Narasimha Jayanti – The Day When Lord Vishnu Reincarnated Again

Narasimha Jayanti is the day when Lord Vishnu reincarnated himself as Lord Narasimha, the half-lion half-man representation, who appeared to protect his devotee Prahlad from his merciless father Hiranyakashyap. This pious and festive day is celebrated on the 14^th day of Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakha month of the Hindu calendar, and it falls on 9^th May this year.

The legend behind Narasimha Jayanti

King Hiranyakashyap had received a special boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by any human being or animal, by any kind of weapon, neither during day nor night, and neither indoors nor outdoors. After receiving this boon, he became very cruel and considered himself as Supreme, and forced every person in his kingdom to worship him. However, in spite of everything, his son Prahlad worshipped only Lord Vishnu. Angered, Hiranyakashyap decided to get his son killed. Even after his many attempts to do so, Prahlad was saved by his unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu every single time. Finally, on the 14^th day of Shukla Paksha, Lord Vishnu came in the form of Narasimha to kill Hiranyakashyap. He appeared as half-man half-lion and killed him with his lion-like nails at dusk, sitting on the edge of the palace’s door, thus satisfying all the conditions of the boon.

Rituals performed on Narasimha Jayanti

Since Lord Narasimha appeared at dusk, devotees pray to him every year on Narasimha Jayanti in the evening. They take Sankalp during the afternoon and perform Lord Narasimha Pujan during Sandhyakaal before sunset. They also observe the Narasimha Jayanti Vratam, which is a fast similar to the rules and guidelines of Ekadashi fast. The devotees consume food only once a day and abstain from any kinds of cereals and grains for the entire day. This fast is broken the next day after sunrise by offering ‘Daan’ to Brahmins.

Nine forms of Lord Narasimha

Lord Narasimha is depicted in nine ferocious forms in Hindu scriptures and Puranas. All these nine forms are explained below.

Sri Jwala Narasimha – This is the form in which Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashyap. Worshipping this form can help attain success in all endevours.

Sri Ugra Narasimha – Worshipping this form of Lord Narasimha can help in developing business and winning over professional competition.

Sri Bhargava Narasimha – Worshipping this form of the Lord can help to gain leadership qualities, and attain political and administrative powers.

Sri Yoga Narasimha – As the name suggests, in this form Lord Narasimha taught Prahlad the Yog to attain eternal bliss. So, worshipping him in this form can help to attain peace, harmony, and eternal bliss.

Sri Malola Narasimha – This form of the Lord is worshipped to gain blessings for the family and to eliminate relationship problems. Also, debts can be removed by seeking blessings from Sri Malola Narasimha.

Sri Krodha Narasimha – This form of the Lord can remove obstacles from life and ensure growth in career, especially pertaining to land and real estate.

Sri Pavana Narasimha – Worshipping this form of Lord Narasimha liberates one from sins committed in the past and present life, filling oneself with love and compassion.

Sri Chatravata Narasimha – One can gain proficiency and excel in arts, and can gain all kinds of comforts in life by worshipping this form.

Sri Karanja Narasimha – All sorts of desires can be fulfilled while achieving enlightenment, and protection from enemies can also be achieved by worshipping this form of Lord Narasimha.

Since Lord Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is also equally substantial. If you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, you can also perform the Satyanarayan Katha on this day with the help of professionals like MakeMyPuja to offer gratitude and seek blessings of the Lord.

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Significance And Rituals Of Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi occurs during the waning phase of the moon in Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar; and this year it is to fall on 22^nd February. The significance and prominence of this Ekadashi is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. King Yudhishtira was seen to ask Lord Krishna about the significance of this remarkable Ekadashi, and also Lord Brahma was seen to give the same understanding to Narada. They both taught the same thing that Vijaya Ekadashi is the greatest of all the Ekadashis observed throughout the year, and observing fast on this day and worshipping Lord Vishnu brings great benefits.

Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi

The legend of Vijaya Ekadashi is related to Lord Rama. As per the legend, when Lord Rama was heading towards Lanka to free Sita from the abduction of Ravana, he confronted a huge sea and didn’t know how he would cross the water. It was Lakshmana who then took him to Sage Bakadalabhya, who advised Lord Rama to observe a fast, and told him that observing this fast will help him to be victorious over the evil powers of Ravana. Thus, Lord Rama observed the fast and successfully rescued his wife Sita. Ever since, the Vijaya Ekadashi fast is observed by devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu with tremendous zeal, faith and enthusiasm. It is believed that this fast helps to remove all guilt associated with sins committed in the past and also helps in attaining victory by removing all obstacles.

How to observe Vijaya Ekadashi?

The Vijaya Ekadashi fast is observed just like any other Ekadashi fast by following the same rules, customs and rituals. Devotees are required to fast for 24 hours, wherein they are allowed to eat only one meal in the entire day. They are refrained from consuming grains, rice and honey. Fruits, vegetable, nuts and milk products can be consumed. The fast begins from the night before Ekadashi and is broken on the morning after Ekadashi, after praying to Lord Vishnu and lighting a lamp.

Why should you observe Vijaya Ekadashi?

There are many incidents and qualities of Lord Rama’s life that inspire devotees to learn how to lead a life. And, this should be just one of them. Lord Rama had observed this fast to defeat the demon Ravana. Similarly, we must observe this fast to defeat the demons sitting within our mind, which are lust, greed, anger, ego, attachment and fear of death. We need to overcome these demons to attain peace and joy in our life, and salvation after death. Observing Vijaya Ekadashi and performing all the rituals in the right way is one step in helping  you achieve all of this and success in every phase of life. There are many other rituals, customs and Pujas that Hindus can perform to get rid of worldly problems and attain peace and success in life. For any kind of Puja or assistance regarding what kind of Puja you must perform for your individual benefit, you can get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you.

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Vijaya Ekadashi

Lord Vishnu is one of the most significant Gods worshipped by the Hindus during Magha Maas that falls between January-February every year. People take dips during early mornings in the holy river of Ganga during these months, and especially on Magha Purnima. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in this holy river during this auspicious time and blesses all those who bathe there to get rid of their sins. After Magha Purnima comes Vijaya Ekadashi, another auspicious day when Lord Vishnu is worshipped. Vijaya Ekadashi as known in North India is known as Pankoddhar Ekadashi in Orissa, Mukkoti Ekadashi in Andhra Pradesh, and Baikuntha Ekadashi in South India.

Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the day of the waning phase of the moon in Krishna Paksha; and this year it is to fall on 22^nd February. Millions of Hindus fast on this day to please Lord Vishnu. It is believed that those who perform Vijaya Ekadashi can overcome their fears and conquer their senses. It strengthens individuals to overcome any kinds of difficulties. It is also believed that those who fast on this day are blessed to enter Vishnulok – the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi

It is believed that Lord Rama, before marching towards Lanka with his 'vaanar sena', observed this Vijaya Ekadashi fast. When Lord Rama could see no means to cross the mighty ocean to reach Lanka, he began praying and decided to observe fast, as advised by sage Bakadalabhya. The sage also told Lord Rama that his fast would be a source of inspiration for millions of Vishnu devotees, and that his victory will be for sure. Also, in Skanda Purana, Lord Brahma narrated to sage Narada the importance of fasting and praying on Vijaya Ekadashi.

How to perform Vijaya Ekadashi?

Vijaya Ekadashi is to be strictly followed for 24 hours. Devotees are advised to take bath with coconut oil and turmeric. People take bath in the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Padma and Mahanadi early morning on this day to begin their fast. Fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the other 23 Ekadashis of the Hindu calendar. This fasting liberates an individual from the cycle of birth and death. Due to this, it is also known as Mokshadeyi Ekadashi. Devotees chant the Gayatri Mantra and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Lamps of ghee are lit. The Vishnu Sahashranama is recited. Fasting includes abstinence from evil actions, bad thoughts and worldly pursuits. Brahmins are offered food and alms to get rid of past sins. Devotees who observe this fast are only allowed to consume fruits, nuts and milk on this day. Also, chick peas and jaggery are allowed. The fast is broken at dawn by consuming cereal and jaggery.

Vijaya Ekadashi ensures purity of mind, body and soul in various ways. If you are looking for such kind of peace and purity in life, you must also perform this fasting and prayer. Not only Lord Vishnu, but whichever God and Goddess you worship and whichever kind of Puja you are looking for, you can always rely on MakeMyPuja to help you with any kind of assistance. You can also hire MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you perform all sorts of Pujas in the most appropriate manner to help bring the best outcomes.

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