The sacred occasion of Sri Narasimha Jayanti, marking the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha, was joyously observed at both ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple and ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill on 22 May 2024. Devotees sought the blessings and protection of Lord Narasimha through earnest prayers and heartfelt celebrations and fasted until dusk on this day.
The celebrations at ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple began at 5:30 AM with a grand abhisheka to the mulavar Deity of Sri Prahlada Narasimha. The Lord was bathed with various substances such as panchamrita, panchagavya, fruit juices, and holy water from the kalashas, accompanied by various prayers and kirtans. Subsequently, devotees offered a special arati to the Lord, beautifully decorated with precious jewels and flower garlands. The morning celebrations included a sacred Narasimha Homa at 7:30 AM.
The evening festivities began at 6 PM with a Narasimha Homa, with the chanting of 108 auspicious names of Lord Narasimha. This was followed by an elaborate abhisheka and shayana arati to the utsavar Deity of the Lord. The event included a video presentation about the glories of Lord Narasimha, featuring an insightful speech by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman of Global Hare Krishna Movement and president of ISKCON Bangalore, who emphasised the importance of enhancing our Narasimha consciousness. The celebrations concluded with a jubilant shayana pallakki utsava.
At ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, celebrations began at 8 AM with a Narasimha Homa at Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple. Then a grand abhisheka was offered to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha at 11 AM, followed by a video presentation and a grand arati to Their Lordships, concluding the morning celebrations.
In the evening, at 6 PM, an elaborate abhisheka was performed to the utsavar Deity of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, followed by a video presentation. The celebrations concluded with an arati to Their Lordships while the devotees sang Sri Narasimha Ashtottara Shata Nama Stotra.
Lord Narasimha, celebrated as vighna-vinasha, the remover of obstacles, showers His protection and blessings upon those who surrender to Him, offering prayers and worship. His divine grace not only facilitates spiritual progress but also acts as a shield, safeguarding devotees from the trials and tribulations of life. This is the special mercy bestowed by this unique incarnation of the Supreme Lord.