wfung99_2000
Narasimha Monolith
Carved from a single boulder in 1528, Narasimha (Nara=man; Simha=lion), with the body of a man and head of a lion, is one of Vishu's avatars (4th incarnation).
The legend goes something like this: A demon by the name of Hiranyakashipu was given enormous powers (immortality from being killed by god, demon, man or animal) by Lord Brahma. The demon then goes on to use this power in all sorts of evil ways. All the gods were subjugated by Hiranyakashipu. They sought help from Lord Brahma who suggested to seek out Lord Vishnu's help. Vishnu promised he would destroy the demon in due time.
Hiranyakashipu, who had become the king of Rakshasas (demons), had a son named Prahalad who angered his father by disputing his omnipotence through the worship Vishnu.
One day Hiranyakashipu, no long able to control his anger with his son's Vishnu devotion threatens to kill the boy. He struck a pillar in his court with his mace. "Where is your savior now?" he asked. "I am the Lord of all the worlds". The pillar split into two was a terrible deafening noise, as if the universe had split into two. Out came a fearsome looking creature with the head of a lion and body of a man.
Narasimha pounced and caught Hiranyakashipu. He let out a loud roar and with Hiranyakashipu in his lap used his nails to rip him apart. The entrails were wore around his neck. Seeing the defeat of the demon king all the gods were happy. They showered flowers from heaven. The earth rejoiced.
Stone carving of this scene: www.flickr.com/photos/24223113@N00/39182073011/in/photost...
Narasimha Monolith
Carved from a single boulder in 1528, Narasimha (Nara=man; Simha=lion), with the body of a man and head of a lion, is one of Vishu's avatars (4th incarnation).
The legend goes something like this: A demon by the name of Hiranyakashipu was given enormous powers (immortality from being killed by god, demon, man or animal) by Lord Brahma. The demon then goes on to use this power in all sorts of evil ways. All the gods were subjugated by Hiranyakashipu. They sought help from Lord Brahma who suggested to seek out Lord Vishnu's help. Vishnu promised he would destroy the demon in due time.
Hiranyakashipu, who had become the king of Rakshasas (demons), had a son named Prahalad who angered his father by disputing his omnipotence through the worship Vishnu.
One day Hiranyakashipu, no long able to control his anger with his son's Vishnu devotion threatens to kill the boy. He struck a pillar in his court with his mace. "Where is your savior now?" he asked. "I am the Lord of all the worlds". The pillar split into two was a terrible deafening noise, as if the universe had split into two. Out came a fearsome looking creature with the head of a lion and body of a man.
Narasimha pounced and caught Hiranyakashipu. He let out a loud roar and with Hiranyakashipu in his lap used his nails to rip him apart. The entrails were wore around his neck. Seeing the defeat of the demon king all the gods were happy. They showered flowers from heaven. The earth rejoiced.
Stone carving of this scene: www.flickr.com/photos/24223113@N00/39182073011/in/photost...