Narasimha

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Narasimha	Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology, depicted as a man-lion, known for killing the demon Hiranyakashipu to protect his devotee Prahlada. Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu, is one of the most revered incarnations in Hindu mythology. This unique form, half-man, half-lion, was adopted by Vishnu to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu, who had gained a boon making him nearly invincible. According to the legend, Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by man or animal, inside or outside, during day or night, or by any weapon. To circumvent these conditions, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha, emerging from a pillar at twilight (neither day nor night), on a threshold (neither inside nor outside), and killed the demon with his claws (neither weapon nor tool). Narasimha is often depicted with a human body and a lion's head, tearing open Hiranyakashipu's chest. This incarnation symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the protection of devotees by the divine. Prahlada, the son of Hiranyakashipu, was a devout follower of Vishnu and was saved by Narasimha, demonstrating the power of devotion and faith.

Term

Definition

Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology, depicted as a man-lion, known for killing the demon Hiranyakashipu to protect his devotee Prahlada.

Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu, is one of the most revered incarnations in Hindu mythology. This unique form, half-man, half-lion, was adopted by Vishnu to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu, who had gained a boon making him nearly invincible. According to the legend, Hiranyakashipu could not be killed by man or animal, inside or outside, during day or night, or by any weapon. To circumvent these conditions, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha, emerging from a pillar at twilight (neither day nor night), on a threshold (neither inside nor outside), and killed the demon with his claws (neither weapon nor tool).

Narasimha is often depicted with a human body and a lion's head, tearing open Hiranyakashipu's chest. This incarnation symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the protection of devotees by the divine. Prahlada, the son of Hiranyakashipu, was a devout follower of Vishnu and was saved by Narasimha, demonstrating the power of devotion and faith.