Hindu Mythology talks of Lord Vishnu donning the Narasimha avatar to neutralise every ‘exemption' that the Asura, Hiranyakashipu, had secured through a boon. He had sought a boon that would ensure that he would not die — inside his residence or outside; during day or night; either on earth or sky; by any weapon, or by a human being or animal. So the avatar had to be half man and half-animal, use claws and nails, do the deed at the threshold of the palace, on his lap and at the twilight hour!