Brahma, the creator of the world, awarded Hiranyakashipu, the demon king, one wish — a promise that he will never be killed — to at day time and not at night, not inside nor outside his house, not on the ground nor in the air, not by man nor by animal.

The king of demons used to chase men and gods, and even his own son, Prahlada, a strict devotee of Lord Vishnu. Prahlada was exposed to extreme viciousness from his father but Lord Vishnu's grace protected him. All the difficulties only enhanced his devotion.

One day Hiranyakashipu mocked his son, asking him why, if Vishnu is all pervading, he cannot see him in the pillars of his house, and while saying this, the evil king kicked the pillar to prove his son over his silly belief. Prahladacalled Vishnu for help. Vishnu appeared out of the pillar in a terrible form of Narasimha: his upper body the shape of a lion, his lower body, shaped as a man.

It was twilight — neither day nor night, the Lord as Narasimha picked Hiranyakashipu up in the air, and on the doorstep, neither inside the house nor outside, he placed him on his knees (not on the ground nor in the air) and torn his body to pieces.

This asana is dedicated to Narasimha, the appearance of Vishnu in the body of the half lion.

Technique:

1. Sit in Padmasan (photo 300).

Transfer the weight of the body to the hands and keep the arms straight, so the body leans on the knees and on the hands.

Open the chest forward and lower the torso downward as much as you can.

2. Spread the fingers as much as you can.

Open the mouth wide.

Stick the tongue out and down toward the chin as much as possible.

Focus the sight at the point in between the eyebrows (photos 188—189).

Breath through the mouth. Let each exhalation sound like a roar coming from the depth of the throat.

Emphasis and Awareness:

The breathing must be deep and whispering, like a low roar.

Focus the sight between the eyebrows, and the awareness at the Ajna Chakra.

Length of Stay:

Begin with 5 deep breaths and up to a minute and a half.

Release:

Come back to sit in lotus. Change the order of the legs and repeat the lion pose for the same length of time.

Advantages:

The asana strengthen the liver, improves the respiratory system, cleanse the area of the mouth and tongue, and improves the pronunciation. The pose opens the area of the throat and pipe, and works on the area of the Vishuddha Chakra, in charge of expression. The pose is recommended for people suffering from stuttering.

The asana also relief pain at the tailbone and places it back in its place in case it was dislocated.