Lakshmi Narasimha

For the film, see Lakshmi Narasimha (film).

Lakshmi Narasimha (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मीनरसिंह, romanized: Lakṣmīnarasiṃha) is an iconographical depiction of Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu, with his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.^[1] It is one of the five iconographical forms of Narasimha, among Jvala Narasimha, Gandaberunda Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, and Yoga Narasimha.^[2]

Lakshmi Narasimha
God of Time Goddess of Prosperity
Lakshmi Narasimha with Prahlada
Venerated in	Vaishnavism
Affiliation	Sri Vaishnavism
Abode	Vaikuntha
Festivals	Narasimha Jayanti

Legend

See also: Narasimha and Hiranyakashipu

In an alternate iteration of the legend of Narasimha, after he slays Hiranyakashipu, his fury is still unabated. The deity is enraged that his virtuous devotee, Prahlada, is traumatised by the violent deeds of his own father. Despite the fact that the devas sing his praises and extol his glories, he remains unpacified. The devas proceed to pray to Lakshmi, who appears before her consort. She soothes Narasimha, assuring him that both his devotee and the world had been saved. Hearing his wife's words, the deity is pacified, and his appearance also becomes more benign.

“Seeing his own dear wife, Viṣṇu, the lord of all, gave up his anger due to the demon’s body, and in a moment became pleased. That ocean of pity, Viṣṇu, placing the goddess on his lap and embracing her, looked at the gods with eyes wet with the nectar of favour.” — Padma Purana, Chapter 6.238.129–133  

As a result, Lakshmi Narasimha is venerated as a representation of gentleness and peace.^[3]

Iconography

Narasimha deity is always accompanied by Lakshmi Mata, seated on his lap.^[4] In contrast to his ugra (terrific) aspect, where his face is fierce and enraged, he appears to be pleasant in this form.^[5] He often carries his aspects of the Sudarshana Chakra and Panchajanya, and his murti is decorated with ornaments and garlands.^[6]

Symbolism

In the Tiruppavai, the mythical motif of the lion is invoked in the representation of Lakshmi Narasimha. The deity is regarded to be magnanimous, the greatest of all beings (Purushottama), and his heart is symbolised by his consort, Lakshmi.^[7]

Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Dharmapuri

TemplesLakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, kadiri

• Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam (Lower Ahobilam)
• Bhu Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam
• Chenchu Lakshmi Sameta Shri Ahobila Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam
• Chenchu Lakshmi Sameta Shri Pavana Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam
• Maha Lakshmi Sameta Shri Malola Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ahobilam
• Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Antarvedi
• Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Dharmapuri
• Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Yadadri
• Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Mangalagiri
• Lakshminarasimha temple, Javagal
• Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Bhadravati
• Lakshminarasimha temple, Haranhalli
• Lakshminarasimha temple, Vignasante
• Lakshmi Narasimhar temple, Narasinghapuram
• Lakshminarasimha temple, Nuggehalli

Gallery

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  Lakshmi Narasimha, Bangalore
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  Lakshmi Narasimha, Bejjanki, Telangana
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  Sculpture of Lakshmi Narasimha
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  16th century Vijayanagara depiction
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  Statue of Lakshmi Narsimha cast in bronze
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  Sculpture of Lakshmi Narasimha in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh