Development of Hinduism

SR No.: 007303
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M M Ninan
Publisher: M M Ninan
Total Pages: 582
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 45 MB

Page 335

14. THE CONCEPT OF AVATARS
NARASIMHA AVATAR
Multan
IVYO
Ahobilam
Narasimha murthy in Simhachalam - Sri Varaha Narasimhaswamy Temple Andhra
References to Narasimha are found in a wide variety of the Puranic scriptures, with seventeen versions of the main narrative, some in more detail than others. The Bhagavata Purana (Canto 7), Agni Purana (4.2-3), Brahmanda Purana (2.5.3-29), Vayu Purana (67.61-66), Harivamsa (41 & 3.4147), Brahma Purana (213.44-79), Vishnudharmottara Purana (1.54), Kurma Purana (1.15.18-72), Matsya Purana (161-163), Padma Purana (Uttara-khanda 5.42), Shiva Purana (2.5.43 & 3.10-12), Linga Purana (1.95-96), Skanda Purana 7 (2.18.60-130) and Vishnu Purana (1.16-20) all contain depictions of the Narasimha pastime. There is also a short reference in the Mahabharata (3.272.5660) and an Upanishad (Narasimha tapani Upanisad) named in reference to him.
The story of Narasimha as described in the Bhagavata Purana is as follows:
As Narasimha Avatara, Lord Vishnu is incarnated as a semi-man, semi-lion in this world. The king of Asuras, Hiranyakasyapa, who was also the brother of Hiranyaksha, wanted to become immortal and wanted to remain young forever. To this end, he meditated for Lord Brahma and because of his severe penance, the gods were frightened and asked Brahma to pacify the king. Brahma was impressed by his austerity and granted him a wish. Hiranyakasyapa wished that he be neither killed by a man or beast, nor in daylight or at night and neither inside or outside a building. But his son Prahlada, became an ardent devotee of Vishnu who was the god of the Suras the enemies of the
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