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Narasimha Chaturdashi

Lord Narasimha (Nrsimhadeva) — the Man-Lion avatar who appeared to protect Prahlada

ISKCON / Gaudiya Vaishnava

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Narasimha Chaturdashi (Sri Nrsimha Caturdasi) celebrates the appearance of Lord Narasimha — the 4th of the Dashavatara. Hiranyakashipu received boons so that he could not be killed by day or night, inside or outside, by man or animal, on earth or in sky, with a weapon or without. At the moment of dusk, on the threshold of a pillar in his own palace, on his own lap, with bare hands — Narasimha fulfilled every condition and destroyed the demon. Prahlada's pure devotion was vindicated. Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi — 2026: May 11 · 2027: Apr 30

Dates 2026–2027

April 30, 2026April 19, 2027

Mantra

Ugram viram maha-vishnum jvalantam sarvatomukham / Nrsimham bhishanam bhadram mrityur mrityum namamyaham

Nrsimha Pranama — the eight-line prayer to the ferocious yet merciful Lord Narasimha

I bow to Lord Narasimha — the fierce, the heroic, the great Vishnu, blazing and facing all directions, frightening yet auspicious, the death of death itself

How to recite

Fast from sunrise until sunset (the hour of Lord Narasimha's appearance). Chant 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. At dusk, perform special Narasimha puja: offer a lamp, flowers, and prasadam to the Lord. Recite the Nrsimha Pranama 3 times and chant the Narasimha Kavach if possible. Break the fast only after the evening arati and offering.

Benefits

Lord Narasimha appeared on Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi at the exact moment of dusk — neither day nor night — to fulfil all the boons of Hiranyakashipu and protect His pure devotee Prahlada. Fasting on this day and remembering this divine appearance destroys fear, evil, and all obstacles on the devotional path. Srila Prabhupada taught that Narasimha's protection is always available to a sincere devotee.

✦ Special Note

This is one of the most powerful and auspicious days in the Vaishnava calendar. ISKCON temples worldwide hold grand Narasimha puja at sunset with elaborate flower offerings, fire ceremony, and recitation of the Narasimha Kavach. Fast until sunset, then break the fast with prasadam. Recite the Nrsimha Pranama 108 times and meditate on Prahlada's complete surrender — 'namas te narasimhaya prahlada-hlada-dayine' (Salutations to Narasimha, the giver of joy to Prahlada).

Foods Allowed

Fruits — banana, apple, mango, grapes, pomegranate (fast until sunset)Milk, yogurt, and dairyNuts and dry fruitsSendha namak (rock salt) onlyCoconut waterAfter sunset puja: prasadam offered to Lord Narasimha

Foods to Avoid

ALL grains — no rice, wheat, corn, oats, dalOnion and garlic — never in ISKCON prasadamMeat, fish, eggsAny food before the sunset puja and offering to the Lord

Meal Idea

Fruit fast through the day — ripe mango with mishri, fresh coconut water, banana with ghee, and pomegranate seeds. After the sunset puja and Narasimha arati, take the prasadam reverently — whatever fruit or sweet was offered to the Lord

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