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Lord Narasimha

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Srinath Venkatakrishnan • April 1, 2003 


 Dear Vaishnavaites,

Further to the discussions in this group, I floated this question to other sources at chennai too. I found one forum doing some research and trying to interpret our Rituals and Puranams in logical and metaphysical way. When I posted this question to them, they gave their answer immediately which was convincing to me. I would like to share with other members too and would like to have their comments.  Following is the extract from their view.



Avatars are here to explain some great truths and has metaphysical importance. Let us see the story in short with respect to Hiranyakasibu. He reaches the highest state of EGO by saying that he is the lord of worlds and goes to the level of questioning  the existence of Vishnu(who is present everywhere, vishal vyaapthi). Lord comes in the form of Narasimha from a pillar and tears him and wears his intestines. Here there is no question about why he was eliminated. Question is about why lord wore his intestines too after hiranyakasibuÂ’s death.



When we analyse “Mind” we come to know that it acts in three areas (a) Brain (b) Heart (c) Stomach. Mind at the higher level will act from head(brain) and the lowest level with Super imposed Ego it acts at Stomach. In another angle, Mental, Vital, Physical can be linked to Mind at Brain, Heart and Stomach respectively. Recently scientist too have found a brain like structure in stomach which does some activities of brain which supports this theory. Refer URL



www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_105441.html



With these informations in mind, let us analyse now. Lord is the source for everything in this universe. We can do karmas of our choice but the fruit has to be given by him. Hence Brahmasutra says that he is “pala dhatha” . Lord himself says that in Bhagawad Geetha Chapter 15 “aham vaisvanarO boothva…” Sri Andal says “ kanchan vayiRRil  neruppanna  ninRa nedumaaLe” meaning that lord only gives the strength for the enemies too to oppose him as he is acting as Vaishvaanara. So at each and every place he acts as the catalyst and gives the fruit being  the niyantha. 



Hiranyam means EGO and refers to Gold too. When one forgets that he is one of the creations of the lord and is part of Lord’s domain due to the super imposed ego, lord comes and cleanses his ego. To  stress that individual EGO is also given by him, he wore hiranyakasibu’s intestines. Here we need to note that stomach (intestines) represents the Super imposed EGO of hiranyakasibu. Lord says that “one’s EGO is his ornament”. Saving the devotee prahlad was not the reason for this avatar as he did not moksha to prahlad. This avatar is to tell about the concept of EGO. 



We can find a mantra in brahmanam “thath hiranya kasiPU  AbaHvath” there too it was referring hiranyam as EGO. When praana and pragnya merges, EGO is formed. Whether EGO is converted to ahankaaram or asmithaa is left to the individual. So to explain this great Metaphor to common people, our Great Rishis would have designed narasimha avataram and included in our puranas. 



They have answered for the following questions too

1.Why did lord come out of pillar?

2. Why did he take the form of Narasimha (Nara body and Lion head)instead of Simha nara( Simha body and Nara head as in other avatarams),

 If members are interested, I can post that too. 

 Thanks,

 Srinath

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