Lord Narsimha ( The third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the half lion, half man)

Lord Narsimha ( The third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the half lion, half man)

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

        The story of Lord Narsimha has caught the imagination of the Indian artists. While the sculptors of Ellora have captured the frightened look on the face of Harnakashyup when Narsimha touches him, the Hoysala sculptor has depicted the final moment of his death. 

        The story of Harnakashyup is important. Having gained the boon from Lord Shiva that he would not be killed either by man or animal, neither in daytime nor at night, neither inside a building or under the sky, he became demonic in his nature. Absolute power had corrupted  absolutely. But God has his way. A half lion, half man killed him at the threshold of the Palace at twilight hours.  Good always triumphs.