Varahadeva Kills Hiranyaksa

Chapter 17, 18, 19

Having related the history of the demons, Maitreya returned to the original narration of Hiranyaksa’s confrontation with Varahadeva.

After one hundred years in Diti’s womb, the birth of the two demons prompted natural disturbances and unfavourable omens in the planets, causing apprehension amongst the entire populace. The brothers were born, and quickly grew up like mountains with bodies made of steel. The formidable Hiranyakasipu, unafraid of death due to the boons awarded by Brahma, wreaked widespread havoc, and Hiranyaksa faithfully assisted him in terrorising the world.

Once, after ruthlessly pillaging Mother Earth for gold, Hiranyaksa upset her equilibrium, causing her to fall into the Garbhodaka Ocean. Later, the demon dived into the ocean and challenged Varuna to battle. The Lord of the waters encouraged him to challenge the Supreme Lord, knowing Hiranyaksa would be soundly defeated and subsequently humbled. Hiranyaksa enthusiastically accepted the challenge and set out in search of the Lord. After travelling to the depths of the ocean he indeed found Lord Varahadeva, abruptly insulted Him and demanded He hand over the earth planet.

The Lord listened to his abusive words and then invited the arrogant demon to contend with Him. A tremendous mace battle ensued. The fight went back and forth, and when Brahma arrived, he urged the Lord not to frolic or play, but rather kill the atrocious demon immediately. After a thrilling exchange of arms, the Lord Boar effortlessly slapped the demon, causing Hiranyaksa to die. With one demoniac birth over, there were now two more to go.