In Hindu mythology, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Vishnu who killed Hiranyakashipu is Narasimha.
Narasimha is traditionally counted as Vishnu’s fourth major avatar and is depicted with a human body and a lion’s head and claws. He appeared to defend Prahlada, the young son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu and a devoted worshipper of Vishnu.
Hiranyakashipu had received a boon from Brahma that protected him from being killed by a human or animal, indoors or outdoors, during day or night, and by a conventional weapon. Narasimha bypassed every condition: he attacked at twilight, on a threshold, placed the king on his lap, and killed him with his claws.
Narasimha is commonly confused with other divine or animal figures in Hindu tradition. Hanuman is the monkey deity devoted to Rama, Garuda is Vishnu’s eagle-like mount, and naga refers to serpent beings. Narasimha is especially revered as a fierce protector and destroyer of evil.