Hiranyakashipu had obtained a boon from Brahma, so that no human or animal could kill him. His death wouldn’t happen either in day or night, neither inside any premises nor outside. Thus invincible, he started harassing everybody including the devas.

He decreed that only himself (Hiranyakashipu) be worshipped all across the three lokas. While all the three lokas complied, his own son – Prahlada, had become a devotee of Maha Vishnu. Much to Hiranyakashipu’s chagrin, Prahlada wouldn’t change his mind inspite of severe punishments.

When Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to seek Vishnu’s refuge, Maha Vishnu assumed the form of Narasimha (half-human and half-lion) and appeared from a pillar. Narasimha and Hiranyakashipu then fought each other fiercely. Finally, Narasimha carried a worn out Hiranyakashipu and sat on the courtyard threshold (which was neither inside nor outside) just before the sun set. Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu using his claws.