Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c7.240

c7.240

The story is told in the "Vishnu-purana." Hiranya-Kasipu, King of the Asuras and one of the door-keepers of Vishnu's paradise, had obtained from Brahmâ by severe penance the boon that he should not be slain by any created being. Inflated with pride, he then attempted to usurp the sovereignty of Vishnu, and ordered his son, Prahlâda, to offer him the worship due to the god. Prahlâda refused, and braved all the wrath of his infuriated father. When Hiranya struck him he only thought on Vishnu, and the RAVANA UNDER KAILÂSA (From Ellora)