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RANGASWAMY • January 18, 1996 


	   Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Parabrahmane Namaha

Dear Bhagavatottamas,

I would like to start a discussion on the the significance of 
each avataram of the Dashavatarams. Of particular interest to me 
among the Dashavatarams of Lord Narayana is NarasimhAvataram. The 
speciality of this avataram is that "Avataram Khatinam. Avatara Karyam
Sulabham" whereas in all other avatarams, the Avatara Karyam was Khatinam
while the avataram itself took place rather easily (upon the Lord's 
Sankalpam).

The Narasimhavataram was difficult because, the avataram itself could not 
be any creation of Brahma. By emerging from the pillar (Sthambam) in the 
form of Narasimha (half man-half lion), the Lord satisfied this condition. 
Furthermore, the Lord had to remain in the pillar for 1000 years before
incarnating. The Avatara Karyam was accomplished by Narasimha rather 
swiftly compared to those of the other Avatarams. The Katha Kalakshepams
by Sri Sundara Kumar provide a very eloquent and moving description 
of the Narasimha avataram. Just before the avataram took place, 
Hiranyakashipu calls out "Ari atra Agaccha" (enemy come here). The Lord's 
grace is such that if Hiranyakashipu had replaced "Ari" by "Hari" the 
Lord would have forgiven him for all his atrocities. Doesn't this say 
something about the beauty of the Sanskrit language? One aksharam can make 
the such a great difference. 

Another useful reference in this context is Sri Thyagaraja Swami's Prahlada 
Bhakti Vijayam
where Sadguru Thyagaraja portrays Lord Narasimha as his Abhimana Daivam 
Sri Rama in the Kriti Daya Rani Daya Rani. Interestingly, this 
work is devoid of the Ugra (violent) aspect of Lord Narasimha and focusses 
exclusively on Prahlada's Bhakti. I welcome the comments from all the 
Bhagavatottamas on this group, particularly scholars like Sri. Lakshmitatachar,
Sri. Sadagopan, Sri. Dileepan, Sri. Sreekrishna, Sri. Jaganath and Sri. 
Sampath Rengarajan. 


Vajra Nakhaya Vitmahe
Ugra Roopaya Dheemahe,
Thanno Narasimha Prachodayaat

Muralidhar Rangaswamy