Hiranyakashipu is a
demon king who is murdered by the deity Vishnu in his incarnation as a Man-Lion
in Hindu mythology.
Hiranyakashipu develops a number of divine abilities as a
consequence of his strict physical asceticism, rendering him almost
invulnerable: one of these powers is that he cannot be slain by man or beast,
at any time of day or night, inside or outside.
Hiranyakashipu, aided by these abilities, conquers the whole
world before driving the gods from heaven, getting prouder and more repressive
as his power grows.
He especially oppresses his son Prahlada, who, despite his
father's authority, remains a devout Vishnu follower (bhakta).
Hiranyakashipu, enraged at the prospect of someone refusing
to worship him, eventually offers Prahlada the choice of worshiping him or
dying.
Prahlada asks Vishnu for assistance, and Vishnu comes as a
Man-Lion, a man from the chest down with the head and shoulders of a lion, who
is neither man nor beast.
At twilight, which is neither day nor night, the Man-Lion
captures Hiranyakashipu at the palace entryway, which is neither inside nor
out, and uses his keen claws to rip out the demon's innards, killing him.
The narrative of Hiranyakashipu is supposed to convey the
dangers of pride, as well as the legendary fact that no power, no matter how
great, can protect one from the repercussions of one's terrible conduct.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
