Narasimha
The Man-Lion Avatar
The 4th avatar of Vishnu - half-man, half-lion. Hugely worshipped in Telugu states. Ahobilam in Kurnool has 9 Narasimha temples.
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: నరసింహుడు
- Also known as: Lakshmi Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha
- Weapons: Divine claws
- Symbols: Lion face, Human body, Fierce form
Story
Hiranyakashipudu earned a boon making him nearly invincible - he couldn't be killed by man or animal, inside or outside, by day or night. But his own son Prahlada was Vishnu's greatest devotee. When Hiranyakashipudu tried to kill Prahlada, Vishnu burst from a pillar as Narasimha - half-man half-lion (neither man nor animal), at sandhya kalam (neither day nor night), on the threshold (neither inside nor outside), placed the demon on his lap (neither ground nor sky), and tore him apart with his nails (neither weapon nor tool). Ahobilam in Kurnool district has 9 Narasimha temples and is the most important Narasimha kshetram. Simhachalam near Vizag and Yadagirigutta near Hyderabad (Lakshmi Narasimha) are among the most visited temples in Telugu states.
Fun fact
Yadagirigutta temple near Hyderabad was recently renovated at a cost of ₹1800 crores - the state government's devotion to Narasimha Swamy is a reflection of how deeply this deity is woven into Telugu identity.
Family and connections
- Avatar of: Vishnu