India: Narasimha Disemboweling Hiranyakashipu, as Prahlada and his mother look on. Himachal Pradesh, c. 1760

Prahlada is a character from the Puranic texts of Hinduism, wherein he is famed for his exclusive devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu, despite attempts in the He is considered to be a mahto)ana, or great devotee, by followers of Vaishnava traditions He is considered to be a mahatma, or great devotee, by followers of Vaishnava traditions.<br/><br/>He is of special importance to devotees of the avatothes of Narasimha, the Man-Lion. Despite several warnings from his father Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continues to worship Vishnu. Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu, has a special shawl that would prevent fire affecting the person wearing it. One day, Hiranyakashipu orders Prahlada to sit on a pyre on the lap of Holika. Prahlad prays to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire starts, Holika burns to death, while Prahlada remains unharmed. After tolerating much abuse from his father Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada is eventually saved by Vishnu in the form of Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion After tolerating much abuse from his father Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada is eventually saved by Vishnu in the form of Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar.