Narasimha is the most fierce form of Vishnu who’s manifestation is marked at sunset
Narasimha is the half man-half lion incarnation of Vishnu. As one of the most ferocious forms of Vishnu, he is worshiped for destruction of negative energies, protection from calamities and removal of fear. On his appearance day (Vaishaka Shukla Chaturdasi) which is being observed either today or tomorrow* Hindus fast through daylight hours and perform a puja at sunset; the time at which Narasimha appeared.
Hiranyakashipu had been blessed that he could not be killed by any human or animal, by any weapon, during night or day and either indoors or outdoors. Feeling invincible, Hiranyakashipu abused his power and persecuted his son Prahlada for his devotion to Vishnu. As the suffering of Prahlada grew, Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha who was neither man nor animal. During sunset (neither night nor day), he killed Hiranyakashipu with his nails (no weapon) at a doorway of his palace (neither inside or outside).
Narasimha is one the most popular deities in the Telugu states and Odisha, home to some of his most important Narasimha temples in Bharat. Multan in W.Punjab (Pakistan) is home to another sacred centre of Narasimha, but sadly the temple is in ruins and encroached upon after repeated attacks from Islamic extremists.
About the image: murthi of Lakshmi-Narasimha on banks of Kushavarta Kunda; Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
*Some Hindus in Americas/Europe are observing today, whilst most of the Hindu world observes tomorrow