Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 3 Chapter 18:12-28

Book 3: Chapter 18

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 3: Chapter 18: Verses 12-28 Encounter of the Divine Boar with Hiranyaksa A leader of leaders of foot soldiers as you are, take prompt steps to overthrow us, giving up all hitch, and wipe the tears of your kith and kin by slaying us; for he does not deserve a seat in an assembly (of good people), who fails to redeem his plighted word. Maitreya continued : Severely taunted and ridiculed by the Lord in an angry mood, he (the demon) waxed violently angry like a serpent which is being played with. Hissing indignantly with all his senses shaken by wrath, the Daitya quickly sprang upon Sri Hari and dealt Him a blow with his mace. The Lord, however, dodged the violent blow of the mace aimed at His breast by the enemy by moving aside a little, just as an accomplished Yogi would elude death. (Sri Hari now waxed angry and rushed to meet the demon, who, taking up his mace again, began repeatedly to brandish it, biting his lips in rage. And then with His mace the Lord struck the enemy on his right eyebrow; but skilled as he was (in a fight with maces), 0 gentle Vidura, he intercepted it with his own mace. In this way Haryaksa (a synonym of Hiranyaksa) and Sri Hari struck each,other with their huge maces in great rage, each seeking his own victory. There was a keen rivalry between the two combatants, both of whom had sustained injuries on their body from the blows of each other's pointed mace and grew more and more enraged at the smell of blood on their person. In their eagerness to win, they were performing manoeuvres of various kinds; and their contest presented the sight of an encounter between a pair of bulls for the sake of a cow. Brahma, surrounded by sages (Marici and others), came (there) to witness the combat, O Vidura (a descendant of Kuru), of Hiranyaksa (son of Diti) and the Supreme Spirit-who had assumed the semblance of a boar by dint of His Maya (deluding potency) and who represents the various Yajnas (sacrifices) on His person-both of whom bore enmity to each other for Earth's sake. When the worshipful Brahma, who was followed by thousands of sages and seers, saw that Hiranyaksa (son of Diti) was full of manliness and devoid of fear, had returned the blows of the Lord and possessed irresistible prowess, he spoke to Lord Narayana, the earliest Boar (as follows): Brahma said : Having secured a boon from me, my lord, this demon is proving a constant annoyance (to the universe) and is not only trespassing against but causing fear and doing injury to the gods, that have sought protection in Your feet, as well as to the Brahmanas, the cows and other innocent beings and, having no rival to contend with him, goes about the spheres in search of one. Play not with him, as a child may with an enraged serpent-him who is skilled in conjuring tricks, arrogant, self-willed and most wicked. Presiding over Your own Maya (wonderful divine energy), slay this sinful demon, O immortal Lord, before he grows formidable with the approach of an hour which is favourable to him. The most dreadful hour of twilight, which is ruinous to the world, my lord, is fast approaching, O Soul of the universe. Be pleased, therefore, to bring victory to the gods (by getting rid of this pestilence). The auspicious period, known by the name of Abhijit (so opportune for victory), which commenced at midday, has now all but passed. Therefore, in the interest of us, Your friends, pray, dispose of this formidable foe quickly. This fellow has, luckily enough for us, come of his own accord to You, his death, ordained (by Yourself). Therefore, exhibiting Your prowess, kill him in this duel and establish the worlds in' peace. Thus ends the eighteenth discourse, forming part of the story relating to Hiranyaksa's death in Book Three of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.