# Nṛsiṁha Caturdaśī > Appearance of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva **Observed:** Caturdaśī (14th day) of the waxing moon in Vaiśākha (April-May) --- ## Significance Nṛsiṁha Caturdaśī celebrates the appearance of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu. The Lord appeared to protect His devotee Prahlāda Mahārāja from the demon Hiraṇyakaśipu. Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva is worshiped by devotees for protection from material obstacles and from the enemies of devotional service. --- ## The Pastime Hiraṇyakaśipu obtained a benediction that he could not be killed by any man or animal, inside or outside, during day or night, by any weapon, on land, water, or air. Yet his son Prahlāda remained a staunch devotee of Lord Viṣṇu despite severe persecution. When Hiraṇyakaśipu challenged, "Where is your God?", the Lord appeared from a pillar in a form that was neither man nor animal—at twilight (neither day nor night), on the threshold (neither inside nor outside), and killed the demon with His nails (no weapon), placing him on His lap (neither land, water, nor air). > Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva appeared and killed Hiraṇyakaśipu just to keep the promise of His devotee Prahlāda Mahārāja. > > — [[sb/7/9|SB 7.9]] Summary --- ## Observance - **Fasting:** Complete fast until sunset - **Worship:** Abhiṣeka and ārati of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva - **Prayers:** Recitation of Nṛsiṁha-kavaca and prayers from SB 7.9 - **Feast:** Prasādam after sunset --- ## Nṛsiṁha Prayers The prayers offered by Prahlāda Mahārāja (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 7, Chapter 9) are recited on this day. These prayers are among the most profound in Vaiṣṇava literature. --- ## Related - [[sb/7/8|SB Canto 7, Chapter 8]] — Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva Slays Hiraṇyakaśipu - [[sb/7/9|SB Canto 7, Chapter 9]] — Prahlāda Pacifies Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva - [[wiki/articles/prahlada|Prahlāda Mahārāja]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*