Narasimha Jayanti 2026 – Vaishakh Shukla Chaturdashi

Full Date

29 April 2026 7:51 PM – 30 April 2026 9:12 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Narasimha Sandhya Puja

  Main worship of Lord Narasimha observed at sunset (4:17 PM to 6:56 PM) when the Lord is believed to have appeared to protect Prahlada.

  30 April 2026 4:17 PM – 30 April 2026 6:56 PM

• Chaturdashi Night Vigil

  Devotees remain awake all night chanting Narasimha prayers and performing bhajans to commemorate the Lord’s fierce manifestation.

  30 April 2026 9:00 PM – 1 May 2026 5:30 AM

Introduction

Narasimha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Vishnu’s fierce avatar — Narasimha, the protector of Dharma. Appearing as a half-lion, half-man, Narasimha symbolizes divine protection, courage, and the destruction of evil. The festival highlights the triumph of truth and devotion over arrogance and tyranny.

Other Names

Narasimha Chaturdashi, Narasimha Jayanthi, Nrusimha Jayanti

Pooja Vidhi

• Clean the pooja space and install an image or idol of Sri Narasimha with Prahlada.
• Light a ghee lamp and offer tulsi leaves, red flowers, fruits, and incense.
• Perform Panchamrit Abhishekam with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
• Recite Narasimha Kavacha, Lakshmi-Narasimha Ashtottara, and offer bhog of jaggery and puffed rice.
• Conclude with evening aarti, chanting ‘Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum’ mantra.

Rituals

• Devotees observe fasting from sunrise to next day morning, taking Sankalp during midday and breaking it after performing puja post-sunrise next day.
• Fasting devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi together at sunset, believed to be the moment Narasimha appeared.
• The idol or photo of Narasimha with Prahlada is bathed, adorned with sandal paste, flowers, and clothes.
• Devotees chant Narasimha Kavacham, Vishnu Sahasranama, or the Narasimha Stotra for strength and divine protection.
• Charity, Annadan (food donation), and lighting oil lamps are considered highly auspicious.

Regional Highlights

• Across India, Vishnu temples like Ahobilam (Andhra Pradesh) and Simhachalam host grand Narasimha Jayanti festivals.
• In South India, special Lakshmi-Narasimha pujas are performed with Abhishekam and recitation of Sri Narasimha Kavacha Stotram.
• In North India, devotees visit Narsingh temples in Varanasi, Mathura, and Vrindavan.
• ISKCON centers globally celebrate with Sankirtan, Homa, and discourses on Prahlada Charitra.

History

According to the Bhagavata Purana, the demon Hiranyakashipu, empowered by Brahma’s boon, proclaimed himself immortal and despised Lord Vishnu. His son, Prahlada, was a sincere devotee of Vishnu. When Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his son, Vishnu appeared as Narasimha — not man nor beast, at twilight, on a threshold — and tore apart Hiranyakashipu. This divine intervention symbolizes the assurance of protection for devotees and the victory of Dharma over Adharma.

Additional Information

• Lord Narasimha is revered as the destroyer of fear and ignorance, granting courage and protection to devotees.
• The mantra ‘Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum’ is believed to remove negative energies and bestow inner strength.
• Observing Narasimha Jayanti vrat with faith ensures health, prosperity, and victory over adversities.