On Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi, Narasimha Jayanti is celebrated. The fourth manifestation of Lord Vishnu was Lord Narasimha. In order to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu, Lord Vishnu took the shape of Narasimha, a hybrid of a lion and a man, on Narasimha Jayanti day.
The Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi with Swati is considered highly auspicious to observe Narasimha Jayanti Vratam. The rules to observe Narasimha Jayanti fasting are similar to those of Ekadashi fasting. Devotees eat only single meal one day before Narasimha Jayanti. All type of grains and cereals are prohibited during Narasimha Jayanti fasting. Parana, which means breaking the fast, is done next day at an appropriate time.
When Swati Nakshatra, Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi, and a weekday Saturday are all present, it is seen to be extremely auspicious to mark Narasimha Jayanti Vratam.
The norms and regulations for fasting on Narasimha Jayanti are similar to those for Ekadashi. One day before Narasimha Jayanti, devotees only eat one meal. Cereals and grains of any kind are not allowed during the Narasimha Jayanti fast. Breaking the fast, or parana, happens at the right hour the following day.
On the day of Narasimha Jayanti, devotees do Lord Narasimha Pujan during Sanyakal, just before sunset, and take sankalp during Madhyahna, the Hindu afternoon period. It is believed that Lord Narasimha manifested himself at dusk on Chaturdashi. It is recommended to maintain a nightly vigil and perform Visarjan Puja the next morning. The following day, after performing Visarjan Puja and delivering Dana to Brahmins, the fast should be broken.
After dawn the following day, when Chaturdashi Tithi has passed, the Narasimha Jayanti fast is broken. After completing the Jayanti ceremonies, the fast is broken any time after sunrise if Chaturdashi Tithi ends before sunrise. Fasts can be broken in the first half of Dinamana if Chaturdashi ends very late, that is, if it lasts more than three-fourths of Dinamana. The period between sunrise and dusk is known as the dinamana.
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