IIntroduction to Narasimha Lila
Narasimha Lila is not just a tale from ancient scriptures but a living reality in the lives of many devotees. Lord Narasimhadev’s protection continues to manifest in various forms, reminding us of His constant presence and care. These stories are not merely about miraculous events; they are testimonies of faith, proving that Lord Narasimhadev is always there for us, guarding us at every step of our lives. I would love to hear your personal story of protection from Lord Narasimhadev. Please share it in the comments, and it might be included in my upcoming book, “Loving Stories of Protection.”
My Story of Protection
I have experienced Lord Narasimhadev’s protection many times, but today I will share one particular story that stands out in my memory. It was in 1997 when I traveled from Macedonia to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, to attend the annual Ratha Yatra. I arrived early in the morning at 5 A.M. at the bus station. The station was eerily dark, with very few lights around. Little did I know that Sofia was, at that time, a center of criminal activities in Europe.
The Encounter in the Dark Street As I walked through the streets, looking for a telephone to call the ISKCON temple for directions, I noticed that the few people I encountered were strange and unfriendly. Eventually, I saw a man standing at a bus stop. I approached him, asking where I could find a telephone. He told me there was one on the street behind and offered to show me the way. I followed him, but as we ventured further, the street grew darker and darker. A sense of dread filled my mind as I realized that something was not right. I decided to turn back, but as I did, I saw two other men behind me with large dogs. Before I could react, the man I was following attacked me, landing punches on my head.
Calling Out to Narasimhadev
In that moment of helplessness, I screamed out the name of Lord Narasimhadev, “Nrisimhadev, Nrisimhadev!” Suddenly, to my astonishment, the men and their dogs, who could have easily overpowered me, fled in all directions as if struck by an overwhelming fear. They disappeared in a matter of seconds. I stood there, shocked and trying to comprehend what had just happened. It was then that I realized it was the power of Lord Narasimhadev’s name that had protected me. His name is not different from Him, and I believe that in that moment, He had appeared and scared those attackers away. Perhaps they even saw Lord Narasimhadev Himself—who knows?
A Second Encounter But the night was not over. As I continued walking, I found a poster on a wall announcing the upcoming Ratha Yatra. The poster had the address of the park where the event was to be held. I took the poster and asked several people for directions, but no one was willing to help. After about an hour, a kind lady finally told me which bus to take. I boarded the bus, but since I was unfamiliar with the area, I didn’t know where to get off. I approached a man on the bus to ask for directions to the park, but to my horror, he pulled out a gun and pointed it at me, demanding to know what I wanted.
Another Call to Narasimhadev
Once again, I turned to Lord Narasimhadev in my mind, praying for protection. I calmly told the man that I was just looking for a park. He ordered me to get off the bus or he would kill me. I quickly got off the bus, only to find that the park with the Ratha Yatra chariot was right there. Lord Narasimhadev had saved me for the second time that night.
Conclusion and Invitation to Share
This is just one of the many stories I have experienced where Lord Narasimhadev has come to my rescue. What is your story? Please share it in the comments below. These are not just stories—they are affirmations of our faith that the Lord is always with us. Lord Narasimhadev once said, “I always walk behind my devotees and protect them.” Let us share our experiences to inspire and strengthen each other’s faith.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Power of the Holy Name: The story demonstrates the incredible power of Lord Narasimhadev’s name. Calling out His name with faith can invoke His immediate protection, as His name is non-different from Him.
- Unseen Protection: Lord Narasimhadev’s protection may not always be visible, but it is always present. He watches over His devotees, especially in times of danger.
- Faith in the Divine: The story underscores the importance of having unwavering faith in the Lord. Even in the darkest situations, turning to the Lord in prayer can bring miraculous outcomes.
- Lord Narasimhadev’s Constant Presence: The story reaffirms the belief that Lord Narasimhadev is constantly with His devotees, ready to protect them from any harm, whether physical or spiritual.
Prayer:
“O Lord Narasimhadev, fierce protector of your devotees, we humbly seek your shelter. In moments of fear and danger, may we remember your holy name and feel your presence beside us. Grant us the strength to rely on you fully, knowing that you are always there, guarding us at every step. May our faith in you grow stronger each day.”
Quote from Shastra:
“ugram vīram mahā-viṣṇum jvalantam sarvato-mukham
nṛsiṁham bhīṣaṇam bhadraṁ mṛtyor mṛtyum namāmy aham”
(Narasimha Kavacha Mantra)
“I bow down to Lord Narasimha, who is fierce and heroic like Lord Vishnu. He is burning with anger, yet He is auspicious and the death of death.”
This verse captures the essence of Lord Narasimhadev’s protective nature, reminding us of His unparalleled strength and His commitment to safeguarding His devotees.
