Narasimha Jayanti 2022: Date, timing, history and significance of day

Narasimha Jayanti is an important festival of the Hindu community. This auspicious day is grandly celebrated on Vaisakh Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Shukla Paksha. Also known as Narasimha Chaturdashi, this sacred festival will be marked on 14 May, (Saturday) this year. As per scriptures, on this day, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha, (half lion and half man) to kill Demon Hiranyakashipu. He appeared with the face and features of a lion but the body of a man. Lord Narasimha is the fourth incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu. Date and Timings: Sayana Kala puja time is from 4:29 pm to 7:05 pm (duration: 2 hours 36 mins). The following day (15 May), the Parana time for Narasimha Jayanti is after 12:45 pm. The Madhyahna Sankalp time is from 11:17 am to 1:53 pm. The tithi timing begins from 3:22 pm on 14 May and ends at 12:45 pm on 15 May. History and Significance: Lord Narasimha played a crucial role in the killing of the demon Hiranyakashipu. As per scared scriptures, Lord Narasimha appeared during the sunset on Vaisakh Chaturdashi to kill the demon, which is why his puja is performed only during those hours. The sole purpose of Narasimha Jayanti is to remove adharma (wickedness) and follow the path of dharma (righteousness). Doing so signifies the path towards the correct deeds and not hurting anyone. Devotees of Lord Vishnu consider Narasimha Jayanti to be a highly auspicious day. They usually observe a fast, perform puja, and chant mantras while others take a holy dip in the Ganga river. Rituals to follow during the day: -Devotees wake up early in the morning and take bath. They should wear new and clean clothes. -Those observing this day should fast from sunrise till the next day’s sunrise. However, devotees can have one meal in the entire day that should be without any cereals or grains. -The scared puja ceremony should be done with friends and relatives and items including flowers, sweets, kumkum, kesar; and coconut must be offered. -The puja, which is performed on this day, should have an idol or picture of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Laxmi. The Narasimha mantra must also be recited by devotees to please God. -People can also meditate and recite sacred mantras in isolation for better results.