Sri Desika Srinivasa Thathachariar Swamy explained in a discourse that God’s manifestation as Nrusimha was to fulfil eight promises. The idea of the eight promises is a theological elaboration emphasising that the Lord’s actions are never arbitrary. They are perfectly aligned to protect dharma and honour His devotees, and yet respect the cosmic order, including the boons granted earlier. When Hiranyakasipu knocked down a pillar (created by him, knowing nothing inside), the Lord appeared instantaneously from the pillar to uphold the words of His devotee Prahlada, who said God dwells everywhere, including the pillar. God says He is present in all five elements of nature, and the pillar is associated with the element Earth.

The gatekeepers of Sri Vaikunta (Dwarapalakas) who incurred the curse of Sanakadhi rishis were destined to be born as devils for three births, but they prayed to Lord Narayana to be slain and retrieved by the God. Hiranyakasipu’s birth was one of the three, and God fulfilled that promise.