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Nrsimhapalli
Nrsimhapalli
DEVAPALLI
Sri Nrsimhapalli is located on the eastern and southern boundaries of Navadvipa Dhama
and is known by the names Nrsimha Puri and Devapalli (neighbourhood of the Devas). This
temple is famous since Satya-yuga when Lord Nrsimhadeva came here to take rest and wash
the blood from His hands after bestowing His mercy on Prahlada by killing his demoniac
father Hiranyakasipu. Next to the temple is a lake left behind by the Mandakini River that
flowed here at that time. When Lord Nrsimhadeva arrived here, He drank the sweet water of
this river to refresh Himself and also washed the blood of Hiranyakasipu from His hands.
Knowing that Lord Nrsimhadeva had come to take rest here, all the demigods followed Him,
constructed large palaces and worshipped Him with great opulence. The changing course of
the Mandakini River covered the demigod palaces and destroyed them and all that remains
of them now are the hills that surround this area. Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His
associates used to come here regularly to discuss Lord Nrsimha-katha and perform Harinam
Sankirtana. The Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust built the kirtana hall here.
“Southeast of Suvarna-vihara there is Nrsimha Puri. When will I see the pure transcendental
sweetness of this place, also called Devapalli? I will roll about on the ground in ecstatic love
while visiting this residence of Lord Nrsimha. Sincerely begging for His grace without a trace
of duplicity in my heart, I will attain Krishna-prema.
Within my heart the six enemies headed by lust perpetually reside, as well as duplicity, the
desire for fame, and sheer cunningness. At the lotus feet of Lord Nrsimhadeva, I hope that
He will mercifully purify my heart and give me the desire to serve Lord Sri Krishna.
Weeping, I will beg at the lotus feet of Lord Nrsimha for the benediction of worshipping
Radha and Krishna on Navadvipa, perfectly safe and free from all difficulties. When will this
Lord Hari, whose terrible form strikes fear into fear itself, ever become pleased and show me
His mercy?
Even though Lord Nrsimha is terrifying toward the sinful souls He offers great auspiciousness
unto the devotees of Lord Krishna headed by Prahlada Maharaja. When will He be pleased to
speak words of compassion unto me, a worthless fool, and thereby make me fearless?
He will say, ‘Dear child! Sit down freely and live happily here in Sri Gauranga-dhama. May
you nicely worship the Divine Couple and may you develop loving attachment for Their holy
names. By the mercy of My devotees, all obstacles are cast far away. With a purified heart,
just perform the worship of Radha and Krishna, for such worship overflows with sweet
nectar.’
Saying this, will that Lord delightedly place His own divine lotus feet upon my head?
Suddenly I will experience sublime love for the divine couple Radha-Krishna and undergo the
ecstatic transformations called the sattvika-vikaras. Falling on the ground, I will roll about by
the door of Sri Nrsimha’s temple.”
(Navadvipa-bhava-taranga)
The Lord says that His devotees are more dear to Him than His own self. Prahlada, a young
boy, had remained fully dependent and faithful on the Lord’s love and protection throughout
severe trials. Therefore, even after killing Hiranyakasipu, Nrsimhadeva’s fury was burning
hot and would not be pacified. Everyone, including the demigods and even Laksmi Devi,
Nrsimhadeva’s eternal consort, were too afraid to go near Him. Finally, Prahlada approached
Nrsimhadeva and offered Him a garland. Seeing His dear devotee, Nrsimhadeva at once
became placated and embraced Prahlada in great affection. Nrsimhadeva begged Prahlada to
ask for any benediction he wanted. Prahlada did not want anything for himself, but he did
want that the suffering souls in the material realm be released from their illusionary bondage
to material enjoyment.