In the form of a man-lion, the god Vishnu destroys a proud and tyrannical demon king. As a reward for practicing austerities, the demon king received special protective power from the gods such that he could not be killed either by man or animal, by night or day, indoors or outdoors. To punish the demon king for his insolence, Vishnu outsmarts him by incarnating himself as part man and part lion, emerges from a pillar at the threshold at twilight, and furiously tears the demon apart.
Details
- Title : The Hindu deity Narasimha
- Year : 1500-1600
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Bronze
- Dimension : H. 21 1/4 in x W. 15 in x D. 6 in, H. 54.0 cm x W. 38.1 cm x D. 15.2 cm
- Accession No : B78B2
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Culture : Hinduism
- Collection : Asian Art Museum
- Credit Line : Gift from an anonymous donor
- Acquisition Method : Gift
- Status : Not on display
- Department : Himalayan Art
- Location : Gallery 12