A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.665

c5.665

HIRANYA-KASIPU. ‘Golden dress.’ A Daitya who, according to the Mahā-bhārata and the Purānas, obtained from Siva the sovereignty of the three worlds for a million of years, and persecuted his son Prahlāda for worshipping Vishnu. He was slain by Vishnu in the Nara-sinha, or man-lion incarnation. He and Hiranyāksha were twin-brothers and chiefs of the Daityas.