In Hinduism, Narashima the lion warrior was sent to restore balance by eliminating evil, and defeating the demon king. Combining fearsome power with unshakable compassion, Narashima is the epitome of divine protection and justice.
Behind Narashima rises "Adishesha" (or Shesha), the king of all snakes, whose seven heads form a protective canopy or umbrella over the deity. The Seven Heads represent the seven worlds or the "infinite" nature of time. The heads form a canopy over the deity, symbolizing how the divine is sheltered and supported by the fundamental forces of the universe. The "U" shaped mark on his forehead ("Urdhva Pundra") signifies his identity as a Vaishnava deity and his connection to the supreme reality.
Narasimha holds two primary symbols of Vishnu in his upper hands: The "Sudarshana Chakra" (Discus) is held in the right hand, representing the wheel of time and the sharp intellect required to cut through ignorance and ego. In the left hand he holds the "Shankha" (Conch Shell), its sound represents the primordial vibration of the universe (Om) and the call to spiritual awakening. He typically has four arms, holding Vishnu’s traditional attributes. His lower hands are often shown in sacred gestures ("mudras") or resting on his legs to signify deep contemplation.
The golden rays emanating from the background symbolize "Atma-Jyoti" (the light of the soul) which dispels the darkness of the material world.
On Narashima's lap is seated the Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizes the perfect equilibrium between essential cosmic energies. Lakshmi embodies divine grace, love, and compassion. The inclusion of Lakshmi illustrates how feminine energy (Shakti) can soften and channel masculine power into nurturing protection.
