The Legend of Prahlad and Holika: In ancient times, the demon king Hiranyakashipu gained a boon of near-immortality from Lord Brahma, making it impossible for him to be killed by man or beast, indoors or outdoors, during day or night. Blinded by power, he declared himself God. However, his son Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu (Narayana). Hiranyakashipu tried various ways to kill Prahlad. He threw him off cliffs, exposed him to venomous snakes, and poisoned his food, but Lord Vishnu protected him each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika, who possessed a divine shawl that protected her from fire, volunteered to sit in a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. As the fire was lit, Prahlad chanted Vishnu's name. A strong gust of wind blew the protective shawl off Holika and wrapped it around Prahlad. Holika was reduced to ashes, while Prahlad emerged unharmed. Lord Vishnu then incarnated as Lord Narasimha (half-man, half-lion) and killed Hiranyakashipu at twilight, on the threshold of the palace, using his claws, fulfilling all conditions of the boon.