Narasimha (man-lion), 4th incarnation of Vishnu. Pala, 8th Century, Eastern India. 49 x 31 x cms.

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Narasimha iconography shows him with a human torso and lower body, with a lion face and claws, typically with a demon Hiranyakashipu in his lap whom he is in the process of killing. The demon is powerful brother of evil Hiranyaksha who had been previously killed by Vishnu, who hated Vishnu for killing his brother.[3] Hiranyakashipu gains special powers by which he could not be killed during the day or night, inside or outside, by god, demon, man or animal.[

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Size: 3967px × 5678px
Location: National Museum Delhi
Photo credit: © wayfarer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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