Narasimha Chaturdashi 2024 (fast till dusk)

Madhusudana Gaura Chaturdashi is celebrated as Narasimha Chaturdashi. Lord Narasimha was the 4^th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On Narasimha Chaturdashi day Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha, a half lion and half man, to kill Demon Hiranyakashipu.

The combination of Madhusudana Gaura Chaturdashi with Swati Nakshatra and weekday Saturday is considered highly auspicious to observe Narasimha Chaturdashi Vratam.

The rules and guidelines to observe Narasimha Chaturdashi fasting are similar to those of Ekadashi fasting. Devotees eat only single meal one day before Narasimha Chaturdashi. All type of grains and cereals are prohibited during Narasimha Chaturdashi fasting. Parana, which means breaking the fast, is done next day at an appropriate time.

On Narasimha Chaturdashi day devotees take Sankalp during Madhyahna (Hindu afternoon period) and perform Lord Narasimha Pujan during Sanyakal before sunset. It is believed that Lord Narasimha was appeared during sunset while Chaturdashi was prevailing. It is advised to keep night vigil and perform Visarjan Puja next day morning. The fast should be broken on next day after performing Visarjan Puja and giving Dana to Brahmin.

Narasimha Chaturdashi fast is broken next day after sunrise when Chaturdashi Tithi is over. If Chaturdashi Tithi gets over before sunrise then fast is broken any time after sunrise after finishing Narasimha Chaturdashi rituals. If Chaturdashi gets over very late i.e. if Chaturdashi prevails beyond three-fourth of Dinamana then fast can be broken in first half of Dinamana. Dinamana is time window between sunrise and sunset.

Narasimha Chaturdashi is also known as Narasimha Jayanti and Appearance of Lord Narasimha.

Source: https://drikpanchang.com/iskcon/lord/narasimha-chaturdashi-date-time.html?year=2024