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The Hindu deity Narasimha
The Hindu deity Narasimha

The Hindu deity Narasimha

Place of OriginNepal
Date1500-1600
MaterialsBronze
DimensionsH. 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
Credit LineGift from an anonymous donor
Object numberB78B2
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 12
More Information
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 tears the demon apart.
Subject
  • deity
  • demon
  • Narasimha