Nrisimha

Nrisimha, also spelled Narasimha, is a prominent avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. He is depicted in a form that is both human and lion, a composite being signifying his power to protect his devotees and destroy evil. The name Nrisimha itself translates to "man-lion."

The most well-known myth associated with Nrisimha involves the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu had a boon that made him virtually invincible, causing him to become arrogant and persecute the gods and devotees. His son, Prahlada, however, remained a staunch devotee of Vishnu. In response to Hiranyakashipu's tyranny and his attempts to harm Prahlada, Vishnu manifested as Nrisimha. He emerged from a pillar in Hiranyakashipu's palace and, using his lion-like claws, defeated and killed the demon king. This act is seen as a divine intervention to restore righteousness and protect the innocent.

Nrisimha is worshipped for his fierce protective qualities. Devotees pray to him to overcome obstacles, gain strength, and be shielded from harm. His iconography often shows him seated with his consort Lakshmi, or in a more dynamic pose ready for battle. He is a significant deity in Vaishnavism, the branch of Hinduism that worships Vishnu as the supreme god. Various temples across India are dedicated to Nrisimha, and his worship is particularly popular in certain regions.