In Hindu mythology, which demon king was defeated by the avatar Narasimha?

The story behind the answer

In Hindu mythology, the avatar Narasimha defeated the demon king Hiranyakashipu.

Hiranyakashipu received a boon that made him extremely difficult to kill. The conditions included protection from humans and animals, indoors and outdoors, during day and night, and on land and in the sky. He consequently believed himself invulnerable and demanded worship from his subjects.

His son Prahlada remained devoted to Vishnu. When Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada and asked whether Vishnu was present in a pillar, Narasimha emerged from it. As a half-man, half-lion form, Narasimha avoided the boon’s categories. He killed Hiranyakashipu at twilight, on a threshold, while placing him on his lap.

Hiranyaksha is a different demon associated with Vishnu’s boar avatar, Varaha. Mahishasura is defeated by Durga.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: