In this spectacular Patachitra painting, Bhakta Prahlad looks on as Narasimha kills Hiranyakashipu. Narasimha, the half-human, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu, provides a very fascinating study of the Lord's incarnation in order to lessen the sufferings of his devotees. Sage Kashyap had four wives, Diti, Aditi, Vinita and Kudroo. From Diti was born demons and Aditi gave birth to gods, while from Vinita was born Garud, the carrier of Vishnu and the last one Kudroo created the hydras. Diti gave birth to Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. Lord Vishnu had to kill Hiranyaksha as he wrought havoc on the gods. Following this Hiranyakashipu bore a strong hatred for Lord Vishnu and Vishnu's very name was like poison to him. His blood was boiling with the hatred of Vishnu.

Hiranyakashipu went to the mountain Mandara and began the severe order of penance and could successfully invoke Lord Brahma. From Lord Brahma he received a unique boon: He could be killed neither by any creature created by Brahma; either in the house nor outside it; neither either during the daytime nor at night; no weapon could cause his death and he should not die either on land or in the sky.

Armed with such a boon, the demon crossed all limits and wrought havoc on heaven and earth. He even dethroned Indra, the king of heavens.

However, Hiranyakashipu's son Prahalad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu right from his very childhood. Prahalad had not pay any attention to the orders of his father not to worship Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu is father tried to kill his son in a fit of anger. But all his attempts were foiled by Prahlad's saviour Lord Vishnu.

At last Hiranyakashipu thundered at Prahlad and asked him who was his protector. Prahalad replied: "It was Hari who gave me this courage.

He shouted in rage: Show me where is he Prahlad replied: He is everywhere. The king could no longer control his anger. He hit a pillar with his mace. Is he here? He asked Prahlad. He drew out his sword and pounced upon the little boy. A terrible deafening sound came and as the stunned men watched, the pillar split into two and was born the Sri Hari, in the form of Narasimha with a head of a lion and the body of a man. .

Narasimha, ultimately killed Hiranyakashipu and saved the world.