Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 7 Chapter 2:1-16

Book 7: Chapter 2

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 7: Chapter 2: Verses 1-16 Hiranyakasipu rids his mother (Diti) of her grief (caused by the death of his younger brother, Hiranyaksa) Narada replied': On his (younger) brother (Hiranyaksa) having been slain thus (through seeming partiality towards the gods) by Sri Hari, who had assumed the form of a boar, Hiranyakasipu (the elder brother), O king (Yudhisthira), felt agonized with anger and grief. Whirling with rage, he closely bit his lips; nay, with his eyes burning through anger he gazed intently at the sky, which looked misty (due to the smoke issuing from those fiery eyes as it were) and spoke thus. With a frowning aspect, terrible to look at because of his fearful teeth and fierce glances, and raising up his trident, he spoke as follows to the Danavas (assembled) in his court.O Danavas and Daityas, hullo Dwimurdha (lit., a two-headed monster), Tryaksa (a demon with three eyes), Sambara, Satabahu (a demon with a hundred arms), Hayagriva (one endowed with a horse's head), Namuci, Paka, Ilwala, Vipracitti, Puloma, Sakuna and others, listen all to my word and then let it to be carried out at once; there should be no delay. My beloved and devoted (younger) brother (Hiranyaksa) has been caused by the petty enemies (the gods) to be slain at the hands of Hari (the god Visnu), who, though impartial, has been won over to their side through services (rendered to Him). With the copious blood of that god-who, though all effulgence (in essence), assumed the semblance of a wild animal (boar) through a deceptive trick and has relinquished his (very) nature (impartial character), nay, who follows anyone who adores him and is (therefore) fickle-minded as a child-when his head has been severed by my spear, I shall gratify (the spirit of) my blood-thirsty brother and be (thus) relieved of my agony. When that wily adversary (in the person of Visnu) has been disposed of, the gods (the denizens of heaven), whose (very) life is Visnu, will wither away like the boughs on a tree whose roots have been cut off. Meanwhile resort you to the earth, made prosperous by the Brahmanas (the sacerdotal class) and the Ksatriyas (the ruling and warrior class) and exterminate those engaged in austerities, sacrificial performances and the study of the Vedas, observing sacred vows and practising charity. God Visnu depends for his existence on the rituals of the twice-born, being Yajna (worship) personified and an embodiment of righteousness. He is the ultimate resort of the gods, the Rsis (seers), the manes and other living beings and the final goal of righteousness. Repair to each such territory where there are Brahmanas (lit., the twice-born), cows, the (four) Varnas (grades of society) and (four) Asramas (stages in life) and rituals. Set fire to them and cut them (their trees etc.) to pieces. Reverently bowing to the aforementioned command of their lord (Hiranyakasipu), the demons (who were fond of bloodshed) began to oppress the people accordingly. They burnt towns and villages, cow-pens and gardens, corn-fields and parks, hermitages and mines, farmers' hamlets, villages at the foot of mountains and stations of herdsmen and (even) cities. Some (of them) demolished with spades bridges, defensive walls and city gates; while others, with axes in their hands, cut down (fruit-bearing) trees which served as a means of livelihood (to the people). And (still) others burnt down the dwellings of the people with flaming brands. (15) When the people were thus oppressed again and again by the followers of Hiranyakasipu (the lord of the Daityas), the gods deserted heaven and wandered over the earth unperceived (by the demons).