Narasimha Jayanti is mentioned in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana as Narasimha Chaturdashi. The worship of Narasimha has existed in South India for thousands of years. The Pallava dynasty helped popularize this tradition and its practices. Inscriptions from the time of the Vijayanagara Empire also mention this occasion.

Mythological Basis:

Narasimha Jayanti is mentioned in several ancient scriptures, including the Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Vishnu Purana. This festival is celebrated on Vaishakh Shukla Chaturdashi — the day when Lord Vishnu appeared in his fourth incarnation as Narasimha to protect his devoted follower Prahlad and to slay the tyrant king Hiranyakashyap, Prahlad’s father. Hiranyakashyap believed he was immortal due to the powers he gained from a boon. However, Lord Vishnu defied all the conditions of the boon — He appeared neither during the day nor at night; neither inside nor outside; neither as a man nor as an animal; and used neither a weapon nor any tool to kill him. Emerging from a pillar in the form of a half-lion, half-man, He destroyed Hiranyakashyap. This incarnation is considered fierce yet just.

 Importance:

Narasimha Jayanti is a festival that symbolizes the restoration of dharma (righteousness) and the protection of devotion. This day reminds us that God can cross any boundary to protect His true devotees. The form of Lord Narasimha shows that when evil reaches its peak, divine power itself incarnates to end it. On this day, fasting, fire rituals (havan), chanting of mantras, and reciting the Narasimha Chalisa are considered especially beneficial. Chanting mantras helps remove fear, obstacles, diseases, and negative energies. Narasimha Jayanti is not just a festival — it is a living example of faith, protection, and divine justice.