Thread by @artist_rama

Late post...

Om the eve of "Narasimha Jayanti"

Let us understand the sculpture of the most ferocious avatara of Sri Maha Vishnu & Greatest protector of Devotees…

There are usually 5 forms of Narasimha.

@ReclaimTemples @punarutthana @LostTemple7

1) Girija-Narasimha – Narasimha emerging out of Mountain Cave. In this he is seen seated on Padmasana or Simhasana in Utkutika Mudra (folded legs like Ayyappa) with a Yoga Patta binding the legs. In this form he is not seen with Lakshmi or Prahlada.

Eg. Narasimha of Hampi

2) Ugra Narasimha – Narasimha ferociously killing Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada and Garuda are in Anjali Mudra. Lakshmi is Absent.

Eg. Narasimha of Belur & Halebidu

3) Sthauna Narasimha – Standing Narasimha, Coming out of the Pillar, removing the mukuta of Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada & garuda are in Anjali Mudra, Lakshmi is absent.

Eg. Narasimha of Badami Caves

4) Yaanaka Narasimha – Narasimha on vahana/Vehicle. Seated on Shoulders of Garuda or seated on folds of AdiShesha.

Eg. Narasimha from the Dwara of Belur Temple

5) Lakshmi Narasimha – Seen seated on Padmasana or Simhasana with Lakshmi on his left Jangha/Thigh. Prahlada & Garuda are seen in Anjali Mudra.

Eg. Narasimha from Somanathapura.

When Narasimha becomes uncontrolled by anybody, Lord Shiva takes the form of “Sharabha” – Half Bird & Half Lion to control Narasimha.

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