Overcoming Death

Chapter 3

Desiring to defy his mortality, Hiranyakasipu commenced a torturous regime of austerity and penance. The intensity of his practice generated an unbearable heat in the universe which filled the demigods with anxiety and prompted them to approach Lord Brahma. Hearing of Hiranyakasipu’s intentions to occupy his post, Brahma went to see him.

Brahma was astonished to see the demon’s emaciated body and was duty-bound to offer him benedictions. He rejuvenated Hiranyakasipu’s body and enquired what his aspiration was. Hiranyakasipu offered a series of eloquent prayers and then requested several benedictions: “Please grant that I not be killed by any created living being; that I not die inside or outside any residence, during daytime or night, nor on the ground or in the sky; that I not be killed by any being created by you, nor by any weapon, nor by any human being or animal - indeed, that I not meet death from any entity, either living or nonliving; that I have no competitor; that I have sole lordship over all living beings and presiding deities; and that I acquire all mystic powers.” Brahma agreed to his request. Having seemingly covered all eventualities, Hiranyakasipu was convinced that these benedictions would secure his immortality.