Narasimha Dwadashi Story

In ancient times, there was a wise sage named Kashyap. He had several wives, but Diti and Aditi were the most prominent. From Aditi's lineage came the gods, while from Diti's lineage came the demons. Diti gave birth to two sons, Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, both of demonic nature. Lord Vishnu, in his Varaha incarnation, killed Hiranyaksha to protect the Earth. Enraged by his brother's death, Hiranyakashipu resolved to take revenge. He performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma and asked for a boon to become invincible. He requested that he should not die during the day or night, not on earth, sky, or underworld, not by a god or a demon. Pleased with his devotion, Brahma granted his wish. With this power, Hiranyakashipu attacked heaven, defeated the gods, and became the ruler of all three worlds. Arrogant and blinded by his strength, Hiranyakashipu saw himself as supreme. During this time, his wife Kayadhu gave birth to a son, Prahlad. Unlike his father, Prahlad was devout and devoted to Lord Vishnu. As Prahlad grew up, Hiranyakashipu ordered him to worship only him. However, Prahlad refused and remained devoted to Vishnu. Despite several attempts, Hiranyakashipu failed to change his son's mind. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad through various means, like pushing him from a mountain or setting him on fire with the help of his sister Holika. Yet, Lord Vishnu always protected his devoted follower. Eventually, Hiranyakashipu decided to kill Prahlad himself. In an assembly, he tied Prahlad to a pillar and challenged him, saying, "You say Vishnu is everywhere. If that's true, let your god appear from this pillar to save you!" Striking the pillar with his mace, Hiranyakashipu was shocked when Lord Vishnu emerged as Narasimha—half-man, half-lion—at twilight. Narasimha placed Hiranyakashipu on his lap and tore him apart with his claws. This act fulfilled all conditions of the boon: it was neither day nor night, neither on earth, sky, nor underworld, and Narasimha was neither god nor demon. Thus, Lord Vishnu protected his devotee Prahlad, restoring balance and eliminating the tyrant.