. Of the 14 `jewels’ which the ocean gave to the gods, Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, was one. She was venerated as the mother of the universe.

In Gujarat, Diwali is known as Badhausar. On this day, Lakshmi is believed to visit the homes that are well lit. So, families decorate their houses with light, flowers and paper chains.

The festival of Diwali in Bengal is celebrated by worshiping Mahakali and devotees also call this day as Mahanisha. Performed on the night of Kartik Amavasya, Kali Puja is an intense invocation to the fearsome goddess. Unlike Durga Puja, this is performed at night and candles and crackers light up all the houses in the evening.

In Orissa, there is a ritual that calls upon the spirits of the family’s forefathers. Jute stems are burnt to light up the dark path that the spirits of the ancestors take back to heaven.

On Diwali the Sikhs illuminate their Gurdwaras and homes with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles. Early in the morning, Sikh pilgrims take a dip in the sacred tank while reciting Japji Sahib, and then pray at the Golden Temple. Circumambulation of the tank is done.

In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, in the first year of marriage, during Thalai Deepavali, the newly weds go to the bride’s parental home for revelry. Taking blessings from the elders, they burst the first crackers of the day.

On Karthigai Deepam, people clean their houses and draw ‘Kolams’ (Rangoli) in front of the house and also place some lamps on it.

The festival of Diwali is known as Diyari among the Sindhis. They celebrate this festival by performing puja to Goddess Lakshmi.

In Kashmir Diwali is celebrated as SUKHSUPTIKA which literally means sleep with happiness. The celebration would sta

rt from Ekadasi and last on Amavasya. On Amavasya elders of family would keep a fast and worship goddess Lakshmi after sunset. Earthen lamps were placed in temples, on the road crossings, cremation grounds, banks of rivers, streams and lakes hills houses, at the foot of trees, cow sheds, court yards and shops.

For Jains, the day commemorates the passing into Nirvana of Mahavira, the most recent of the Jain Tirthankaras, or saints. The lighting of the lamps is explained as a material substitute for the light of holy knowledge that was extinguished with Mahavira’s passing. It is on this day that Lord Mahavira is worshiped, sacred scriptures are recited and homes and temples are illuminated.

The backdrop of the black night enhances the beauty of the tiny earthen oil lamps decorating the houses. Multi-coloured rangoli designs, floral decorations and spectacular fireworks lend festivity and grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.

Related Article:

Choti Diwali / Kali Chaudas / Narak Chaturdashi – The Second Day of Diwali (bluebell25.wordpress.com)

Choti Diwali / Kali Chaudas / Narak Chaturdashi – The Second Day of Diwali

The 2^nd day of Diwali is called Narka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, which falls on the 14^th day of the month of Ashwin.

Legend

Long ago, the mighty demoniac brothers, Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, were terrorizing the three worlds. Hiranyaksha even abducted Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Unable to bear his oppression, She prayed to Lord Vishnu to save her from the demon. Thereupon, the Lord Vishnu descended as the primordial wild boar (Varaha Avatara) and retrieved Mother Earth. Upon her supplication He married Her and their progeny was Naraka. Since he was born during the ‘saayam sandhya’ (dusk), the child developed demoniac attributes. It was foretold that he would be destroyed by a later incarnation of Vishnu. Therefore, Bhudevi sought a boon from the Lord that only she should kill Naraka. The Lord granted her wish and returned to his abode.

Naraka grew up and ruled the Kamrup region with Pragjyotishpura as his capital city. He became so powerful that not only did he conquer earth but also the kingdom of Indra and imprisoned all the gods. Drunk with power, he abducted 16,100 women and imprisoned them in his palace. He stole the earrings of Aditi, the heavenly mother goddess, and usurped some of her territory.

All the Devas sought the help of Vishnu, who promised them that he would deal with the demon when he incarnated as Krishna.

Before taking the ‘avatara’ the Lord persuaded Bhudevi to incarnate as Satyabhama and become His (Krishna’s) consort once again, which she did.

One day Krishna lured Satyabhama to accompany Him to fetch the celestial flower plant, Parijata. He drove the chariot via Pragjyotishpura, and when Naraka came to know of it, he challenged Krishna, and in the ensuing battle, the Lord feigned as though He was felled by the dart of Naraka.

Enraged over this, Satyabhama took the bow of the Lord and shot Naraka down. At that very moment it dawned on Her and the asura that they were mother and son. Krishna consoled Satyabhama by saying that none could conquer what was ordained by fate. Naraka, realizing his folly, and happy to learn that he was the son of the divine couple, secured a boon from the Lord that people would rejoice over his fall by lighting lamps every year that day (Naraka Chaturdasi), the Amavasya-eve, to dispel the darkness his era had brought about. Krishna then liberated the imprisoned damsels and also recovered the precious earrings of Aditi.

As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna, smeared his forehead with the demon king’s blood. Krishna returned home in the early morning of the Naraka Chaturdashi day.

On this day, Hanuman reached Ayodhya to deliver the long-awaited message of Lord Rama’s return.

Narka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali is also one of the high points of the commercial & religious year in India, with the trading community starting its new year of business from Bali Pratipada day.

Another myth says that Vaman – the 5th incarnation of Vishnu – pushed down King Bali into Patala, the netherworld of darkness, on this Chaturdashi day. Bali nevertheless was granted a boon that he would be able to visit his kingdom once a year. Though people in Kerala celebrate Bali’s return as Onam in the month of Bhadrapad, they nevertheless light oil lamps on the Trayodashi (Dhan Teras), Chaturdashi (Kali Chaudas), and the new-moon day (Diwali) to appease Yama, the king of the underworld, and save Bali from Yama’s torture.

Kali means Dark (evil) and Chaudas – Fourteenth. Thus, celebrated on the 14^th day of Ashwin, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti and is believed that on this day Kali killed the wicked Raktavija.

Rituals & Celebrations

People leave their beds long before dawn, take a traditional oil bath using sandalwood paste and don their festive attire. The family then has a festive breakfast and pays a visit to a temple.

Today, on the eve of Diwali, the houses are cleared of clutter, the whole house spruced up to give it a new look for Goddess Lakshmi. The courtyards are decorated with rangoli (drawing of traditional motifs with colorful powders).

In the evening, people light little oil lamps, candles and incense sticks (agarbathis) and burn crackers and sparklers. People make an effigy of Narakasura, carry it to the outskirts, and burn it. It is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst.

A special lamp is lit in honour of Yama, the god of death. The custom of lighting oil lamps is followed for 3 nights, namely Trayodashi (Dhan Teras), Chaturdashi (Kalichawdas), and the new-moon day (Diwali). The night of Narak Chaturdashi is also called ‘little (chhoti) Diwali’ .

In some places, people break a bitter fruit representing the head of the demon-king Narakasura and apply a mixture of kumkum (vermillion) in oil (representing the demon’s blood) on the forehead.

The Yadava community which considers itself the descendents of Lord Krishna on the day of Naraka Chaturdasi shows its gratitude to cattle by decorating them and taking them out in a procession to the accompaniment of music.

Related Article:

Dhanteras/Dhantrayodashi/Yamadeepdaan – The First Day Of Diwali (bluebell25.wordpress.com)

Dhanteras/Dhantrayodashi/Yamadeepdaan – The First Day Of Diwali

Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is the 1^st day of the 5-day festival of Diwali, the biggest Hindu festival in India.

It’s celebrated on the 13^th day of the Krishna paksha (the waning cycle) of the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. Dhan means wealth, and teras means thirteen.

Dhanteras is celebrated in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods & an incarnation of Vishnu.

Legend

According to the Vishnu Purana, Dhanavantri emerged from the ocean during samudra-manthan - when the asuras and devas churned the waters – carrying a vessel of ambrosia, the elixir of life. He was preceded by Goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus.

Dhanavantri is considered to be the 12th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to be the founder of Indian systems of medicine, especially of Ayurveda.

Another interesting story about this day is of the 16-year-old son of King Hima. According to his horoscope the prince was destined to die of snakebite on the 4^th day of his wedding. His young wife did not allow him to sleep on that particular day. She placed all the ornaments and piles of gold and silver coins at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir & lit innumerable earthern lamps all over the place. The whole night she sang songs and narrated stories.

When Yama, the god of Death came there in the guise of a serpent, he was blinded by the dazzling lights and couldn’t enter the Prince’s chamber. So Yama climbed on top of the pile of coins and ornaments and listened to the melodious songs the whole night and left quietly in the morning. Thus, the Prince’s young wife saved him from the clutches of death. Since then this day is known as “YAMADEEPDAAN” and lamps are left burning all through the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the god of Death.

Rituals & Celebrations

On this festive occasion, houses & business premises are renovated and beautifully decorated. Entrances are made colorful with exquisite traditional motifs of rangoli (floor decorations with flower petals or coloured powders) designs to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Mango leaves & marigolds are woven into gorgeous torans (door hangings). To indicate Goddess Lakshmi’s long-awaited arrival, tiny footprints are drawn with vermilion powder and rice flour all over the house.

Traditionally, people purchase gold jewelry & silver coins inscribed with images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on Dhanteras as it’s supposed to bring good fortune. Women pick up new kitchen utensils. After sunset, an earthen lamp is lit and is left burning throughout the night as an offering (daan) to propitiate Lord Yama.

Lakshmi-Puja is performed in the evenings and naivedya – a collection of traditional sweets – is offered as prasad to the Goddess.

In villages, farmers adorn and worship cattle as they form their main source of income. To augur success, those involved in business and trade perform puja of their new ledgers. In urban India, a number of business deals are finalized around this time & business houses give a Diwali bonus and gifts to their employees on this auspicious occasion.

Related Article:

Rath Yatra – Festival of the Chariots (bluebell25.wordpress.com)

Rath Yatra – Festival of the Chariots

A sea of humanity descends on Puri to witness the annual Rath Yatra. Ecstatic cries of ‘Jai Jagannath’ rend the air as the chariots move on almost as if propelled by a divine force. A spiritual ambience pervades the whole scene as bells chime, conch shells blow & saffron robed sadhus dance with abandon.

The famous Festival of the Chariots is held on the 2^nd day of the bright fortnight of Aashad (June-July). This festival is also called Gundicha Yatra or Ghosha Yatra. 

Legend

According to legend, Biswabasu, a tribal devotee, worshipped Jagannath in the form of Nilamadhava.

Another legend says that Lord Vishnu was the carpenter of these wooden images. An impatient Gundica, the queen of Indradyumna opened the doors of the carpenter’s workshop after 14 days whereas they were to remain closed for three weeks.

Disturbed, the divine carpenter vanished, leaving his work unfinished. This is the explanation given for the unusually stocky depiction of Krishna, Subhadra and Balabhadra — the 3 divine siblings.

Rituals & Celebrations

Rath Yatra, known as Car Festival is the grandest of all festivals in Orissa. It is the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath with brother Balabhadra & sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to another shrine called ‘Gundicha Mandir’ for 9 days. Rath means chariot, Yatra – a pilgrimage or procession.

Thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throng on that day at Puri to pull the sacred Chariots

After the routine morning ceremonies, the gods are served food and dressed in special clothes. Then the daitapatis (priests) take over and unfasten the idols. The Sudarshan Chakra comes down first and as it reaches the stairs of the temple, the images are brought down one after another.  The rhythmic clang of metal gongs, blowing of conch shells and trumpets and chanting of holy men fill the air as the bedecked idols are taken out of the Temple & placed on their own stylized chariot.

The chariots are kept near the Temple’s main gate, the Lion Gate. The Deities are carried to the chariots in a traditional, ceremonial way. First Sudarshan, then Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath are carried in such a way that they rock forward and backward, moving from pillow to pillow as they approach the chariots, and finally ascend the ramp leading to their seats. This rocking motion is called Pahandi.

The name of Lord Jagannath’s chariot is Nandighosh or Kapidhwaja (the monkey crested). It has 16 wheels, and is covered in red and yellow material. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called Taladwaja (the palm crested), has 14 wheels and is covered with red and green material. The third chariot, Devadalan or Padmadhwaja (the lotus crested), belongs to Subhadra. It has 12 wheels and a red and black canopy.

After all the deities are seated in their respective chariots starts the Chhera Pamhara, the ritual sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom by the Gajapati King of Puri.

The King comes from his palace on a richly decorated palanquin. Songs and slokas continue as the Raja of Puri sprinkles scented water on the Raths.  Chhera Pamhara is a symbolic rite, which proclaims that the King like others is but a humble servant of the real sovereign, Lord Jagannath.

Two trunks containing the dresses and other items of daily use for the gods are placed in the chariot of Lord Jagannath. Lastly, the images are adorned with fresh headgear and floral arrangements and the procession begins.

The most exciting part of the Rath Yatra is the pulling of chariots by thousands of people who lay their hands on the sturdy ropes and drag the massive structures for about 3 kms down Puri’s Grand Road, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Mandir or Gundicha Ghar.

The deities, colossal wooden statues, adorned with giant floral crowns, called Tahias, are literally pulled, pushed and dragged in rhythmic movement to the accompaniment of the beat of cymbals, drums and chanting of their names in chorus by devotees in frenzied ecstasy.

The journey breaks mid-way where Mausi-ma- mother’s sister-stays. Here deities don’t enter the temple, but rituals are performed welcoming them right on the raths and Mausi-ma feeds them poda pitha.

The chariots grind forward slowly until they reach the Gundicha temple where the three deities rest for a night on their own chariots. The next day they enter the Gundicha temple in the usual Pahandi style and stay there for 7 days. 

The 5^th day of the festival is known as Hera Panchami. Goddess Lakshmi, who is angry at being left behind at the temple, proceeds to the Gundicha temple to meet Her husband. The image of goddess Lakshmi is ceremonially taken to Gundicha Temple where the chariots are anchored. After having a stealthy look at her Lord, she returns to the temple.

On the 8th day, the chariots are placed facing south-west for resumption of their return journey next day.

The gods have rested and they now return to the Puri temple which has been scrubbed and cleaned as it’s the only time when the temple is not filled with people.

The return journey of the deities commences on the 9^th day. It is called Bahuda Yatra. On his way back, Jagannath stops for a while at Ardhasini temple, popularly called Mausi Ma temple. He accepts from the aunt His favorite rice cake, Poda Pitha. 

Chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra reach Simhadwara first and Nandighosha stays back in front of the palace of Puri Raja. From the chahani mandap (viewing platform, near the Snana Mandap), Goddess Lakshmi watches the safe return of the Lord Jagannath. She breathes a sigh of relief, rushes out to that place, circumambulates her dear Lord, receives a garland (ajnamala) from him and is swung back to the Temple to feign her reluctance in granting admittance to Lord Jagannath to the temple. Nandighosha finally reaches the Simhadwara and that marks the end of the journey by chariot.

On the 11th day, (Niladrivije) the deities still occupying their chariots outside the Simhadwara are richly attired in costumes  of  glittering gold and are worshipped by thousands  of  devotees.  This form of the deities is known as the famous Suna Vesa.

On the 12th day, Niladri Vijoya is celebrated. Balabhadra and Subhadra in ceremonial gotipahandi are ushered into the Ratna Simhasana where as Jagannath alone is left behind and becomes a target of mock humiliation by devadasis at the bidding of Lakshmi. When this pleasant repartee is over Jagannath and Lakshmi are reunited. The event is known as LAKSMI- NARAYAN BHETA.

The Lord Jagannath majestically returns to his Ratnasimhasana, literally the jeweled platform, with the usual fanfare and the Pahandi style and joins his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Their arrival into the Sanctum sanctorum marks the end of the Ratha Yatra the grand festival of chariots.

The Rath Yatra is a festival unparalleled in colour, gaiety, display of devotion and spontaneity of emotional involvement.

NARASIMHA JAYANTI

namas te nara-siMhaaya

prhlaadaahlaada-daayine

hiranyakashipor vaksah

shila-tan^ka-nakhaalaya

I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who gives joy to Prahlad and whose nails are like chisels on the stone-like chest of the demon Hiranyakashipu.

Narasimha Jayanti is observed on the 14th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Vaisakha month (April-May). It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha on this day to destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu.

In 2011, Narasimha Jayanthi falls on May 16.

LEGEND

In his previous avatara of Varaha, Vishnu killed a rakshasa known as Hiranyaksha. Hiranyakashipu (the brother of Hiranyaksha wanted to take revenge on Lord Vishnu and his devotees. He wanted to become the master of all the three worlds – Heaven, Earth & Pathala.

Hiranyakashipu, King of the Rakshasas retired to the mountain Mandara and began Tapas (meditation on the Lord). Pleased with his devotion Lord Brahma appeared before him and asked him to make a wish.

Hiranyakashipu replied, “Great Lord, this is what I seek: Let not death come to me from the hands of man, animal, deva or demon; let me not meet with death either indoors or outdoors; let not my death occur either during the day or at night; no weapon or mantra should cause my death; I should not die either on earth or in the sky.”

After this blessing the demon oppressed the devas, banned all pujas to Lord Vishnu and declared himself a God. One day while Hiranyakashipu was performing austerities at Mandaracala Mountain, his home was attacked by Indra and the other devas. Sage Narada took Kayadu into his care and while under the guidance of Narada, her unborn child (Hiranyakashipu’s son) Prahlada, was affected by the transcendental instructions of the sage.

Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlada became an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tried all means to make the boy worship Him. But all this efforts failed. The demon eventually became so angry and upset at his son’s devotion to Vishnu that he decided to kill him, but each time he attempted to do so, Prahlada was protected by Vishnu’s mystical power.

Finally Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika to sit in a fire with Prahlada in her lap. His sister Holika had a boon that fire would not hurt her. When the fire was extinguished, Prahlada came out quite safe while Holika was burnt to ashes.

Seeing Prahlad’s unflinching devotion to Vishnu, the incensed demon king pointed to a nearby pillar and asked if ‘his Vishnu’ was in it: “Yes, indeed.”

Eyes burning with hatred, Hiranyakashipu stood up. Brandishing his sword he struck the pillar. Instantly, the pillar split and Sri Hari Himself manifested in the form of Narasimha whose upper half was a lion and lower half, man. It was the evening of Vaishak sud 14!

The eyes of this terrible figure were dazzling they looked like molten gold. The hair on the head and the moustache and the beard stood straight and erect. The sharp and pointed jaws chattered harshly; the tongue quivered like a sword and was sharp as a dagger. His eyebrows were close knit. The ears were raised and stood erect. The mouth gaped like a mountain cave. The two nostrils looked like wells turned upside down. The body was huge and mountain – like. It seemed to touch the skies and to stop the very clouds. It had countless arms. The body was covered with white like silver. The very sight of the sharp claws made one tremble. This terrible form split the pillar and came out.

A hideous battle ensued between deva and demon. Finally, Narasimha, who was neither man nor beast, grabbed the demon like a toy and flung him on his lap. With a loud roar he carried Hiranyakashipu to the threshold of the hall. Narasimha Bhagwan sat at the threshold – neither fully inside nor outside, neither wholly on earth nor in the air. It was neither day nor night but twilight. Lord caught hold of the powerful demon and sat with by placing him on his thighs and slayed him with sharp nails-without any weapons. With his claws, which were not weapons as such, he ripped the demon apart!

After the enemies were all destroyed, Narahari (Vishnu) sat on the throne of the Rakshasa King, glaring at those around him. None of the demigods were able to calm Narasimha’s fury. They then appealed to his consort, Lakshmi, but she too was unable to calm him down.

Then, Prahlad touched the feet of Narasimha with his head, in deep devotion. At the tender touch of Prahlad the Lord was pleased. Before parting, Narasimha crowned Prahlada king.

RITUALS & CELEBRATIONS

On this day, people fast, meditate on Narasimha, and seek his grace to have devotion like that of Prahlad. To Hindus, Narasimha symbolizes the omnipresence of god, his deep concern and love for the devotees, and the victory of good over evil.

He saved Adi Sankara from being sacrificed to the goddess Kali by a Kapalika. Thus Adi Sankara composed the powerful Lakshmi-Narasimha stotra.

Narasimha is hailed as one of the 10 avataras of Vishnu. The Nava Narasimha shrine at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh, enshrines nine forms of Narasimha.

Other major temples enshrining Narasimha include Tiruvaali near Chidambaram, Tiruvelukkai in Kanchipuram, Tiruneermalai near Chennai, and Sholingur near Chennai all in Tamil Nadu. The hill temple of Simhachalam near Visakhapatnam also enshrines Narasimha.