Iskcon to celebrate Narsingha Chaturdasi

According to Hindu belief, Lord Narsingha is the most intense incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Known as the fourth avataar, he is believed to be the fiercest and removes all evil from devotees and protects them from all harm. He is worshipped by many people throughout the world, and is regarded to be the embodiment of victory over evil.

It is believed Lord Narsingha has a half-human and half-lion appearance.

Lord Narsingha is said to have more than 74 forms, among which there are nine forms of the lord which are most widely described. They are: Ugra Narsingha, Krodha Narsingha, Malola Narsingha, Jwala Narsingha, Vara Narsingha, Bhargwa Narsingha, Karnanja Narsingha, Yoga Narsingha and Lakshmi Narsingha.

Out of these forms, Lakshmi Narsingha is the form where goddess Lakshmi is sitting on his lap, and the lord is calmer than in his other forms.

Legend has it that after the death of his brother, Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu swore revenge on the lord and was eventually granted his boons by Lord Brahma.

Hiranyakashipu wanted to rule the three worlds: heaven, hell and earth. He asked Lord Brahma for immortality, but it was not granted.

He also asked Lord Brahma to not to be killed, either by man or beast. No god or evil would be able to slay him. He should not die during the night or day, or be killed with steel, wood or stone, and shouldn’t be killed, indoors or outdoors, not on earth or in the sky. Lord Brahma granted these wishes and Hiranyakashipu considered himself to be immortal.

To find out what happened to Hiranyakashipu and to learn how Lord Narsingha never allows evil to triumph over good, the International Society of Krishna Consciousness is inviting the community to its temple at 20 Toucan Place for a ceremony dedicated to Lord Narsingha on May 20.

The event will start at 6.30pm.

Those wishing to bring along flowers, milk or fruits, are encouraged to do so and must have their offerings at the temple by 6.15pm.

Prashad will be served.