Lord Narasimha disemboweling the demon Hiranyakashipu. Narasimha with the face of a lion and body of a man is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, meant to destroy evil on Earth. Hiranyakashipu is a demon who had obtained special powers from Brahma which meant he could not be killed during day or night, inside or outside, on Earth or in the Sky, by man or animal or with any weapon. Once powerful, he starts tormenting devotees of Vishnu, including his own son Prahlada. Lord Vishnu then in the form of Narasimha (half lion-half man) slays Hiranyakashipu on his own lap, at twilight on the threshold of his house using his nails as weapons.

Similar intricately carved wooden pieces were used to decorate chariots. Temple cars or chariots also called as “Rathas” are vehicles used to carry idols of Hindu gods in processions on annual festival days. These are usually made of wood and in most cases have exquisite and intricate carvings on multiple set-in panels. 

The chariot at Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu is said to be the largest – 29 metres tall and weighing over 300 tonnes.Rathas from different parts of India vary in style and size. These rathas decorated with flowers and jewels are pulled with thick ropes by hundreds of devotees. The anglo-Indian term “Juggernaut” was inspired by the large temple cars at Jagannath temple, Puri. 

This wooden idol can be a great addition to your interiors, to add vintage look to your spaces.