Nava Narasimha

Nava Narasimha
God of Protection, Destruction, Yoga and Kala (Time); The Destroyer of Evil and Fear 9 forms of Narasimha
Devanagari	नव नरसिंह
Affiliation	Narasimha, Vishnu, Vaishnavism, Sri Vaishnavism
Abode	Ahobilam
Planet	all nine Navagraha
Weapon	Sudarshana Chakra, Kaumodaki, Nails, Teeth
Mount	Garuda
Festivals	Narasimha Jayanti, Ekadasi
Consort	Lakshmi

Nava Narasimha (Sanskrit: नव नरसिंह), are nine manifestations and forms of Narasimha in Hinduism, especially worshipped during Narasimha Jayanti and Ekadasi periods. This was first worshiped in the Ahobila Nava Narasimha Swamy Temple

Background

The Nava Narasimha are the nine specific forms of Lord Narasimha, a fierce avatar of lord Vishnu, worshipped to seek protection from evil, curses, and dangers. These forms are believed to offer divine protection, victory over enemies, and the restoration of health and dharma.

Iconography

Ugra Narasimha

Ugra Narasimha

The first form is Ugra Narasimha. Ugra means ferociousness, and he is represented as the epitome of ferocity with Hiranyakashipu, the asura king disemboweled on his lap, and the intestines of the asura adorning on Narasimha's neck. He is fierce, aggressive, and full of wrath radiated towards evil. Beyond ferocity, Ugra Narasimha represents the will and power to destroy evil and protect what’s just. It is also believed that he gave darshan to sage Adi Shankaracharya and Garuda in this form. Ugra Narasimha is associated with the planet Brihaspati (Jupiter).

Yoga Narasimha

Yoga Narasimha

Yoga Narasimha is represented as a calm deity, holding a meditative pose with his legs crossed and eyes closed. His hands rest on his lap, holding the mudra of peace. He helps his devotees enjoy peace, harmony, and calm in life. It is notable that Yoga Narasimha signifies that true power lies in control and is also a way to channel inner power through meditation. Many temples in South India are dedicated to Yoga Narasimha, and he is often present at yoga and meditation halls as an ideal symbol to tame the inner rage.

Jwala Narasimha

Jwala Narasimha

Jwala Narasimha is a fierce form represented by fiery eyes, divine anger, and flames. Jwala Narasimha is closely related to the power of fire and intense energy. He is seen holding the Chakra and Gada, weapons to destroy the ultimate evil. Jwala Narasimha is known for his fiery nature and often prays to remove obstacles, evil, and impurities from life. One of the most notable temples dedicated to Jwala Narasimha is the Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh.

Lakshmi Narasimha

Lakshmi Narasimha

Main article: Lakshmi Narasimha

In this form, Lord Narasimha is seen with Goddess Lakshmi as Senju Laksmi on his lap, radiating serenity and love. The story goes that after Narasimha kills Hiranyakashipu, he can’t control his divine anger and drinks his blood. Despite Deva's attempt to calm him down, he stays wrathful. So, Goddess Lakshmi appeared and soothed Narasimha, assuring him that his devotee Prahlada and the world had been saved. Lord Narasimha calms down, and he is seen as a representation of gentleness. He is decorated with ornaments and garlands, holding his Sudarshana Chakra and his conch shell, Panchajany.

Bhargava Narasimha

This form of Narasimha is closely associated with Parashurama, another avatar of Lord Vishnu. Bhargava Narasimha is represented by a more serene, calm outlook, unlike Ugra and Jwala Narasimhar. Signifying strength and serenity, this form of Narasimha is an ideal combination for a warrior. Barghava Narasimha is worshipped to receive blessings of protection and destruction from evil. He is a blend of strength and rigor and holds a unique place among his devotees. In this form, he is depicted carrying the Sudarshana Chakra, conch shell, bow, and arrow.

Krodha (Varaha) Narasimha

Krodha (Varaha) Narasimha

Kroda Narasimha is a divine union of the Narasimha, the 4th avatar and Varaha, the 3rd avatar. He is represented as having protruding teeth, as in Varaha with a lion's head, holding Mother Earth between his teeth. his form of Narasimha is fierceness and protectiveness combined with the rescuing and earth-sustaining qualities of Varaha. This form of Narasimha is known for protecting his devotees, just like how he protects Mother Earth from cosmic upheaval, restating Lord Vishnu’s role as the cosmic protector who ensures balance and harmony.

Malola Narasimha

Malola Narasimha

Malola Narasimha is one of the calmest forms of the Nava Narasimha. Ma means, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lola means loved, this form is a serene portrayal of Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi. It also means Narasimha is the "beloved of Goddess Lakshmi". Characterized by his affection and calm nature, Narasimha is depicted with Goddess Lakshmi seated on his lap. The form symbolises his loving and protective nature, holding the chakra and conch and embracing Lakshmi. The divine power is not only fierce but also soft, assuring, warm, and compassionate, and seeking the blessing of this Narasimha is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and harmony in relationships.

Chatravata Narasimha

Chatravata Narasimha is depicted sitting under a banyan tree, signifying his connection with nature. He exhibits a calm, composed, and serene demean-or while holding the chakra and conch shell, along with musical instruments, displaying his connection with the arts and music. This form of Narasimha is worshipped to invoke blessings of prosperity, peace, and harmony in life.

Pavana Narasimha

Pavana Narasimha

The word Pavana means “purifier," representing him as the one who purifies. He is seen in a standing posture with a warm, serene, and tranquil expression. Worshipping Pavama Narasimha is believed to cleanse souls for spiritual well-being. He is also related to providing relief from illness and nurturing the health of his devotees.

Temples

Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam

• Nava Narasimha Kshetra, Ahobilam, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, India: The temple where nine of the Nava Narasimha are worshipped.
• Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India: It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. As per the temple's legend, Vishnu manifested in this form (lion's head and human body) after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter's father Hiranyakashipu.

See also

• Narasimha
• Vishnu
• Vaishnavism