Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king, had obtained a boon that he could not be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, day or night. Blinded by pride, he declared himself God. However, his son Prahlada became a devoted follower of Narayana.

The king tried to kill Prahlada through poison, fire, and throwing him off a cliff, but the boy remained unharmed. Finally, the king pointed to a pillar and asked: 'Is your God in here?' Prahlada said, 'Yes.'

The king struck the pillar, and out came Lord Narasimha—a half-man, half-lion form. He killed the demon at twilight (neither day nor night), on the doorstep (neither inside nor outside), fulfilling all conditions of the boon. Prahlada's pure faith saved him and the world.