The Lion-Man Avatar - Protector of Devotees
Lord Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He has the body of a man and the head and claws of a lion. Narasimha appeared to protect his young devotee Prahlada from his demonic father Hiranyakashipu. He emerged from a pillar at twilight, on the threshold of day and night, and killed the demon with his claws - neither a weapon nor bare hands.
Narasimha represents the triumph of good over evil and divine protection of devotees. He is also known as Nrisimha, Narasingh, and Yoga Narasimha. He is worshipped as a protector against evil forces and negative energies.
Prahlada was a young prince devoted to Lord Vishnu, despite his father Hiranyakashipu being a demon who hated Vishnu. The demon king had received a boon that he could not be killed by man or beast, day or night, inside or outside, on earth or in sky, by any weapon.
When Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada, Lord Vishnu emerged as Narasimha from a pillar at twilight (neither day nor night), in a doorway (neither inside nor outside), placed the demon on his lap (neither earth nor sky), and killed him with his claws (not a weapon). This avatar proved that God protects his true devotees.
Meditative peaceful form
Fierce angry form
With Lakshmi
With consort Lakshmi
Blessing Prahlada
Two-headed fierce form
ॐ नमो भगवते नरसिंहाय
ஓம் நமோ பகவதே நரஸிம்ஹாய
"Om, Salutations to Lord Narasimha"
ॐ क्ष्रौं नरसिंहाय नमः
ஓம் க்ஷௌம் நரஸிம்ஹாய நம:
Narasimha Bija Mantra - "Kshraum" is the seed syllable
Narasimha Gayatri
ॐ नारसिंहाय विद्महे वज्रनखाय धीमहि तन्नो सिंहः प्रचोदयात्
ஓம் நாரஸிம்ஹாய வித்மஹே வஜ்ரநகாய தீமஹி
Gayatri dedicated to Narasimha
Varaha Narasimha temple
9 Narasimha temples
Famous shrine
Jyotirmath temple
Panakala Narasimha
Rock-cut temple