Hiranyakashyap is a mythological figure in Hinduism. He was a king and an Asura (demon) who is primarily known for his hatred towards Lord Vishnu and his devotion to obtaining immortality. Here are some facts about Hiranyakashyap:
Hiranyakashyap was the son of the demon sage Kashyap and his wife Diti.
He had a younger brother named Hiranyaksha, who was also a powerful demon.
Hiranyakashyap was granted a boon by Lord Brahma, which made him almost invincible. He could not be killed by any man or animal, neither inside nor outside any dwelling, and not by any weapon.
Hiranyakashyap believed himself to be superior to the gods and wanted to be worshipped as a god himself. He ordered everyone in his kingdom to worship him instead of Lord Vishnu.
However, Hiranyakashyap’s own son Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. This enraged Hiranyakashyap, and he made several attempts to kill Prahlada, but Lord Vishnu always intervened to save him.
Finally, Hiranyakashyap challenged Lord Vishnu to a battle. In the form of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, he killed Hiranyakashyap by placing him on his lap, tearing open his chest with his claws, and killing him at the moment of dusk.
The festival of Holi is celebrated in honor of the defeat of Hiranyakashyap by Lord Narasimha. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Overall, Hiranyakashyap is known for his arrogance and his relentless pursuit of power and immortality, which ultimately led to his downfall.