Yoga Narasimha, Vishnu's Man-Lion Incarnation 12th century India (Tamil Nadu) Narasimha was an avatar of Vishnu who appeared on earth to slay the evil ruler Hiranyakashipu, who believed himself to be invincible after tricking Brahma into granting him a protective spell. Narasimha is venerated as an embodiment of valor and martial strength; here, he assumes the pose of a meditative yogi after successfully outwitting and slaying the evil king. Narasimha is thus praised as the bringer of peace and order to the world of men. As a meditative yogi, Narasimha assumed Vishnus four-armed form and would have carried Vishnus weapons—the discus (chakra) and conch—in his raised hands; his lower hands rest passively in meditation.. Yoga Narasimha, Vishnu's Man-Lion Incarnation. India (Tamil Nadu). 12th century. Copper alloy. Chola period (880-1279). Sculpture