Nrsimha Caturdasi: Appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva

Narasimha Chaturdashi — the half-lion incarnation who appeared to protect His young devotee Prahlada Maharaja.

Significance of this day

Lord Narasimhadeva burst from a pillar at dusk to protect the five-year-old devotee Prahlada from his demoniac father Hiranyakashipu, proving that the Lord's promise to protect His devotees is never broken.

He is worshipped throughout ISKCON as the remover of obstacles on the path of devotional service and as the protector of the temple and its devotees.

The Narasimha prayers — 'namas te narasimhaya' — are sung at the end of the evening arati every day.

How it is observed at ISKCON Asansol

• Fasting till dusk, abhishek of Lord Narasimhadeva at sunset, singing of the Narasimha kavaca and prayers for protection, then feast prasadam.

Dates follow the authentic Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar observed at ISKCON Mayapur, calculated for our region. Timings for fasting and breaking the fast are announced at the temple.