Hiranyakashipu (or Hiranyakasipu) (Sanskrit: हिरण्‍यकश्यप) is an Asura from the Puranic scriptures of Hinduism. The Purana's describe Hiranyakashipu as a king from ancient times. His younger brother, Hiranyaksha was slain by Varaha, one of the avatars of Vishnu and angered by this, Hiranyakashipu decided to gain magical powers by performing a penance for Brahma. He was subsequently killed by the Narasimha avatara of Vishnu. His tale depicts the futility of desiring power over others and the strength of God's protection over his fully surrendered devotees (in the case of his son Prahlada).