Prahlada is a character from the Puranic texts of Hinduism; wherein he is famed for his exclusive devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu; despite attempts in the story by his father; Hiranyakashipu; to turn him to the contrary. He is considered to be a mahajana; or great devotee; by followers of Vaishnava traditions and is of special importance to devotees of the avatar of Narasimha; the Man-Lion.

Despite several warnings from his father Hiranyakashipu; Prahlada continues to worship Vishnu. His father tries to poison him; get him trampled by the elephants; and put him in a room with venomous snakes; but Prahlada survives each and every time.

Holika; the sister of Hiranyakashipu; has a special shawl that would prevent fire affecting the person wearing it. One day; Hiranyakashipu orders Prahlada to sit on a pyre on the lap of Holika. Prahlad prays to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire starts; Holika burns to death; while Prahlada remains unharmed. This incident is celebrated as the Hindu festival of Holi.

After tolerating much abuse from his father Hiranyakashipu; Prahlada is eventually saved by Vishnu in the form of Narasimha; the half-man; half-lion avatar.