The Myths of Narasimha and Vamana

The Myths of Narasimha and Vamana
Author: Deborah A. Soifer
Publisher: SUNY Press
Total Pages: 340
Release: 1991-01-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780791407998

The Sanskrit Puranas and epics are replete with stories of the avatars, incarnations of the god Visnu in various forms to rid the universe of malevolent forces and to restore the proper cosmic balance. As Narasimha, half-man half-lion, Visnu finds a loophole in the pact of invulnerability the demon Hiranaipu has received from god Brahma, and rends the demon apart with his claws. As the brahmin dwarf, Vamana, Visnu deceives the demon Bali with his diminutive appearance and thwarts Bali's attempt to gain universal sovereignty. After carefully analyzing the myths of Vamana and Narasimha, Deborah Soifer grounds her study in the textual history of each avatar and its myth, in their religious contexts, and in the intricate cosmology of the classical period of Hinduism. Contrasting the bestial persona of Narasimha with Vamana's priestly appearance and his associations with early cosmologic themes, she finds complementarity and significance in this pair as they are viewed in the larger context of periodic cosmic destructions and recreations. While focusing primarily on these two mythological figures, Soifer's work explores the relationship between dharma and the 'devious' acts of gods; the interplay between cosmic and 'sociocosmic' levels of reality; and the relationship between cosmology, theology, and soteriology in a religious worldview.

Narasimha

Narasimha
Author: Dhruva Gorrick
Publisher:
Total Pages: 220
Release: 2016-12-20
Genre:
ISBN: 9780692804506

A journey through the jungles of South India on the discovery of the mystical temples of the man-lion form of Vishnu known as Narasimhadeva

Narasimha

Narasimha
Author: Kevin Missal
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2019-06-10
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9353570778

Narasimha, once a brave soldier, has left the war and lies low as a physician in a village. But a familiar face from his past seeks his help to stop the tyranny of the blind usurper Andhaka. If Narasimha refuses, the world might just end. What will he do? And why did he leave the war in the first place? Prahlad, the interim king of Kashyapuri, is torn between the ideals of his unrighteous father and his love for Lord Vishnu. Whom will he choose? Hiranyakashyap, the ruler of the Asura Empire, wants to avenge the death of his wife. To do that, he must go through the Trials and get the ultimate weapon - the Brahmastra. But the Trials have sent so many others to their death.Can Hiranyakashyap survive? Welcome to the reimagining of the fourth Avatar of Lord Vishnu by bestselling author Kevin Missal.

NARASIMHA : THE FIERCE PROTECTOR

NARASIMHA : THE FIERCE PROTECTOR
Author: Yamini Malhotra
Publisher: SGSH Publications
Total Pages: 89
Release: 2024-10-15
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 9366315046

In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, Lord Narasimha stands out as an embodiment of divine fury with ultimate protection. He is the fierce fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born in a moment of cosmic need to vanquish the formidable demon king Hiranyakashipu and restore the balance between good and evil. His form—a lion-headed, human-bodied god—evokes both awe and reverence, representing the transcendence of the divine, beyond the limitations of human comprehension. The story of Lord Narasimha is etched in the hearts of devotees across ages, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and faith over oppression and tyranny. His incarnation was catalyzed by the unshakable devotion of Prahlada, a young boy who, despite immense suffering inflicted by his own father, Hiranyakashipu, never wavered in his faith in Vishnu. When all seemed lost, when the forces of darkness appeared insurmountable, Lord Vishnu manifested in a fearsome, unique form—Narasimha—emerging from a pillar to honour the boon given to Hiranyakashipu while circumventing its limitations. In his terrifying form, Lord Narasimha tore apart the tyrant with his bare hands, at twilight, on the threshold of a palace—fulfilling the conditions of Hiranyakashipu’s boon in a way that only the divine could. This episode, immortalized in sacred texts such as the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana, is not just a story of destruction but of divine intervention for the protection of the faithful and the restoration of cosmic balance. But the glories of Lord Narasimha do not end with this dramatic victory. His essence continues to inspire countless devotees as a reminder of divine protection, even in the darkest moments. He is worshiped not only for his fearsome aspect but also for his grace. After slaying Hiranyakashipu, Narasimha’s rage did not subside until the touch of his devotee, Prahlada, calmed his ferocity, reminding the world that the ultimate nature of the divine is not destruction, but peace and love. The worship of Lord Narasimha takes on many forms, from grand temple rituals to humble personal prayers. His devotees see him not just as a fierce protector, but as a compassionate guardian who safeguards them from the trials and tribulations of life, granting peace and security to those who seek his blessings. This book delves deep into the multifaceted glories of Lord Narasimha—his appearance, his divine leelas, his significance in Hinduism, and the enduring relevance of his story in today’s world. We will explore the layers of his symbolism, from his role as the protector of dharma to the metaphysical insights his form offers. Through scriptures, stories, and the accounts of devotees, we hope to illuminate the profound lessons hidden within the roar of this divine lion. As you turn these pages, may you be inspired by the ferocity of Narasimha’s love, his promise to protect the righteous, and the eternal truth that no force, however dark, can stand against the divine will. In Narasimha’s glories, we find both the strength to stand firm in our beliefs and the solace that we are never alone in the face of adversity. May the blessings of Narasimha be with you always. Jai Sri Sarva Vighna Vinashkari Srila Narasimha Dev ji ki Jai!

Sri Narasimha Swami

Sri Narasimha Swami
Author: Dr. G. R. Vijayakumar
Publisher: Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd
Total Pages: 143
Release: 2015-05-18
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 8120792750

Sri Narasimha Swamiji was a lively, energetic and studious child brought up in a deeply religious and generous atmosphere. Later, he became a leading lawyer, politician and a person of social eminence. A tragedy in the family acted as a turning point, as he left the warmth and security of his home. His quest lasted for more than eleven years until he went to Shirdi to obtain a ‘darshan’ of Sai Baba’s samadhi. It was that historic day, 29th August 1936, which changed the course of his life. Sai Baba took possession of Narasimha Swamiji. He became an evangelist and spread the message of Sai Baba all over the country. As long as Sai Baba’s name is there in this universe, Narasimha Swamiji will be remembered, with reverence and faith.

Narasimha the Lion Man

Narasimha the Lion Man
Author: R. Suryanarayanan
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
Total Pages: 249
Release: 2015-07-31
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1514462060

Dharma is an immigrant in France from Mauritius with heavy roots in India. He meets Ram, a scientist, also an immigrant from India, in a supermarket. Dharma pretends that this meeting was arranged by God. He needs Rama's help to locate a temple in India. They seek the help of an African medium to talk to the spirit of Dharma's grandfather. The answer is given on a paper but needs to be decrypted. Surprisingly, Ram's wife finds the name of the temple. Ram feels that these two families are quantum entangled. Strange things happen during their visit to this temple in India. Ram, the scientist, is obliged to accept interconnection exists between people, and Dharma's intuitive power wins.

Narasimha Jayanti

Narasimha Jayanti
Author: Sri Sri Rangapriya Sri Srih
Publisher: Bharatha Samskruthi Prakashana
Total Pages: 105
Release: 2019-03-06
Genre: Electronic books
ISBN: 9389028345

Narasimha jayantī is a prominent parva that comes after akshaya tṛtīya in the month of vaiśākha. To fecilitate the devotees to have the experience of the glory of one of the important incarnations of Mahāvishṇu, the great sages of Sanātana Arya Bhārata who were jnānavijnāna tṛptātmas have marked this as a nodal day in the body (form) of the almighty in the form of time. It is a great day which is auspicious, holy and the day which reminds (us) of the all pervasivenss and unequalled jnāna, bala, aiśvarya, śakti, vīrya, tejas and the motherly affection and love of that God towards devotees. It is a day in which the rituals are performed with great devotion in all the places in India where the Upāsana of Vishṇu and especially of Lord Narasimha is in vogue in the homes of devotees, who worship Lord Narasimha as either their family deity or a tutelary deity, and in maṭhas, āshramas and in temples. It is the day when his upāsana is taken up with austereness, both with the fear that any apacāra (an offence) to God may chance, and with devotion combined with great and full confidence that he will receive the upacāras with great affection. Some Śaivas also worship Lord Narasimha on that day. Our other books here can be searched using #BharathaSamskruthiPrakashana

Mythquest: Narasimha

Mythquest: Narasimha
Author: Anu Kumar
Publisher: Hachette India
Total Pages: 41
Release: 2012-08-07
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 9350095041

'Narasimha caught Hiranyakashipu as easily as a snake seizing a tiny mouse and the great asura was helpless in his grip...'

The Calendar

The Calendar
Author: University of Madras
Publisher:
Total Pages: 888
Release: 1916
Genre:
ISBN: