Flashback - Birth of the Demons

Chapter 14

Having heard of Varahadeva’s annihilation of Hiranyaksa, Vidura enquired about the history of the demon. Maitreya thus explained how Hiranyaksa and his brother, Hiranyakasipu, were born.

Kasyapa, son of Marici, was a prajapati whose task was to populate the universe. He was married to Diti, the daughter of Prajapati Daksa. Once, overcome by lusty desire, Diti insisted on sexual union even though the time was astrologically inauspicious. Unable to dissuade her, Kasyapa Muni acquiesced, but later predicted that two deadly offspring would be born (Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu). These sons would cause mayhem in the universe and terrorise the innocent and saintly. There was, however, a silver lining. Firstly, their eventual death would be directly executed by the hands of the Supreme Lord. Secondly, Hiranyakasipu’s son, Prahlada, would emerge as the crest jewel of devotees, and his incredible devotion would deliver the entire family.