NARSIMHA CHATURDASI PLAN
๐ฏ๏ธ Special Offerings & Decor
Deepa Seva (Lamp Offering):
Light 108 ghee lamps in front of the deity.
Hold a deepa arati at dusk with collective singing.
Temple/Altar Decoration:
Decorate with lion motifs, garlands, rangoli, and festive lights.
Maha-Mantra Sankirtan:
Chant the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra collectively for purification and devotion.
Reading of Scriptures:
Read from Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 7, which details the story of Lord Narasimha.
Or hold a group reading / pravachan.
Discourse / Lecture:
Invite a spiritual speaker or senior devotee to give a talk on the significance of the day.
๐ Prasadam Distribution
Prepare a grand sattvic feast:
Include Lord Narasimhaโs favorite items like panakam (jaggery water), sweet pongal, laddus, etc.
Ensure all food is offered first to the deity, then distributed as prasadam.
Annadaan (Food Donation):
Distribute prasadam to the needy, homeless, or in local temples/ashrams.
๐ฟ Seva and Outreach
Tulasi and Tree Planting Drive:
As Lord Narasimha is connected with nature, you may plant tulsi or neem trees.
Charity or Seva Projects:
Donate clothes, food, or books in honor of Lord Narasimha.
Organize a medical camp or help at orphanages.
๐๏ธ Spiritual & Ritual Activities
Fasting (Vrat):
Devotees usually observe a strict fast, often Nirjala (without water), or at least an Ekadashi-style fast (no grains or beans).
Fast is broken the next day after sunrise or after midnight abhishekam, depending on tradition.
Abhishekam (Sacred Bathing) of Lord Narasimha:
Perform panchamrita abhishekam (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) and herbal abhishekam with tulsi water, sandalwood, etc.
Chant Narasimha mantras during the abhishekam (e.g., Om Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum...).
Alankaram (Deity Decoration):
Decorate the deity with flowers, ornaments, lion motifs, and weapons.
Create a powerful and royal look to reflect Lord Narasimha's fierce form.
Special Narasimha Puja and Archana:
Perform 108 or 1008 names (Narasimha Ashtottara / Sahasranama) archana.
Offer tulsi leaves, garlands, and sattvic bhoga.
Evening Kirtan and Bhajans:
Sing devotional songs and Narasimha bhajans (e.g., "Jaya Narasimha, Jaya Jaya Narasimha").
Include traditional instruments like mridanga and kartal.
Storytelling or Drama (Prahlada Charitra):
Narrate or enact the story of Prahlada and Lord Narasimha.
This can be done by children or youth in your community.
๐ Midnight Celebration (if following Vaishnava tradition)
Midnight Arati & Kirtan:
Some traditions (especially ISKCON or Gaudiya Vaishnavas) perform midnight arati, celebrating the exact time of Lord Narasimhaโs appearance.
Offer charanamrita, sing kirtans, and break fast after the arati.