rule



 

Canto 3

Dâmodarâshthaka

 
 

Chapter 19: The Killing of the Demon Hiranyâksha

(1) Maitreya said: 'Hearing Brahmâ's sincere, nectarine words made the Lord heartily laugh as He accepted them with a glance laden with love. (2) Then, jumping up, the Lord being born from Brahmâ's nostril with His mace struck the demoniac enemy, fearlessly moving before Him, sideways on the chin.  (3) But that blow was stopped by Hiranyâksha's mace in such a way that the Lord's mace miraculously slipped from His hands, falling down whirling with an astonishing glow. (4) Even though Hiranyâksha thus was offered an excellent opportunity, he did not attack out of respect for the combat code that one does not attack someone who has no weapon. This excited the Lord. (5) As His mace fell, a cry of fear rose [among the bystanders] but the confrontation with Hiranyâksha's righteousness made the All-powerful Lord think of His Sudars'ana cakra. (6) Playing with the vile son of Diti, this greatest of His associates, He rotated His discus and met with various expressions of disbelief from those who unaware [of all His powers] crowded the sky and said: 'We wish You all the best, please kill him.'

(7) The Daitya upon seeing Him whose eyes were like the petals of lotus flowers, standing armed with His disc before him, prepared and looking at Him, was in his senses overpowered by indignation and hissing like a serpent he bit his lips in great resentment. (8) With his fearful huge teeth and staring eyes burning like fire he then attacked Him with his club saying: 'And thus You are slain!', and hurled it at the Lord. (9) Even though that mace had the force of a tempest, oh seeker of truth, it was by the Supreme Lord of sacrifices who had assumed the form of a boar, before the eyes of His enemy playfully knocked down with His left leg.

(10) He thereupon said: 'Pick it up and try again, if you are so eager to win'. The thus challenged Hiranyâksha then roared loudly and stroke again. (11) The Lord seeing the mace flying towards Him, stood firm and caught it as easily as Garuda would seize a serpent. (12) As his bravery was thus frustrated, the great demon, with his pride shattered, humiliated refused to take back the mace the Lord offered Him. (13) He instead took up a trident and flaming like fire ravenously went against the Varâha appearance of the Lord of Sacrifice, like someone who with evil intentions goes against a brahmin. (14) The shiny trident that was hurled by the mightiest among the Daityas with all his strength, in his flight shone all the brighter but was like Garuda's wing being clipped off by Indra [when Garuda once snatched a pot of nectar], cut to pieces by the sharp rim of the cakra. (15) When he saw his trident cut to pieces by the disc of the Lord, he infuriated came roaring forward and stroke the broad and S'rîvatsa-marked chest of the Lord, the abode of the goddess, hard with his fist. Thereafter the demon disappeared from sight. (16) Thus struck by him, oh Vidura, the Supreme Lord, in His first incarnation as a boar, was not in the least shaken. He was not more affected than an elephant hit with a bunch of flowers. (17) The people however now saw the Lord of the internal potency being sieged with an array of tricks and they fearfully thought that the end of the world was at hand. (18) Fierce winds were blowing and in all directions darkness spread because of the dust, while stones came down as if an entire army was engaged. (19) The luminaries in the sky disappeared behind masses of clouds from which it thundered and lightened with a constant downpour of pus, hair, blood, stool, urine and bones. (20) Oh sinless one, from the mountains all kinds of weapons were discharged and naked demonesses with their hair hanging loose were seen who were armed with tridents. (21) Many savage devils and demons on foot, horseback, on chariots and elephants appeared, who shouted cruel words of murder. (22) Following this display of magical power by the demon the beloved enjoyer of the three sacrifices [of hearing, goods and breath, see B.G. 4: 26-27] desiring an end to it all cast the weapon of His most excellent presence [the Sudars'ana cakra].

(23) That very moment all of a sudden a shudder ran through the heart of Diti [the mother of the demon] whereupon, with her remembering the words of her husband [Kas'yapa], blood flowed from her breasts. (24) With his magic forces being dispelled [by the launched cakra] the demon reappeared before the Supreme Lord and full of rage embraced Him in order to crush Him, but he found the Lord outside of his grip. (25) Hiranyâksha struck Lord Adhokshaja ['He beyond the control of the senses'] with his fist as hard as a thunderbolt, but was hit by Him just below his ear, just like the Lord of the Maruts [Indra] did with the demon Vritra. (26) Even though the Invincible Lord slapped him in a casual manner, the demon's body wheeled around with his eyes bulged out of their sockets, whereupon he, with his arms and legs lifeless and his hair scattered, fell down like a gigantic tree uprooted by the wind.

(27) The self-born one [Brahmâ]  and others who saw him lying on the ground with his glow still unfaded and his teeth through his lip, said, approaching in admiration: 'Oh who indeed, could meet his final destination like this? (28) He upon whom the yogis, absorbed in the union of their consciousness, in seclusion meditate in seeking liberation from the unreal, material body, struck with one of His legs him, the son, the crest jewel of the Daityas who left behind his body gazing at His countenance. (29) Both the personal assistants of the Lord have been cursed to be born again in godless families for a couple of lives. Thereafter they will return to their positions.'

(30) The demigods said: 'All obeisances to You, oh Enjoyer of all Sacrifices who for the sake of maintaining [this world] assumed a form of pure goodness. To our good fortune You have slain this one who was wreaking havoc in all the worlds. With devotion to Your feet we are now at ease.'

(31) S'rî Maitreya said: 'After thus having killed the so very powerful Hiranyâksha, the Lord, the source of the boar incarnation, was praised by the one seated on the lotus and the other gods, whereupon He returned to His abode where His glory is celebrated continuously. (32) To you, dear friend, I explained as it was told to me, how the Supreme Lord, by descending in a material form, put an end to the activities of the so very powerful Hiranyâksha who in a great fight was killed like a plaything.' "

(33) Sûta said: "After Vidura, the great devotee, thus from the son of Kushâru [Maitreya] had heard about the story of the Fortunate One, he achieved the highest bliss, oh brahmin [S'aunaka]. (34) Considering the joy one derives from hearing stories about virtuous souls of name and fame, what a joy would one not derive from listening to a story about Him with the S'rivatsa mark on His chest? (35) When the king of the elephants [Gajendra] was attacked by an alligator, he meditated on the lotus feet while his wives were crying and was thus quickly delivered from the danger [see 8.2-4]. (36) Who would not take shelter of Him who is so easy to worship for men who are honest and sincere; which grateful soul would not render service to the One who is impossible to worship for those who are not virtuous and straight? (37) He who hears, chants and takes pleasure in this wonderful pastime of the Supreme One, who as a boar raised the earth out of the ocean and killed Hiranyâksha, will immediately be freed [from the consequences of his sins], even if he killed a brahmin, oh twice-born soul. (38) This narrative is most edifying, is very sacred, brings wealth, fame, longevity and will provide all that one needs. Whoever listens to it will therefrom on the battlefield find his life force and senses strengthened and at the end of his life obtain the shelter of Lord Nârâyana, dear S'aunaka."

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 Third revised edition, loaded November 30, 2023.

   

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

Maitreya said: 'Hearing Brahmâ's sincere, nectarine words made the Lord heartily laugh as He accepted them with a glance laden with love.
Maitreya said: 'Hearing the nectarine words free from sinful intentions of Brahmâ, made the Lord heartily laughing accept them with a glance laden with love. (Vedabase)

 

Text 2

Then, jumping up, the Lord being born from Brahmâ's nostril with His mace struck the demoniac enemy, fearlessly moving before Him, sideways on the chin. 

Then, springing up, did He struck the demoniac enemy fearlessly stalking before Him with His mace sideways at the chin. (Vedabase)

 

Text 3

But that blow was stopped by Hiranyâksha's mace in such a way that the Lord's mace miraculously slipped from His hands, falling down whirling with an astonishing glow.

But that blow was stopped by Hiranyâksha's mace, so that the Lord His mace, slipping from His hands, fell down whirling with an astonishing miraculous glow. (Vedabase)

 

Text 4

Even though Hiranyâksha thus was offered an excellent opportunity, he did not attack out of respect for the combat code that one does not attack someone who has no weapon. This excited the Lord.

Though Hiranyâksha thus had an excellent opportunity, did he not attack in respect of the code of combat that having no weapon in battle must be honored. This drove the Lord further. (Vedabase)

  

Text 5

As His mace fell, a cry of fear rose [among the bystanders] but the confrontation with Hiranyâksha's righteousness made the All-powerful Lord think of His Sudars'ana cakra.

As His mace fell, a cry of alarm rose [from the bystanders] and seeing Hiranyâksha his righteousness did the All-powerful Lord remember His Sudars'ana-cakra. (Vedabase)

  

Text 6

Playing with the vile son of Diti, this greatest of His associates, He rotated His discus and met with various expressions of disbelief from those who unaware [of all His powers] crowded the sky and said: 'We wish You all the best, please kill him.'

As He was revolving His discus, playing with the vile son of Diti, was He as the chief of His associates met with various expressions of disbelief that filled the sky with: 'All fortune to You, please put Him to an end.' (Vedabase)

   

Text 7

The Daitya upon seeing Him, whose eyes were like the petals of lotus flowers, standing armed with His disc before him, prepared and looking at Him, was in his senses overpowered by indignation and hissing like a serpent he bit his lips in great resentment.

The Daitya upon seeing Him armed with His disc before him, being ready and looking at Him with His eyes like the petals of lotusflowers, was in his senses overpowered by indignation, and hissing like a serpent he bit his lips in great resent. (Vedabase)

  

Text 8

With his fearful huge teeth and staring eyes burning like fire he then attacked Him with his club saying: 'And thus You are slain!', and hurled it at the Lord.

With his fearful huge teeth and both his staring eyes burning like fire he then attacked saying: 'Thus You are defeated by Your own club!', and hurled it at the Lord.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 9

Even though that mace had the force of a tempest, oh seeker of truth, it was by the Supreme Lord of sacrifices who had assumed the form of a boar, before the eyes of His enemy playfully knocked down with His left leg.

That mace, o seeker of truth, was, even though it had the force of a tempest, before the eyes of His enemy, playfully knocked down by the right foot of the Supreme Lord of sacrifices in the form of a boar. (Vedabase)

  

Text 10

He thereupon said: 'Pick it up and try again, if you are so eager to win.' The thus challenged Hiranyâksha then roared loudly and stroke again.

Then He said: 'Pick it up and try again, when you are so eager to win'. At that time, did Hiranyâksha, thus challenged, roaring loudly strike again.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 11

The Lord seeing the mace flying towards Him, stood firm and caught it as easily as Garuda would seize a serpent.

Seeing the mace flying towards Him, did the Lord standing firm catch it with ease, seizing it as Garuda would do a serpent. (Vedabase)

 

Text 12

As his bravery was thus frustrated, the great demon, with his pride shattered, humiliated refused to take back the mace the Lord offered Him.

The frustration of his bravery shattered the pride of the great demon and being put off he refused to take back the mace that the Lord offered Him. (Vedabase)

  

Text 13

He instead took up a trident and flaming like fire ravenously went against the Varâha appearance of the Lord of Sacrifice, like someone who with evil intentions goes against a brahmin.

Instead he took up a trident and flaming like fire he ravenously went against the Lord of Sacrifice in the form of Varâha, as one with evil intentions would against a brahmin. (Vedabase)

 

Text 14

The shiny trident that was hurled by the mightiest among the Daityas with all his strength, in his flight shone all the brighter but was like Garuda's wing being clipped off by Indra [when Garuda once snatched a pot of nectar], cut to pieces by the sharp rim of the cakra.

The shiny trident that the mightiest among the Daityas with all his strength had hurled was midair with a flash of light cut to pieces by the sharp rim of the cakra, like Indra cutting off the wing of Garuda [when he once snatched a pot of nectar]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 15

When he saw his trident cut to pieces by the disc of the Lord, he infuriated came roaring forward and stroke the broad and S'rîvatsa-marked chest of the Lord, the abode of the goddess, hard with his fist. Thereafter the demon disappeared from sight.

When he saw his trident cut in pieces by the Lord His disc, he went mad and came roaring forward striking the broad and S'rîvatsa-marked chest of the Lord hard with his fist, after which the demon disappeared from sight.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 16

Thus struck by him, oh Vidura, the Supreme Lord, in His first incarnation as a boar, was not in the least shaken. He was not more affected than an elephant hit with a bunch of flowers.

Thus struck by him, o Vidura, was the Supreme Lord in His first incarnation as a boar not in the least shaken and no more affected than an elephant struck by a bunch of flowers. (Vedabase)

 

Text 17

The people however now saw the Lord of the internal potency being sieged with an array of tricks and they fearfully thought that the end of the world was at hand.

The people though now saw the Lord of the union in matter being sieged with an array of tricks and they fearfully thought that the end of the world had come. (Vedabase)

 

Text 18

Fierce winds were blowing and in all directions darkness spread because of the dust while stones came down as if an entire army was engaged.

Fierce winds were blowing and in all directions darkness spread itself from the dust while stones came down as if thrown by an army. (Vedabase)

  

Text 19

The luminaries in the sky disappeared behind masses of clouds from which it thundered and lightened with a constant downpour of pus, hair, blood, stool, urine and bones.

The luminaries in the sky disappeared behind masses of clouds from which it thundered and lightened while all the time it rained pus, hair, blood, stool, urine and bones. (Vedabase)

  

Text 20

Oh sinless one, from the mountains all kinds of weapons were discharged and naked demonesses with their hair hanging loose were seen who were armed with tridents.

O sinless one, mountains of all kinds of weapons discharging appeared and naked demonesses armed with tridents and with their hair hanging loose were seen. (Vedabase)

  

Text 21

Many savage devils and demons on foot, horseback, on chariots and elephants appeared, who shouted cruel words of murder.

Many savage devils and demons on foot, horseback, on chariots and elephants appeared, uttering cruel words of murder. (Vedabase)

 

Text 22

Following this display of magical power by the demon, the beloved enjoyer of the three sacrifices [of hearing, goods and breath, see B.G. 4: 26-27], desiring an end to it all, cast the weapon of His most excellent presence [the Sudars'ana cakra].

Upon this display of magical power of the demon intent on destruction, did the beloved enjoyer of the three sacrifices [of hearing, goods and breath see B.G. 4: 26-27] cast the weapon of His most excellent presence [the Sudars'ana-cakra]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 23

That very moment all of a sudden a shudder ran through the heart of Diti [the mother of the demon] whereupon, with her remembering the words of her husband [Kas'yapa], blood flowed from her breasts.

At that very moment a shudder ran through the heart of Diti [the mother of the demon] and recalling the words of her husband [Kas'yapa] did blood flow from her breasts. (Vedabase)

  

Text 24

With his magic forces being dispelled [by the launched cakra] the demon reappeared before the Supreme Lord and full of rage embraced Him in order to crush Him, but he found the Lord outside of his grip.

With his magic forces being dispelled the demon came in view again of the Supreme Lord, and full of rage he embraced to crush, but found the Lord outside of his grip. (Vedabase)

 

Text 25

Hiranyâksha struck Lord Adhokshaja ['He beyond the control of the senses'] with his fist as hard as a thunderbolt, but was hit by Him just below his ear, just like the Lord of the Maruts [Indra] did with the demon Vritra.

Hiranyâksha stroke Lord Adhokshaja [He beyond our sense control] with his fist as hard as a thunderbolt, but was slapped by Him just below his ear, like the Lord of the Maruts [Indra] did with the demon Vritra. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 26

Even though the Invincible Lord slapped him in a casual manner, the demon's body wheeled around with his eyes bulged out of their sockets,  whereupon he, with his arms and legs lifeless and his hair scattered, fell down like a gigantic tree uprooted by the wind.

Though slapped by the Invincible Lord in a casual manner, did the demon's body wheel around; his eyes bulged out of their sockets and with his arms and legs lifeless and his hair scattered, he fell down like a gigantic tree uprooted by the wind. (Vedabase)

 

Text 27

The self-born one [Brahmâ] and others who saw him lying on the ground with his glow still unfaded and his teeth through his lip, said, approaching in admiration: 'Oh who indeed, could meet his final destination like this?
The self-born one [Brahmâ] and others who saw him lying on the ground with his glow still unfaded and his lip bitten by his teeth, said, approaching in admiration: 'O who indeed could so meet his final destination? (Vedabase)

 

Text 28

He upon whom the yogis, absorbed in the union of their consciousness, in seclusion meditate in seeking liberation from the unreal, material body, struck with one of His legs him, the son, the crest jewel of the Daityas who left behind his body gazing at His countenance.

He upon whom the yogis in seclusion meditate absorbed in the union, seeking liberation from the unreal of the body - of a foot of Him was the son, the crest jewel of the ones of Diti, struck and did he indeed cast off his body gazing at His countenance. (Vedabase)

 

Text 29

Both the personal assistants of the Lord have been cursed to be born again in godless families for a couple of lives. Thereafter they will return to their positions.'

Both the personal assistants of the Lord have been cursed to be born again from the godless for a couple of lifes, after which they indeed will return again.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 30

The demigods said: 'All obeisances to You, oh Enjoyer of all Sacrifices who for the sake of maintaining [this world] assumed a form of pure goodness. To our good fortune You have slain this one who was wreaking havoc in all the worlds. With devotion to Your feet we are now at ease.'

The godly ones said: 'All obeisances to You, Enjoyer of all Sacrifices, who for the purpose of maintaining took the form of pure goodness; to the world's good fortune You've slain this one who was wreaking havoc. With devotion to Your feet, we are now at ease.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

S'rî Maitreya said: 'After thus having killed the so very powerful Hiranyâksha, the Lord, the source of the boar incarnation, was praised by the one seated on the lotus and the other gods, whereupon He returned to His abode where His glory is celebrated continuously.

S'rî Maitreya said: 'After thus having killed the so very powerful Hiranyâksha, did the Lord, the source of the boar-incarnation return to His own abode, praised by the one seated on the lotus and the others in one uninterrupted festival. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

To you, dear friend, I explained as it was told to me, how the Supreme Lord, by descending in a material form, put an end to the activities of the so very powerful Hiranyâksha who in a great fight was killed like a plaything.' "

To you I explained, as it was told to me, dear friend, how by the activities of the Supreme Lord in assuming His [boar-]incarnation, Hiranyâksha, who was of a vast prowess, in a great fight was killed like a plaything'." (Vedabase)

 

Text 33

Sûta said: "After Vidura, the great devotee, thus from the son of Kushâru [Maitreya] had heard about the story of the Fortunate One, he achieved the highest bliss, oh brahmin [S'aunaka].

Sûta said: "Thus did Vidura, the great devotee, hear, from the son of Kushâru [Maitreya], the narration about the Supreme Lord and achieve transcendental bliss, o brahmin [S'aunaka]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 34

Considering the joy one derives from hearing stories about virtuous souls of name and fame, what a joy would one not derive from listening to a story about Him with the S'rivatsa mark on His chest?

What must I say of hearing about the Lord with the mark of S'rîvatsa, when even the renown of others, devotees loyal to the verses, can raise the pleasure? (Vedabase)



Text 35

When the king of the elephants [Gajendra] was attacked by an alligator, he meditated on the lotus feet while his wives were crying and was thus quickly delivered from the danger [see 8.2-4].

The king of the elephants [Gajendra] who was attacked by an alligator, meditated upon the lotus feet while his females were crying and was quickly delivered from the danger. (Vedabase)

 

Text 36

Who would not take shelter of Him who is so easy to worship for men who are honest and sincere; which grateful soul would not render service to the One who is impossible to worship for those who are not virtuous and straight?

Who would not take shelter with Him who is so easily worshiped by men without pretensions; which grateful soul would not render service to the One who is impossible to worship by those who aren't real seekers?  (Vedabase)

 

Text 37

He who hears, chants and takes pleasure in this wonderful pastime of the Supreme One, who as a boar raised the earth out of the ocean and killed Hiranyâksha, will immediately be freed [from the consequences of his sins], even if he killed a brahmin, oh twice-born soul.

He who indeed hears, chants and takes pleasure in this wonderful pastime of the Supreme One who as a boar raised the earth out of the ocean and killed Hiranyâksha, will instantly be freed, even if he finished a brahmin, o twice-born! (Vedabase)

 

Text 38

This narrative is most edifying, is very sacred, brings wealth, fame, longevity and will provide all that one needs. Whoever listens to it will therefrom on the battlefield find his life force and senses strengthened and at the end of his life obtain the shelter of Lord Nârâyana, dear S'aunaka."

This narrative confers great merit, is very sacred and brings wealth, fame and longevity, and will provide all that one needs. Whoever listens to it will find his life force and senses strenghtened by it on the battlefield and at the end of one's life it will grant the shelter of Lord Nârâyana, o dear S'aunaka." (Vedabase)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The picture of Lord Varâha being worshiped is © of Vlad Holst (used with permission).
Production:
Filognostic Association of The Order of Time


  

 

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