Lord Narsimha ( Lord Vishnu as the Half - man , Half - lion form)

Lord Narsimha ( Lord Vishnu as the Half - man , Half - lion form)

Cave No 3,Badami. Chalukya Dynasty,6th Century CE

            This Cave contains images of different incarnations of Lord Vishnu.  Here we have the fourth incarnation: Narsimha  ( the half - man,  half - lion ). This is a unique incarnation as it was instantaneous one. There were no long preparation for the incarnation amongst the Gods.  Hiranyakashipu, the demon, demanded to know from his son, Prahlad, who was ever devoted to Lord Vishnu if his god was present in a pillar of the palace as well. Prahlad said "yes He does." Hiranyakashipu hit the pillar with his mace in order to prove that the pillar did not contain any god. Out popped Narsimha incarnation.  Here we see the Lord in all his glory. Prahlad stands on the left side; Hiranyakashipu on the right. The fight between Narsimha and Hiranyakashipu is yet to begin. 

          This story has various meanings: it speaks of bhakti ( total devotion to God) as portrayed in Prahlad ' s complete devotion to Lord Vishnu; it proves that devotion is not by birth as Prahlad was born from a demon. But is self - acquired.  Thus, it challenges the Brahminical belief that knowledge is the monopoly of only the Brahmins. It  speaks of the omnipresence of God--He is everywhere; it deals with generation gap and with the concept of father and son conflict. The older generation should not impose its  dictates and thinking on the younger generation.  The young should be permitted to think out of the box. It stresses on devotion, single mindedness, and hard work. It teaches us that life is not easy, but is full of obstacles. However, eventually we will overcome our troubles. It is an optimistic tale.