Vaishnava festival
Nṛsiṁha Caturdaśī: the appearance of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva
The day God appeared half man and half lion to protect a child devotee.
What is celebrated
Prahlāda was a five-year-old boy, a devotee of Vishnu and the son of the tyrant Hiraṇyakaśipu, who considered himself lord of the universe. Enraged by his son’s devotion, the father tried to kill him in every way possible, without success.
One day he asked him mockingly whether his God was also in the pillar of the palace. Prahlāda said yes. Hiraṇyakaśipu struck it, and out of it came the Lord in a form no one had ever seen: Nṛsiṁha, half man and half lion. It happened at dusk.
Devotees turn to Nṛsiṁhadeva as a protector, and ask Him above all to remove the obstacles in their own hearts.
How it is celebrated
- Devotees fast until dusk, the hour He appeared.
- The story of Prahlāda and his prayers, in the seventh canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, are read.
- At dusk ārati is held with the prayers to Nṛsiṁhadeva.
In 2026 it falls on 30 April 2026, according to the calendar calculated for London. In 2027 it will be on 19 May 2027. Vaishnava dates follow the moon and change every year: check them in the calendar. Each temple organises its own programme; ask at your nearest one.