Marking a significant day in the Hindu lunar calendar, Narasimha Dwadashi will be celebrated on Monday, March 10th . Observed on the Dwadashi tithi (12th lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalguna, this auspicious occasion commemorates the divine protection and grace of Bhagwan Narasimha, the fierce and compassionate half-lion, half-man incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu. Known for his role as the ultimate guardian of dharma, Narasimha’s manifestation is a symbol of divine intervention to protect devotees and vanquish evil. As chants of Narasimha’s glory resonate, this day becomes an opportunity to invoke his divine energy to overcome challenges and strengthen the path of dharma.
Significance & Importance of Narasimha Dwadashi
This sacred day carries profound spiritual significance, offering devotees a chance to connect deeply with the divine energy of Bhagwan Narasimha, the embodiment of courage, protection, and justice. On Narasimha Dwadashi, devotees come together to perform fasting, prayers, and rituals with unwavering devotion, seeking blessings to overcome the fears and challenges of worldly life. The worship of Bhagwan Narasimha, who represents the ultimate triumph of good over evil, is a source of immense inspiration and spiritual strength. His incarnation as the half-lion, half-man deity signifies the omnipresence of the divine and the assurance that dharma will always prevail.
The observance of Narasimha Dwadashi goes beyond ritualistic practices, inviting devotees to reflect on the deeper truths of faith, righteousness, and surrender. It serves as a reminder of the boundless power of devotion and the divine promise to protect those who uphold truth and seek refuge in the Bhagwan. Through fasting and prayer, devotees purify their minds and bodies, cultivating a state of inner harmony and spiritual focus. The act of fasting itself becomes an expression of surrender and self-discipline, symbolizing a conscious effort to transcend the material world and connect with higher spiritual ideals.
As the resonant chants of Narasimha’s sacred hymns fill the air, the day becomes an opportunity to invoke his divine energy and presence. These chants, often drawn from scriptures like the Vishnu Purana and Narasimha Kavacha, are believed to dispel fear, ward off negative forces, and fill the devotee’s life with courage and peace. Rituals performed on this day, such as lighting lamps, offering tulsi leaves, and reciting mantras, are steeped in the belief that they invoke the Bhagwan's protection and blessings, creating an atmosphere of spiritual upliftment and divine grace.
The celebration of Narasimha Dwadashi also holds a powerful lesson for modern life. It reminds us of the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity, just as Bhagwan Narasimha emerged to protect his devotee Prahlada against the tyranny of Hiranyakashipu. The tale of Narasimha exemplifies that even in the darkest of times, divine intervention is possible when one remains steadfast in faith and righteous action. This message continues to inspire devotees to embody qualities of truth, resilience, and selflessness in their own lives.
By observing Narasimha Dwadashi with devotion and sincerity, devotees not only honor Bhagwan Narasimha but also draw closer to their own spiritual essence. The day becomes a transformative experience, allowing individuals to overcome inner fears, strengthen their commitment to dharma, and invite the divine protection and guidance of the Bhagwan into their lives. It is a celebration of the eternal victory of light over darkness and a reminder of the ever-watchful presence of the divine.
Legend of Narasimha Dwadashi
The most popular story associated with the Narasimha Dwadashi festival is the legend of Bhagwan Narasimha and Prahlada, a tale that exemplifies the triumph of good over evil and the unwavering protection the Bhagwan bestows upon his devotees.
The story originates from the Bhagavata Purana , where the demon king Hiranyakashipu, drunk with power and arrogance, sought to avenge the death of his brother Hiranyaksha, who had been slain by Bhagwan Vishnu in his Varaha incarnation. Hiranyakashipu performed intense austerities and was granted a boon by Bhagwan Brahma, making him nearly invincible. According to the boon, he could not be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, during the day or night, on land, in the sky, or in water, and by no weapon. This made Hiranyakashipu believe he was immortal, and he began to terrorize the three worlds, forbidding the worship of Vishnu and proclaiming himself as God.
Despite his father’s hatred for Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu’s son, Prahlada, became a devout devotee of the Bhagwan. From a very young age, Prahlada displayed an unshakable faith in Vishnu, often teaching others about devotion and dharma. Hiranyakashipu, enraged by his son’s defiance, tried to dissuade him from worshiping Vishnu through threats, punishments, and even attempts to kill him. Prahlada, however, remained calm and steadfast, constantly chanting the name of Vishnu and placing his trust in the Bhagwan’s protection.
In a fit of anger, Hiranyakashipu confronted Prahlada and asked him mockingly, “If your Vishnu is everywhere, is he present in this pillar too?” Prahlada confidently replied, “Yes, he is.” Enraged, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with his mace, and to his shock, the pillar cracked open, and Bhagwan Narasimha emerged. He was neither fully human nor animal, appearing as a terrifying being with the body of a man and the head and claws of a lion. This form, which defied the conditions of Brahma’s boon, was chosen by Vishnu to end Hiranyakashipu’s tyranny.
At twilight, Bhagwan Narasimha dragged Hiranyakashipu to the threshold of the palace, a place that was neither inside nor outside. There, he placed the demon king on his lap, which was neither land, water, nor sky, and tore him apart with his claws, which were neither weapons nor tools. Thus, Hiranyakashipu was slain, and the Bhagwan restored peace to the universe.
Afterward, Bhagwan Narasimha’s rage was calmed by Prahlada’s devotion and prayers. The young boy offered hymns and surrendered completely to the Bhagwan, who blessed him with protection and prosperity. Prahlada’s unwavering faith and the dramatic intervention of Bhagwan Narasimha became eternal symbols of the triumph of dharma and the Bhagwan’s promise to protect his devotees.
This story is central to the Narasimha Dwadashi festival, as it highlights the qualities of courage, faith, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Devotees celebrate this day by recounting the tale, performing pujas, chanting Narasimha mantras, and seeking the Bhagwan’s blessings for protection and strength in their own lives.
Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi
Narasimha Dwadashi will be observed on Monday, March 10th, 2025.
Key Timings for Narasimha Dwadashi 2025:
- Dwadashi Tithi begins at 07:45 AM on March 10 (IST)
- Dwadashi Tithi ends at 08:14 AM on March 11 (IST)
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Madhyahna Time:
11:43 AM to 01:57 PM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 14 Minutes -
Narasimha Dwadashi Snan Muhurat:
06:00 AM to 08:12 AM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 12 Minutes
Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.
How to Celebrate Narasimha Dwadashi
Preparing for the Day
The celebration of Narasimha Dwadashi begins with an early morning bath, ideally before sunrise, symbolizing purification of the body and mind. Devotees clean their homes and create a sacred space for worship, setting up an altar with an image or idol of Bhagwan Narasimha. The altar is adorned with flowers, lamps, and sacred items to create a serene and divine atmosphere.
Observing a Fast
Fasting is a central aspect of Narasimha Dwadashi, observed as an act of devotion and self-discipline. Devotees may follow a complete fast (nirjala vrat) or consume only fruits and milk throughout the day. Abstaining from grains, pulses, and tamasic foods is essential. The fast is an offering of surrender to the Bhagwan, allowing devotees to focus solely on spiritual practices and align their thoughts with dharma.
Performing the Puja
Devotees worship Bhagwan Narasimha by offering flowers, fruits, incense, and lighted lamps while chanting sacred mantras such as the Narasimha Kavacha or 'Om Namo Narayanaya.' The puja involves reciting hymns and scriptures that glorify Bhagwan Narasimha, such as passages from the Bhagavata Purana, emphasizing his role as the protector of dharma and his unwavering support for devotees like Prahlada.
Chanting and Reading Scriptures
Throughout the day, devotees immerse themselves in chanting Bhagwan Narasimha’s mantras and reading or listening to stories from scriptures. The story of Bhagwan Narasimha’s incarnation, his protection of Prahlada, and his victory over Hiranyakashipu is central to the day’s observances. Reflecting on these tales inspires courage, faith, and devotion in the lives of devotees.
Evening Aarti and Bhajans
In the evening, devotees perform Aarti, waving a lit oil lamp in front of Bhagwan Narasimha’s image or idol while singing bhajans and hymns in his praise. This practice signifies the removal of darkness and negativity while invoking divine energy into the home. The melodious chanting of Narasimha's glory fills the atmosphere with spiritual fervor and devotion.
Charity and Acts of Kindness
Charity is an integral part of Narasimha Dwadashi. Devotees distribute food, clothes, or money to the poor and needy, reflecting the compassionate nature of Bhagwan Narasimha. Feeding animals, especially cows, is also considered an auspicious act on this day, as it honors all living beings as part of the divine creation.
Breaking the Fast
The fast is broken the following morning on the Dwadashi tithi, during the prescribed Parana time, typically after sunrise. Devotees consume a light and sattvic meal, ensuring that the purity of the observance is maintained. Breaking the fast with gratitude is an essential aspect, as devotees thank Bhagwan Narasimha for his blessings, protection, and grace.
Reflecting on the Teachings
The day concludes with personal reflection on the teachings of Bhagwan Narasimha’s story. Devotees meditate on his qualities of courage, justice, and compassion, drawing inspiration to overcome their own challenges and lead a life rooted in faith and righteousness. This reflection helps internalize the spiritual essence of Narasimha Dwadashi, extending its impact beyond the day of celebration.
Narasimha Dwadashi Festival Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)
By following this puja procedure with devotion and discipline, devotees honor the divine energy of Bhagwan Narasimha, deepen their spiritual connection, and receive his blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Preparation for the Puja
The puja for Narasimha Dwadashi begins with careful preparation early in the morning. Devotees take a sacred bath before sunrise, purifying themselves to approach the rituals with a clean body and mind. The home and the designated worship area are cleaned thoroughly, and a sacred altar is set up. This altar is adorned with an image or idol of Bhagwan Narasimha, flowers, incense, lamps, and other sacred items, creating a serene environment for worship.
Sankalp and Offering of Prayers
Devotees take a sankalp (vow) before starting the puja, pledging to perform the rituals with sincerity and devotion. The puja begins with lighting a ghee lamp and incense sticks, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance. Devotees offer fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, and fruits at the feet of Bhagwan Narasimha, along with sacred water, sweets, and other offerings. The worship of Bhagwan Narasimha is accompanied by the recitation of his mantras, such as 'Om Namo Narayanaya' or the powerful 'Narasimha Kavacha Stotra.'
Recitation of Scriptures and Mantras
The puja includes reading or listening to sacred scriptures that narrate the story of Bhagwan Narasimha’s incarnation, particularly from the Bhagavata Purana . Devotees chant hymns glorifying Bhagwan Narasimha, such as the Vishnu Sahasranama or passages dedicated to him. These recitations and mantras are believed to invoke the Bhagwan's divine presence, granting protection and blessings to the devotees.
Evening Aarti and Bhajans
In the evening, the puja continues with Aarti, where a lit lamp is waved in front of Bhagwan Narasimha’s image in a circular motion, accompanied by devotional hymns and bhajans. This practice represents offering light and devotion to the Bhagwan, inviting his divine grace into the home. The atmosphere becomes charged with spirituality as devotees chant his names and express their heartfelt prayers.
Concluding the Puja
The puja concludes with heartfelt gratitude and prayers to Bhagwan Narasimha, seeking his blessings for courage, protection, and guidance. Devotees circumambulate the altar or the temple, symbolizing their surrender to the Bhagwan and their commitment to following dharma. The day is completed with charity and acts of kindness, reflecting the compassionate qualities of Bhagwan Narasimha.
Narasimha Dwadashi Puja Mantra
Narasimha Maha Mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya
Namastejas-tejase Avir-avirbhava
Vajra-nakha Vajra-damshtra
Karma-sayan Randhaya Randhaya
Tamo-grasa Grasa Om Swaha”
Meaning : 'O Bhagwan Narasimha, I bow to you, the most powerful being, who is radiant with divine energy. O Bhagwan with diamond-like claws and teeth, destroy my karma, and dispel the darkness of ignorance.'
Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
The Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat (Fasting) is primarily a day of self-discipline and devotion, observed to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Narasimha. Below is the way to fasting during this day, ensuring both physical and spiritual benefits:
Begin the Day with Intention:
Start the day early with a bath, symbolizing physical and mental purification. Take a vow to observe the fast with sincerity, dedicating the day to spiritual growth and devotion to Bhagwan Narasimha.
Fasting Rules:
- Complete Fast (Nirjala Vrat): For those capable, avoid consuming any food or water throughout the day. This is considered the highest form of fasting, symbolizing complete surrender to the divine.
- Partial Fast (Phalahar Vrat): If a complete fast is not possible, consume only light, sattvic foods like fruits, milk, or fresh juices. Avoid grains, cereals, pulses, and tamasic foods like onion, garlic, and processed items.
Stay hydrated if health conditions require it, but avoid heavy or indulgent foods.
Focus During the Fast:
Use the fasting period as a time to detach from material concerns and focus inward. Avoid distractions like excessive talking, negative thoughts, or unnecessary physical exertion. Instead, engage in quiet reflection or chanting simple mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya.”
Avoiding Overindulgence:
During the fast, refrain from consuming rich or calorie-dense foods, even if partial fasting is observed. The goal is to practice self-restraint and simplicity to purify the body and mind.
Breaking the Fast (Parana):
End the fast the following morning, on Dwadashi Tithi, after sunrise during the prescribed Parana time. Break the fast with light sattvic foods, such as fruits, milk, or plain rice, avoiding heavy or spicy meals. Express gratitude for the strength to observe the fast and the blessings received.
Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
The most narrated Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat Katha revolves around the divine intervention of Bhagwan Narasimha to protect his devotee Prahlada and uphold dharma. This timeless story is a cornerstone of devotion, faith, and divine justice, as narrated in the Bhagavata Purana.
In ancient times, there lived a powerful asura king named Hiranyakashipu, who had gained near immortality through a boon granted by Bhagwan Brahma. This boon dictated that Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by man or beast, during the day or night, inside or outside, on land, in water, or in the sky, nor by any weapon. Drunk with power, he proclaimed himself the supreme being and forbade the worship of any gods, including Bhagwan Vishnu.
However, his son Prahlada, a young boy filled with unshakable faith in Bhagwan Vishnu, defied his father’s commands. From an early age, Prahlada displayed unwavering devotion to Vishnu, often chanting his name and teaching others about dharma. Despite Hiranyakashipu’s efforts to dissuade and punish him—including cruel attempts on his life—Prahlada remained calm and steadfast, trusting Vishnu to protect him.
Furious at his son’s defiance, Hiranyakashipu confronted Prahlada and mockingly asked, “If your Vishnu is everywhere, is he present in this pillar too?” Prahlada confidently replied, “Yes, He is everywhere.” Enraged, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with his mace. To his astonishment, the pillar split open, and Bhagwan Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu, emerged in a form that defied the conditions of the boon.
At twilight, Narasimha dragged Hiranyakashipu to the threshold of the palace, which was neither inside nor outside. Placing him on his lap, which was neither land, water, nor sky, Narasimha tore him apart with his claws, which were neither weapons nor tools. Hiranyakashipu was slain, and dharma was restored.
Afterward, Bhagwan Narasimha, still in a fierce form, was calmed by Prahlada’s sincere prayers and devotion. Prahlada offered hymns in praise of Narasimha, acknowledging his supreme protection and justice. Narasimha blessed Prahlada, declaring that devotees who observe the Narasimha Dwadashi vrat with faith and devotion would be protected from harm, absolved of sins, and granted liberation.
This katha is recited on Narasimha Dwadashi to emphasize the values of faith, courage, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It inspires devotees to surrender to Bhagwan Narasimha, trusting in his power to protect and guide them on the path of righteousness.
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Lord Narasimha Puja Mantra Japa and Yajna
Bhagwan Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu and is considered as one of the most powerful forms of Bhagwan Vishnu. Bhagwan Narasimha is depicted as half-man and half-lion; Bhagwan Vishnu took the incarnation as Narasimha to slay the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Bhagwan Narasimha symbolizes the victory of Dharma over adharma or good over evil. For His devotees Bhagwan Narasimha is the supreme protector against all evils and misfortunes. Bhagwan Narasimha figures prominently in numerous ancient scriptures including the Vedas, Puranas and even Mahabharata.
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Conclusion
Narasimha Dwadashi celebrates the victory of faith over fear, truth over tyranny, and dharma over chaos. Bhagwan Narasimha’s fierce yet compassionate presence assures us that no matter how insurmountable life’s challenges may seem, divine protection is always near for those who surrender with unwavering devotion. As the day concludes with heartfelt prayers and reflections, it leaves devotees with renewed strength, courage, and the wisdom to walk steadfastly on the path of righteousness, knowing that the Bhagwan’s grace is their greatest shield.
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