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Lakshmi Narasimha

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Form of Hindu god Narasimha with consort Lakshmi
Lakshmi Narasimha
God of Time
Goddess of Prosperity
Lakshmi Narasimha with Prahlada
Venerated inVaishnavism
AffiliationSri Vaishnavism
AbodeVaikuntha
FestivalsNarasimha Jayanti

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. It is one of the five iconographical forms of Narasimha, among Jvala Narasimha, Gandaberunda Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, and Yoga Narasimha.

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. As a result, Lakshmi Narasimha is venerated as a representation of gentleness and peace.

Iconography

Narasimha is depicted with his consort Lakshmi, seated on his lap. In contrast to his ugra (terrible) aspect, where his face is contorted and enraged, he appears to be serene in this form. He often carries his aspects of the Sudarshana Chakra and Panchajanya, and his murti is decorated with ornaments and garlands.

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.

Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Dharmapuri

Temples

Gallery

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

References

  1. "Lakshminarasimha, Lakṣmīnarasiṃha, Lakshmi-narasimha: 5 definitions". wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-10-02.
  2. Srivatsa, Indira (2022-04-24). A TO Z INDIA - MAY 2022. A TO Z INDIA. p. 8.
  3. Sharmaao, N. Raganatha; Litent (2014-01-01). Lakshmi. Litent.
  4. Mallik, Anupama; Chaudhury, Santanu; Chandru, Vijay; Srinivasan, Sharada (2018-03-31). Digital Hampi: Preserving Indian Cultural Heritage. Springer. p. 183. ISBN 978-981-10-5738-0.
  5. Sastri, Hosakote Krishna (1916). South-indian Images of Gods and Goddesses. Government Press. p. 26.
  6. Knapp, Stephen (2008-05-29). Seeing Spiritual India: A Guide to Temples, Holy Sites, Festivals and Traditions. iUniverse. p. 413. ISBN 978-0-595-61452-3.
  7. Padmanabhan, Chenni (1995). Concept of Sri Andal's Tiruppavai. R.P. Publications. ISBN 978-81-900655-0-4.

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