In just four days, it will be Narasimha Caturdashi! ugram viram maha-vishnum jvalantam sarvato mukham”!
As we prepare our hearts for the glorious appearance of Lord Narasimhadeva — the fiercest yet most compassionate incarnation of the Supreme Lord, who appeared solely to protect His pure devotee, Prahlada Maharaja.
His appearance reminds us of an eternal truth:
No matter how dark the times, how powerful the enemy, or how alone the devotee feels — the Lord will come. Even through a pillar, if He must.
To celebrate this sacred occasion of Narasimha Caturdashi, let’s meditate on the nine most powerful and divine forms of Lord Narasimha, revealed in the sacred forests of Ahobilam, each to a unique mood of protection.
1. Ahobila Narasimha
Residing in a cave, this is the main deity of Ahobilam. Here, the Lord appeared in His most ferocious form, just after slaying Hiranyakashipu. His name, “Ahobila,” comes from “Aho” (wonder!) and “bila” (cave).
2. Jwala Narasimha
Jwala Narasimha is the form where the Lord’s anger reaches its peak — eyes like fire, roaring like thunder, tearing apart adharma. This form is a reminder that no injustice goes unseen.
3. Malola Narasimha
After His wrath had subsided, Lord Narasimha sat down with Lakshmi Devi upon His lap. “Ma” refers to Lakshmi, and “Lola” means beloved. This is the most pleasing and approachable form — the Lord full of affection, smiling upon His devotees, ready to grant shelter and grace.
4. Krodha Narasimha (Varaha Narasimha)
This rare and powerful form shows Lord Narasimha with features of Varaha, His boar incarnation. He represents the force that lifts the Earth and protects the Vedas, destroying pride and restoring balance in creation.
5. Karanja Narasimha
Located under a Karanja tree, this form is worshipped even by Hanuman Himself. Here, Lord Narasimha wields a bow, showing His Ramachandra-like valor. He is the protector of the humble and the upholder of dharma.
6. Bhargava Narasimha
Worshipped by Parashurama, the warrior-sage of the Bhargava lineage, this form is invoked to conquer pride and arrogance. A powerful guardian for those struggling with ego or injustice.
7. Yogananda Narasimha
After destroying the demon, Lord Narasimha taught the secrets of yoga and inner peace to Prahlada Maharaja. In this form, He sits serenely, embodying divine stillness, and inspires us toward spiritual discipline and surrender.
8. Chatravata Narasimha
Surrounded by a natural canopy of trees, this enchanting form is worshipped by the Gandharvas — celestial musicians. He is the Lord of melody and beauty, and bestows creativity, joy, and inspiration to all who sing His glories.
9. Pavana Narasimha
Deep within the forest lies Pavana Narasimha, the most peaceful and sanctifying form. “Pavana” means purifier. Even the most fallen souls, when they approach Him with humility, are uplifted and cleansed by His mercy.
Meditate, Celebrate, and Take Shelter
These forms are not just historical or mythological — they are eternally present, waiting for the devotee’s call. As Narasimha Caturdashi approaches, let us open our hearts, chant His names, and pray:
"O Lord Narasimhadeva, remover of all fear, please reside within my heart. Protect me from the demons of doubt, despair, and pride. Guide me toward truth, devotion, and fearlessness."
Jaya Jaya Sri Narasimhadeva!
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Narasimha-Caturdasi
Today is the seventh day of the Chandan Yatra, concluding the first special seven days of this divine summer festival, where each day, our beloved Lords are adorned in unique and exquisite vesas (outfits) as part of their cooling sandalwood pastimes.
Our beloved Madhava and Chota Madhava appeared today in the majestic Chakra Narayana Vesa, completely draped in blue — a vision reminiscent of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan Dham, immersed in the transcendental moods of the divine forest.
Alongside this, we reflect on a heartfelt prayer from Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī (Padyāvalī):
“The elephant of my mind is drowning in the waters of material illusion. Strongly held by the ferocious crocodile of the threefold miseries, it anxiously cries with fear in its heart. O Lord Hari, please rescue it with Your glowing Sudarśana cakra, which cuts the sufferings of the demigods to pieces.”
Let us offer the struggles of our minds at the Lord’s feet and remember His Sudarśana, which can dispel all darkness and suffering.
Today is also the final day of the Boat Festival for Chota Radha Madhava, who have delighted us for seven nights with Their blissful boat pastimes. Their gentle swaying upon the sacred waters has touched the hearts of thousands.
But the celebrations continue! Very soon, we will welcome the Boat Festival of Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe!
Just yesterday, Lord Jagannatha was dressed in the stunning Govardhana Vesa, draped in blue — symbolizing His mighty pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill and sheltering the Vrajavasis.
May these first seven days of Chandan Yatra forever cool our hearts, purify our minds, and deepen our love for the Lord. The journey continues, and so does the joy!
Jaya Jagannatha! Jaya Radha Madhava!
Today, the Lords appear in Their Khat Doli Vesa, gracefully enjoying Their eternal swing pastimes beneath the lush groves of Vrindavan. As the golden swing sways gently from a flowering tree, Their transcendental beauty captivates the hearts of all who behold Them.
As described in Bhakti Ratnakara by Pundarika Vidyanidhi:
“Krishna is enjoying the beauty of Radha-kunda.
The kunda is full of pure water and lotuses.
Bumblebees hum amongst the lotuses, and the gentle wind causes small ripples in the water.
Aquatics move pleasurably through the water.
The banks of the kunda are decorated with different kinds of gems.
The covered terrace on the bank is decorated with painted pictures.
The abode of Cupid bows its head, feeling inferior.
The birds and peacocks sing and dance as Radha and Krishna swing on a golden gem-studded swing hanging from the tree.”
Today’s darshan invites us into this beautiful realm of Chota Radha Madhava — where the divine love swings to the rhythm of birdsong, and every breeze carries the scent of eternity.
Sri Radha Madhava Ki Jai!!!
Click for Darshan Photos
Today, our beloved Lords appear in Their enchanting Vana Bihari form — the divine forest wanderer, delighting in sweet pastimes beneath flowering trees and along the cooling banks of the Yamuna.
Adorned with fresh sandalwood paste, vibrant forest garlands, and the aroma of Vrindavan’s wilderness, They remind us of playful moments spent with cowherd friends — laughter echoing through the groves, the soft murmur of bees and birds, and the sacred joy of divine companionship.
As described so sweetly in the Garga Samhita:
“After rescuing the calves and gopas from the death in Aghasura’s mouth, Sri Krishna went to the Yamuna’s shore and spoke the following delightful words:
‘O gopas, let us go to this beautiful and pleasing riverbank of soft sands, which is flooded with pollen from the lotuses blossoming in autumn, fragrant with a breeze carrying three scents, and filled with trees, vines and the humming of bees.
And now that three hours have passed and it is time for lunch, let us take our lunch here. I see that this place with soft sands is a very good place for our lunch. The calves will drink the water here, and then they will go to the new grasses there.’
Hearing Krishna’s words, the boys said, ‘So be it’. They all sat down on the riverbank to take lunch.”
— Sri Garga Samhita, Ch 7, Texts 3–7
Such is the sweetness of Krishna's company — where every leaf whispers love, every breeze carries joy, and every moment becomes a divine festival.
