Prachanda Narasimha Temple is located near Assi Ghat in Varanasi. Among countless temples in Kashi, it stands out as a powerful shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s fierce avatar, Lord Narasimha. The temple is not only spiritually important but also deeply rooted in mythological legend and healing energy.
Unlike many calm and peaceful forms of Lord Narasimha (like Lakshmi Narasimha), the Prachanda Narasimha form is intense and full of divine power. His energy is still active and fierce, and devotees feel his presence strongly when they enter the temple. It is a place of spiritual protection, transformation, and deep inner cleansing.
The temple is simple in design, built in traditional North Indian style. The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a powerful idol of Prachanda Narasimha. Though the structure is small and not grand, the divine energy felt here is strong and intense. The temple has a peaceful mandapa (hall) where daily prayers and aartis are held.
The presiding deity is Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In this temple, he is worshipped in his ‘Prachanda’ form, which means fierce, intense, and unstoppable. This form represents the exact moment after Lord Narasimha killed the demon king Hiranyakashipu, and is still full of divine rage. Devotees believe that worshipping this form removes fear, destroys evil, and protects one from harmful energies.
According to the legend, after killing the demon Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha was still raging with divine fury. The Devas and sages prayed to Lord Vishnu to calm him down. It is believed that a portion of that divine power stayed in Kashi in Prachanda Narasimha—a fierce, protective form meant to safeguard dharma and destroy negativity in the sacred city.
The Lord chose the Assi Ghat area in Kashi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, as his divine seat to bless devotees and protect them from powerful sins and evil forces.
Divine Proclamation in Kashi Khand
In the Kashi Khand, Lord Vishnu reveals:
“Prachanda Narasimho’ham Chanda Bhairava Purvatah
Prachandamapyagham Kritva Nishpapma Syattadarchanat”
Meaning:
“I am present in Kashi in my fierce form as Prachanda Narasimha, located to the east of Chanda Bhairava. Even the most terrible sins (prachanda agham) are destroyed by worshipping me, and the devotee becomes pure and sinless.”
Purpose of His Avatar in Kashi
The Prachanda Narasimha form is not just a symbol of destruction, but also of divine justice, protection, and purification. His presence ensures that even people who have committed severe wrongdoings but genuinely repent can be cleansed of their karma through sincere worship.
Devotees believe that this temple is especially powerful for:
Destroying inner enemies like anger, pride, and fear
Removing Pitru Dosha (ancestral issues) and Shani Dosha
Gaining courage, protection, and divine grace in difficult times
The main festival celebrated here is Narasimha Jayanti, which marks the appearance day of Lord Narasimha. It usually falls in the Vaishakha month (April–May). On this day, special abhishekams, homas, and alankaras (decorations) are offered to the Lord. The temple attracts many locals and spiritual seekers during this time.
