The Appearance Day of Lord Varahadeva,
the Divine Boar Incarnation of the Lord
Compiled by His Holiness BRS Swami Gaurangapada

 

(A) Prayer to Lord Varaha

(1) Lord Varaha in Shri Navadvipa Dhama

(2) Lord Varaha has come twice

(3) The Advent of Lord Varaha

(4) Drama of the advent of Lord Varaha

 

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(A) Prayer to Lord Varaha

 

vasati dasana-sikhare dharani tava lagna

sasini kalanka-kaleva nimagna

kesava dhrita-sukara-rupa jaya jagadisa hare

 

"0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a boar! All glories to You! The earth, which had become immersed in the Garbhodaka Ocean at the bottom of the universe, sits fixed upon the tip of Your tusk like a spot upon the moon."

 

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(1) Lord Varaha in Shri Navadvipa Dhama:

 

Lord Nityananda spoke, "Listen everyone! This is Pancaveni in Navadvipa, where five rivers join the Ganges. The Bhagirathi mixes with the Mandakini and Alakananda, and the Sarasvati flows here hidden from view. From the west, the Yamuna flows along with the Bhogavati. The Manasa-ganga also quickly flows there. This place is called Maha-Prayaga by the rishis, who performed millions of sacrifices here along with Lord Brahma. The glories of this place are incomparable. If one takes bath here, he will not take another birth. Who can describe the glories of this place? All other tirthas become like dried up rivers in comparison. One who leaves his body here on the earth, in the air, or in the water will attain Shri Goloka Vrindavana. This place, known as Kuliya Pahada, is situated on the bank of the Ganges and is raised up like a mountain. This place is called Koladvipa in the scriptures. Now hear one story from Satya-yuga.

 

"A young brahmana named Vasudeva was always engaged in the service of Varaha. As he worshiped the form of Varaha, he always prayed to the Lord in these words `Please be merciful and appear before me. Let my eyes and life be  successful.' Saying this, he cried and rolled on the ground. `If my Lord does not show Himself, my life is worthless.'

 

"Shortly thereafter, the merciful Lord showed Himself to Vasudeva in the form of a boar. His body was decorated with ornaments, and His feet, neck, nostrils, face, and eyes were all-attractive. His body was as tall as a mountain. Seeing him, the brahmana thought himself very fortunate. He fell on the earth and offered his respects. Crying and confused, he rolled on the ground. "Seeing the vipra's devotion, Varaha sweetly said, `O Vasudeva, as you are My devotee, I am

satisfied by your worship. When Kali-yuga comes I will display My pastimes here. Hear My words. In the three worlds, there is no comparison to Navadvipa.

 

Though it is hidden now, it is My very dear abode. The scriptures confirm that all holy places such as Brahmavarta reside here. "`The place where Brahma performed a sacrifice and I appeared to kill Hiranyaksha with My tusks, that holy place is present here, where I have appeared now. By serving Navadvipa, all tirthas are served; and by living in Navadvipa, the fruit of living at all other tirthas is attained. You are fortunate to serve Me in Navadvipa. When Gauranga advents, you will be born here again. You will see the maha-sankirtana and the astounding form of Gauranga.'

 

"After speaking these words, Varaha disappeared, and the vipra researched the meaning of the Lord's words. Being a great pandita, Vasudeva scrutinized the scriptures and thus clearly understood that during the reign of Vaivasvata Manu, at the beginning of Kali-yuga, Lord Gauranga would manifest His pastimes at Nadia. The sages kept this secret, but they indicated by hints so that intelligent men could understand. After the Lord manifested His pastimes on earth, the scriptural evidences would also become clear. Thus the brahmana received the hint about the secret truths of Gaura.

 

"In great bliss, the brahmana performed sankirtana. He constantly sang the name of Gaura within his mind. After seeing the mountainous form of Varaha, Vasudeva carefully decided to call this place Koladvipa Parvata [kola-boar; parvata-mountain], but it is now known as Parvata. The devotees know that this is Giri Govardhana of Vrindavana.

 

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(2) Lord Varaha has come twice

 

Shri Laghu Bhagavatamrita of Shrila Rupa Goswami 3.8-17:

 

shri-varahah tatraiva

 

"dvitiyam tu bhavayasya

rasatala-gatam mahim

uddharishyann upadatta

yajnesah saukaram vapuh"

 

Lord Varaha is described in Shrimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.7:

 

"The supreme enjoyer of all sacrifices accepted the incarnation of a boar (the second incarnation), and for the welfare of the earth He lifted the earth from the nether regions of the universe."*

 

Text 9

 

 

shri-dvitiye ca

 

"yatrodyatah kshiti-taloddharanaya bibhrat

kraudim tanum sakala-yajna-mayim anantah

antar-maharnava upagatam adi-daityam

tam damshtrayadrim iva vajra-dharo dadara" iti

 

In Shrimad-Bhagavatam 2.7.1 also:

 

"Lord Brahma' said: When the unlimitedly powerful Lord assumed the form of a boar as a pastime, just to lift the planet earth, which was drowned in the great ocean of the universe called the Garbhodaka, the first demon (Hiranyaksha) appeared, and the Lord pierced him with His tusk."*

 

Text 10

 

dvir avirasit kalpe 'sminn

adye svayambhuvantare

ghranad vidher dharoddhrityai

cakshshiye tu niratah

 

In this, the first kalpa, He appeared twice. To rescue the eartâ he appeared during the Svayambhuva-manvantara from Brahma's nostril, and during the Cakshusha-manvantara He appeared from the water.

 

Texts 11 and 12

 

 

hiranyaksham dharoddhare

nihantum damshtri-pungavah

catuspat shri-varaho 'sau

nri-varahah kvacin matah

 

kadacij jalada-syamah

kadacic candra-pandurah

yajna-murtih sthavishtho 'yam

varna-dvaya-yutah smritah

 

Lord Varaha, the best of tusked beasts, appears to kill Hiranyaksha and rescue the earth. Sometimes Varaha is a wild animal of the forest and sometimes He is a domesti animal. Sometimes He is dark as a rain-cloud, and sometimes He is white as the moon. In this way Smriti-sastra describes two giganti forms of Lord Varaha, the form of Vedi sacrifices.

 

Text 13

 

dakshat pracetasat shrishtih

sruyate cakshuse 'ntare

atas tatraiva janmasya

hiranyakshasya yujyate

 

The scriptures explain that the Pracetas' son, Daksha, begat childred during the reign of Cakshusa Manu. It was then that Hiranyaksha was born.

 

Text 14

 

tatha hi shri-caturthe

 

"cakshushe tv antare prapte

prak-sarge kala-vidrute

yah sauarja praja ishtah

sa daksho daiva-coditah" iti

 

In Shrimad-Bhagavatam 4.30.49:

 

"His previous body had been destroyed, but he, the same Daksha, inspired by the supreme will, created all the desired living entities in the Cakshusha-manvantara."*

 

Text 15

 

uttanapada-vamsyanam

tanayasya pracetasam

dakshasyaiva ditih putri

hiranyaksho diteh sutah

 

In King Uttanapada's dynasty, Diti was the daughter of the Pracetas' son, Daksha. Diti's son was Hiranyaksha.

 

Text 16

 

kalparambhe tada nasti

sutotpattir manor api

kvasau pracetaso dakshah

kva ditih kva diteh sutah

 

In the beginning of the kalpa no one had been born yet, even from Manu. Where, then, was the Pracetas' son, Daksha? Where was Diti? Where was Diti's son?

 

Text 17

 

atah kala-dvayodbhutam

shri-varahasya ceshtitam

ekatraivaha maitreyah

kshattuh prasnanurodhatah

 

In answer to Vidura's question, Maitreya Muni described Lord Varaha's pastimes at two different times as if they had happened at the same time.

 

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(3) The Advent of Lord Varaha

 

Manu then said, "O lord, I shall abide by your order. Now, please attempt to lift up the earth, which is the dwelling place for all kinds of living entities, since it has fallen down into the Garbhodaka Ocean."

 

When Lord Brahma saw how the earth had become submerged within the water, he contemplated for a long time about how it could be lifted. When Brahma came to the conclusion that only the Supreme Lord could help in this situation, a small white boar came out from his nostril, and it was no bigger than the size of the tip of a thumb. As the astonished Brahma looked on, the boar expanded in the sky so that soon He became as large as a great elephant.

 

Lord Brahma and his sons, such as the Kumaras, Manu and Marichi began to  argue amongst themselves in various ways. Then, as Brahma guessed that the extraordinary being must be the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Varaha

repeatedly roared like a great mountain, to enliven His devotees and openly challenge any demons that might want to oppose His omnipotency. When the rishis residing in Janaloka, Tapaloka and Satyaloka heard the Lord's tumultuous voice, which echoed in all directions, they responded by glorifying Him with the chanting of the Vedic hymns.

 

While flying through the sky, Lord Varaha slashed His tail, and scattered the clouds with His hooves and glittering white tusks. Illuminating the sky with His glance, Lord Varaha roared once again, to reply to the sages, and then He dove deep into the water. The two huge waves that were created appeared to be like arms, and the ocean cried out as if praying, "O Lord, do not cut me in half! Kindly give me protection!"

 

Due to having accepted the form of a hog, the Lord searched for the earth with his sense of smell. At last, after penetrating down to the limit of the ocean with His sharp hooves, Lord Varaha came upon the earth lying at the bottom, just as it had been in the beginning of creation. The Lord very easily placed the earth upon His tusks and lifted it out from the water, and upon seeing this wonderful act, Brahma and his sons glorified Him with prayers. After receiving the worship of the great sages, Lord Varaha took the earth in His hooves and placed it in its proper position upon the water,

before at last, returning to His eternal abode.

 

After describing the appearance of the white Boar Incarnation that had appeared during the Svayambhuva devastation, Maitreya next described the red Boar Incarnation that had appeared during the Chakshusha devastation. Maitreya related these pastimes to Vidura in the same manner in which he had heard them long ago when Lord Brahma had narrated them to the demigods.

 

Once upon a time, at sunset, Kashyapa, the son of Marichi, was offering oblations to Lord Vishnu into the sacrificial fire. At this time, his wife, Diti, approached him due to being greatly afflicted by sex desire. Without trying to attract him gradually by her bodily expressions, the beautiful Diti frankly begged her husband, "O learned one, Cupid is forcibly distressing me with his arrows, just as an elephant troubles a banana tree. I want to have sons like my co-wives and so you should be merciful to me." "My father, Daksha, had separately asked each of his daughters, whom we preferred to marry. Then, after understanding our intentions, he handed over thirteen of his daughters to you, and we have been faithful to you ever since that time. O lotus-eyed one, when someone in distress approaches a great person, his pleas should never go in vain."

 

The hen-pecked Kashyapa could have strongly refused his wife, but because he was also sexually inclined, he tried to pacify Diti, who had become very poor-hearted and talkative, due to the contamination of lust. Kashyapa said, "O afflicted one, I shall soon gratify your desire. It is only due to having a good wife that a man like me can cross over the great ocean of material existence. Indeed, a wife is so helpful that she is called the better half of a man's body. Just as a military commander can easily conquer invaders while remaining protected within a fort, so a man can conquer his senses by taking shelter of a good wife. For this reason, a man could never repay his wife for all the benefit that he derives from her, even if he were to try to do so during his entire lifetime, or even after death."

 

"My dear Diti, although I cannot sufficiently repay you, I will satisfy your sex desire for the purpose of begetting children. I only request you to wait for a few minutes so that I may not become subject to criticism. The present moment is most inauspicious because at this time Lord Shiva rides upon his bull carrier, accompanied by his horrible ghostly companions. He gives such ghosts the chance of getting a gross material body by placing them into the wombs of women that indulge in sexual intercourse during this forbidden period. Lord Shiva is your sister's husband, and with his three eyes, he will see your forbidden act."

 

In spite of receiving such good instructions from her husband, Diti was so oppressed by sex desire that she caught hold of Kashyapa's clothes just like a shameless prostitute, and thus she practically forced him to gratify her lusty urge. After offering obeisances unto worshipful fate, Kashyapa lay down with Diti in a secluded place. After finishing the forbidden act,

Kashyapa purified himself by bathing and once again sat down to chant the Gayatri mantra, while meditating upon the impersonal aspect of the Absolute. Meanwhile, after having gratified her lust, Diti came to her senses. With her head lowered in shame, she approached her husband and said, "My dear brahmana, please insure that my embryo is not killed by Lord Shiva, because of the great offense that I have committed against him."

 

Diti then prayed for Lord Shiva's mercy in a very clever manner: "Let me offer my obeisance unto the angry Lord Shiva. He is so great that he can immediately destroy my embryo, but at the same time he is so merciful and forgiving. Lord Shiva is known as the lord of all women, who are excused even by uncivilized hunters, and therefore I beg him to spare me from his wrath."

 

As Diti stood before him, trembling due to fear of his anger, Kashyapa said, "Because of your polluted mind, the improper time, your disobedience, and your neglect of the demigods, your conception will produce two abominable sons who will create havoc within the world by killing innocent persons, torturing women, and enraging the great souls. As a result, the Supreme Lord will incarnate to kill them, just as Indra smashes mountains with his thunderbolt."

 

Diti replied, "O my husband, it is a great relief for me to know that my sons will be killed by the all-merciful Supreme Lord, rather than the wrath of the brahmanas. One who offends the brahmanas or causes fear to others is so condemned that even those who are already in hell, or who are of the degraded species in which he will later on appear, feel no  compassion toward him."

 

Kashyapa then informed Diti, "Due to your repentance and firm faith in the Supreme Lord, as well as your adoration for Lord Shiva and myself, one of your grandsons will be a greatly exalted devotee whose fame will rival that of the Lord Himself. Because of his great devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, others will follow in his footsteps, and because of his having satisfied the Supreme Lord, everyone will become pleased with him. As a first-class devotee, your grandson will be able to see the Supreme Lord, within and without; he will be a reservoir of all good qualities; and he will feel very pained to see the suffering of the conditioned souls in this material world."

 

After hearing about the glories of Prahlada, Diti became very pleased. But, because she could understand that her sons would cause great disturbances to the demigods, she continued to bear the powerful embryos for one hundred years without giving birth. Still, the force of Diti's pregnancy disturbed the entire universe, and the light of sun and moon  ecame

impaired.

 

After observing this fearful condition, the demigods approached Lord Brahma and submitted, "O lord, just see this darkness that is expanding in all directions. O sustainer of the universe, who knows the intentions of all living entities, Diti's pregnancy has caused this great disturbance, and thus our work has become suspended. Please be merciful unto us, for we have fallen into a very miserable condition."

 

In response, Lord Brahma informed the demigods of what had happened long ago. After having travelled all over the material creation, the four sages Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana and Sanat-kumara, entered the spiritual sky, wherein the Vaikuntha planets are situated. They were able to do this due to being freed from all material contamination. In the abode of Lord Narayana, the residents have forms similar to that of the Supreme Lord, and everyone is engaged in His unalloyed devotional service. There are many forests full of desire-trees, and throughout all seasons they are filled

with fruit and flowers.

 

While flying in their airplanes, along with their consorts, the inhabitants of Vaikuntha eternally sing of the character and pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Although the consorts that crowd the airplanes have large hips and beautifully smiling faces, they cannot stimulate the passion of the residents of Vaikuntha. This means that in Vaikuntha there is the enjoyment of the association with the opposite sex, but there is no sexual relationship, because everyone is fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness. When the king of bees hums in a high pitch, singing the glories of the Lord,

the cuckoos, cranes, chakravakas, swans, parrots and peacocks temporarily stop their singing to listen. Although flowers, such as the champaka, bakula, parijata and lotus are transcendentally fragrant, they are still conscious of tulasi's austerities, and of how the Lord prefers to garland Himself with her leaves. The ladies of Vaikuntha are as beautiful as the

goddess of fortune, and yet they are sometimes seen cleaning the marble walls, just to receive the grace of the Supreme Lord, even though there is practically no dust.

 

Upon reaching the outskirts of Vaikuntha, the four Kumaras felt an unprecedented transcendental happiness. Then, after easily passing through six gates, the sages saw two doormen at the seventh gate that had similar bodily features and carried strong maces. They were four-armed and of bluish complexion, and due to their arched eyebrows, discontented nostrils and reddish eyes, they appeared somewhat agitated. The four Kumaras had opened doors everywhere without any conception of "ours" and "theirs", and so they innocently began to pass through the seventh gate. The sages, who had nothing to cover their bodies but the atmosphere, looked just like five-year-old boys, although they were the

oldest created beings, next to Brahma.

 

Due to possessing a disposition quite unpalatable to the Lord, the two gatekeepers rudely blocked the Kumaras' entrance with their staffs. The Lord is always anxious to serve great sages, and thus the Kumaras were never to be prohibited from entering Vaikuntha. The boy-sages had been very eager to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and so upon being checked by the Lord's two chief doorkeepers, they immediately became agitated. Their eyes red with rage, the Kumaras exclaimed, "Who are these persons who are engaging in the Lord's service and yet have developed a discordant

mentality? They must be imposters, and so they suspect others to be just like themselves. In Vaikuntha there is perfect harmony between the Supreme Lord and the other inhabitants. These two persons are dressed like the residents of Vaikuntha, but where has this seed of disharmony come from? Because of seeing duality, they have become  ontaminated. Therefore, they should be put into the material world, where everyone is conceived of as being either a friend or an enemy."

 

When the gatekeepers realized that they were being cursed by the brahmanas, they at once became very afraid. After falling down at the Kumaras' feet, they begged, "You are correct in punishing us for having neglected such great souls as yourselves. Still, in consideration of our repentance, we pray that you mercifully insure that the illusion of forgetting the Supreme Personality of Godhead will not overwhelm us as we fall down."

 

Just at that moment, the Supreme Lord, having learned of this incident, came there on foot accompanied by the goddess of fortune. Thus, the four Kumaras saw Lord Vishnu before them, Whom they had formerly seen only within their hearts while being absorbed in the ecstatic trance of meditation.

 

The Lord's beautiful blackish body was dressed in bright yellow cloth, and around His neck hung a garland of fresh flowers that was encircled by humming bees. While resting one of His hands upon Garuda's shoulder, the Lord twirled a lotus flower in another. Indeed, His beauty was so excellent that it defeated the pride of the goddess of fortune, and thus

the Kumaras looked at Him with unsated eyes.

 

As the Kumaras joyfully bowed their heads, the breeze that carried the aroma of tulasi leaves from the toes of the Lord's lotus feet entered their nostrils, causing a spiritual transformation in their body and mind, even though they had been fully attached to the impersonal Brahman. In other words, the Kumaras became converted from impersonalists that had desired to merge into the Lord's brahmajyoti, to devotees who desire to render service to the Lord.

 

After seeing the Lord's transcendental body, the Kumaras advanced to the stage of constant meditation upon His personal feature. Their anger having subsided, the four sages prayed, "Our dear Lord, whatever we had heard about You from our father, Lord Brahma, has now been confirmed by Your kind appearance before us. We now understand that the most elevated transcendentalists are those that constantly engage in hearing about Your pastimes, without caring for any other benediction, including liberation." "O Lord, we don't mind being born in any hellish condition, as long as our

hearts and minds are always engaged in Your devotional service."

 

By dint of the Lord's presence, the Kumaras realized that it had been improper for them to curse the doorkeepers, in spite of the offense that had been committed.

 

The Supreme Lord then said, "These attendants of Mine, Jaya and Vijaya, have committed a great offense against you by ignoring My desire. I approve of the punishment that you have awarded to My servants. Indeed, since these doormen are My servants, I consider Myself to be the one that has offended you, and for this reason, I seek your forgiveness.  hatever

wrong a servant commits causes people in general to blame the master, just as a single spot of white leprosy is considered to pollute the whole skin."

 

"For Me, the brahmanas are the most worshipable personalities, and so I am prepared to cut off My arm if its conduct proves to be hostile toward you. Because I am the servant of My devotees, My lotus feet have become so sacred that they immediately purify one of all sins. I do not enjoy the offerings that are made into the sacrificial fire with as much

relish as I enjoy the delicacies cooked in ghee that are offered to the mouths of the brahmanas who have dedicated their lives unto Me." "The Ganga is the remnants of water left after washing My feet, and it sanctifies the three worlds. If I can take the dust of the Vaishnavas' feet upon My head, then who would refuse to do the same? These servants of Mine

have offended you due to not knowing My mind. Still, I will consider it a great favor if you allow them to return to My presence soon, after reaping the consequences of their transgression."

 

After hearing with wide-open ears, the Lord's extremely humble and beautiful speech, which was difficult to comprehend due to its profound import, the Kumaras pondered over its meaning for some time. Although the sages could not understand the Lord's actual intention, a thrill passed through their bodies due to the delight of simply beholding Him.

Understanding their fault in cursing the Lord's faultless servants, the Kumaras said, "O Lord, we cannot understand Your plans, for You have spoken as if we had done something good for You. Your adoration of the brahmanas is meant to teach others, for it is You who are the supreme worshipable Deity." "O Lord, whatever punishment You wish to award to these two innocent persons, or to us, we shall accept without duplicity."

 

The Lord replied, "O brahmanas, I have already ordained the punishment that you inflicted upon Jaya and Vijay, and thus they will have to accept birth in a demoniac family. But, by concentration of their minds upon Me in anger, they will always remain connected with Me, and soon thereafter, they will return to My abode."

 

It is to be understood that the Lord Himself engineered the cursing  of Jaya and Vijaya. Ordinarily, there is no possibility that the Kumaras could become so angry, that the Lord could neglect His gatekeepers, or that anyone could return to the material world after reaching Vaikuntha. Sometimes, the Lord desires to fight, and because there are no enemies in

Vaikuntha, He incarnates into the material world for this purpose. The Lord only likes to perform His pastimes along with His associates, however, and so He chooses a devotee to play the part of His enemy. Then, after making a temporary show of fighting, the Lord recalls His devotee to the spiritual world.

 

Thereafter, the four Kumaras circumambulated the Lord, offered their obeisances, and departed from the gates of Vaikuntha. The Lord then ordered Jaya and Vijaya, "Depart from here, but do not be afraid. I could have nullified the brahmanas' curse, but I chose not to do so. Lakshmi, whom you had once stopped at the gate while I was sleeping,

already predicted your fall. Although seven births in the material world are your designated punishment, I want you to accept three demoniac births instead. By practicing mystic yoga in anger, you will become quickly cleansed of your sinful reactions, and thus be able to return to Me in a very short time."

 

After saying this, the Lord departed, and Jaya and Vijaya, who had become morose and pale because of the brahmanas' curse, fell down from Vaikuntha. As they were falling, the Kumaras reassured them that after three demoniac births, they would once again return to Vaikuntha. The demigods, who were observing all of this from their celestial airplanes, let out a great roar of disappointment, and thereafter, Jaya and Vijaya entered Diti's womb, after being covered by Kashyapa's powerful semen.

 

Lord Brahma then concluded by informing the demigods, "It is the prowess of these twin demons that has disturbed you, by minimizing your own potency. I have no remedy for this situation, however, for all of this is taking place by the desire of the Lord. Rest assured that the Supreme Lord will come to our rescue, and so do not bother to speculate any longer about the dense darkness that is covering all directions."

 

After hearing this, the demigods became relieved from their fear and returned to their respective abodes. Meanwhile, after bearing her embryos for one hundred years, Diti gave birth to twin sons who were great demons. At this time, there were many fearful natural disturbances, such as earthquakes, and raging fires were seen burning everywhere. The inauspicious planets, such as Saturn and Mars, outshone the auspicious ones like Venus and Jupiter; and comets, meteors and thunderbolts appeared in the sky. Fierce winds made a displeasing hissing noise and uprooted great trees; and due to the covering of clouds, all became shrouded in darkness. The ocean became highly agitated, and all of the lotuses that grew within the rivers and lakes withered.

 

Solar and lunar eclipses occurred repeatedly, and from the mountain caves came sounds like the rattling of chariots. She-jackals vomited fire while crying out ominously, and asses ran here and there in herds, striking the earth with their hard hooves and braying loudly. Being frightened by the braying asses, birds flew shrieking from their nests, and cows passed stool and urine due to fear. Indeed, the terrified cows yielded blood instead of milk, and the clouds rained puss instead of water. The deities in the temples shed tears, and trees fell down even though there were no gusts of wind.

 

Upon seeing all of these evil omens, everyone except the four Kumaras became seized by fear. Not knowing about the fall of Jaya and Vijaya and their subsequent birth as demons, everyone thought that the dissolution of the universe was at hand.

 

Kashyapa named the first-born, who was formerly Jaya, Hiranyaksha and the one who was conceived first, who was formerly Vijaya, was named Hiranyakashipu. Soon after their birth, the demoniac twins exhibited uncommon bodily features, and their steel-like frames became so tall that they seemed to touch the sky. Indeed, they blocked the view in all directions, and as they walked, the earth shook with every step.

 

After performing great austerities, Hiranyakashipu received benedictions from Lord Brahma, and as a result, he became unafraid of death and very proud. Being most powerful, Hiranyakashipu was able to bring the entire three worlds under his control. His brother, Hiranyaksha, had also received Brahma's benediction of near-immortality, and so he became

similarly powerful and conceited.

 

To satisfy his elder brother, Hiranyaksha took his club and began to travel all over the universe, with a fighting spirit. Because no one was able to kill him due to Brahma's benediction, even the demigods fearfully hid upon seeing Hiranyaksha, just as snakes hide out of fear of Garuda.

 

When Hiranyaksha thus saw Indraloka vacant, he roared loudly, understanding that the demigods had admitted defeat without even fighting. After returning from heaven, Hiranyaksha sportingly dove deep into the ocean, and upon seeing him, all of the great aquatics panicked and fled. Finally, after moving about in the ocean for many years, Hiranyaksha reached Vibhavari, Varuna's capital. Just to make fun of the lord of the waters, Hiranyaksha fell at his feet and smilingly begged, "Give me battle, O supreme lord!"

 

Upon seeing Hiranyaksha's arrogance, Varuna became enraged. Still, he curbed his anger by means of intelligence and replied, "O dear one, I have given up fighting because I am too old. You are so skilled in battle that I can see no one else but the most ancient person, Lord Vishnu, who can satisfy you."

 

"O chief of the Daityas, I suggest that you approach Him, and thus become rid of your pride by lying down dead upon the battlefield, surrounded by carnivorous animals."

 

Without paying any more heed to Varuna, Hiranyaksha departed. Then, when he happened to meet the great sage Narada, the demon learned the whereabouts of the Supreme Lord. After once again entering the depths of the ocean, Hiranyaksha saw the all-powerful Supreme Lord in His boar incarnation bearing the earth upwards, while keeping her on the ends of His tusks. Upon seeing the Lord, the demon laughingly exclaimed, "An amphibious beast! O best of the demigods, dressed in the form of a boar, the earth belongs to us, the inhabitants of the lower regions, and so I cannot allow You to take it away from my presence. You rascal! Today I shall enliven my kinsmen by killing You. When You fall down dead with Your skull smashed by my mace, the demigods and rishis who offer You oblations in sacrifice will also cease to be, just like a tree that can no longer live without roots."

 

Although the Lord was certainly pained to hear such abusive language, He tolerated it so that He could continue carrying the earth, which had become very frightened.

 

As Lord Varaha rose out of the water, Hiranyaksha chased Him and roared, "Are You not ashamed of Yourself for running away after being challenged by an adversary? There is nothing that is reproachable for shameless creatures like You!"

 

Despite these harsh words, Lord Varaha calmly placed the earth upon the surface of the water and then empowered her with the capacity to float. At this time, Lord Brahma and the other demigods praised the Lord for His wonderful act of lifting up the earth, and they showered flowers upon Him. Then, to express His terrible anger, the Lord replied, "Indeed, We are creatures of the jungle and are searching for hunting dogs like you. One who is freed from the entanglement of death has no fear from the loose talk in which you are indulging, for you are bound up by the laws of death. Now,

give up your foolish talk and attempt to kill Me. One may be very proud, but he does not deserve a seat in an assembly if he fails to fulfill his promise."

 

Being thus challenged, Hiranyaksha became very angry and agitated, and his whole body began to tremble. While hissing indignantly, the demon sprang at the Lord and tried to strike Him with his powerful mace. By moving aside, however, the Lord dodged the blow, and then with His own mace, He attempted to smash Hiranyaksha's forehead. Being an expert fighter, the demon blocked the blow with his own mace, however, and thereafter, a fierce encounter took place.

 

As both combatants struck one another repeatedly with their strong clubs, the smell of blood that flowed from their wounds made them more and more furious. Being very eager for victory, both the Lord and the demon exhibited wonderful maneuvers, so that the battle looked like a contest between two powerful bulls for the sake of a cow.

 

Lord Brahma had been staying in the sky, along with all of the demigods and celestial rishis, so that he could witness the terrible fight that was being waged for the sake of the earth. Becoming somewhat anxious, he addressed Lord Varaha, "My dear Lord, Hiranyaksha has always oppressed the demigods, brahmanas, cows and other innocent creatures. There is no need for You to play with this serpentine demon any longer, for he is very skilled in utilizing mystic powers, and he is most arrogant and wicked." "My dear infallible Lord, please kill him before the demoniac hour of twilight arrives and thus increases his strength. The auspicious period called abhijit began at noon and has almost passed. Therefore, please dispose of Your formidable enemy quickly and thus establish peace within the world."

 

In response, the Lord heartily laughed, while at the same time He accepted Brahma's prayers with a glance that was laden with love. Then, as Hiranyaksha fearlessly stood nearby, Lord Varaha suddenly sprang at him while aiming His mace at the demon's chin. Hiranyaksha blocked the blow with his own mace, however, and as a result, the Lord's club slipped from His hand. That blazing mace looked splendid while whirling around and around as it fell, and a great cry of alarm arose from the onlooking demigods and rishis. Still, even though he had an excellent opportunity to strike his unarmed foe, Hiranyaksha respected the etiquette for single-combat by refraining from doing so. This kindled the Lord's fury even more, however, and He invoked His Sudarshana chakra. As this wonderful disc revolved in the Lord's hand, while He was at close quarters with His enemy, the demigods and rishis exclaimed, "May victory be Yours!" "Dispatch him at once!" "Don't play with the demon any longer!"

 

Seeing Lord Varaha before him with the Sudarshana chakra in His hand, Hiranyaksha resentfully bit his lip and began to hiss like a serpent. Then, that great demon with fearful tusks suddenly sprang into the air while wielding his club, and while doing so, he shouted, "You are slain!"

 

As Hiranyaksha tried to strike Him, Lord Varaha playfully kicked the mace from his hand with His left foot and then said, "Pick up your weapon, since you are so eager to conquer Me."

 

Being so challenged, Hiranyaksha picked up his mace and then hurled it impetuously while roaring loudly. Without even flinching, however, Lord Varaha easily caught the mace in His hand, and so the demon felt greatly humiliated. Being reluctant to take back his weapon when the Lord offered it to him, Hiranyaksha instead picked up a flaming trident and violently hurled it. As the trident blazed brightly while soaring through the sky, Lord Varaha tore it to pieces by releasing His Sudarshana chakra. At this, the demon became more enraged, and while letting out a loud roar, he rushed at Lord Varaha impetuously. After striking the Lord on the chest with his hard fist, Hiranyaksha immediately disappeared.

 

The Lord was not disturbed in the least by the blow, however, any more than an elephant would feel hurt being struck by a flower garland. Thereafter, Hiranyaksha employed many conjuring tricks against the Lord, Who is Yogeshvara, and all who saw the magical display thought that the dissolution of the universe was at hand.

 

Fierce winds began blowing and the dust that was raised created darkness in all directions. Torrents of stones fell from the sky, along with showers of puss, hair, blood, stool, urine and bones- accompanied by lightning and thunder. Mountains discharged various weapons, and naked demonesses with their hair hanging loose suddenly appeared, carrying

tridents. Hosts of Yakshas and Rakshasas were heard uttering cruel and savage slogans as they marched on foot or rode upon horses, elephants and chariots.

 

By releasing His Sudarshana chakra, however, the Lord was able to dispel all of these illusions, and at that moment, a shudder of terror passed through Diti's heart. While recalling the words of her husband, blood began to flow from her breasts.

 

When Hiranyaksha saw that his magical creations had been dispelled, he once again made himself visible. In a fit of rage, he tried to crush the Lord within his arms as a last resort. But, to his great surprise, after trying to grab the Lord, the demon found that He was still outside the circle of his arms. Then, as Hiranyaksha angrily struck Him with his fists, Lord Varaha slapped him indifferently at the root of the ear, making him stagger backwards. With his eyeballs bulging out of their sockets, his hair scattered, and his limbs broken, the great demon fell down dead, like an uprooted tree.

 

Lord Brahma and the other demigods quickly arrived at that spot, to see the slain body of the demon close up. Still biting his lip, Hiranyaksha's bodily luster had not faded, in spite of the absence of the soul, because the Lord's lotus foot remained touching it. Lord Brahma admiringly said, "Oh, who could meet with such a blessed death? This fortunate demon was struck by the lotus foot of the Lord, upon Whom yogis meditate in mystic trance in the hopes of gaining liberation from their unreal, material bodies."

 

Thereafter, the demigods expressed their great appreciation for the Lord's having assumed His Varaha form and relieving them of their agonizing fear of the demon. After receiving the demigods' praises, the Lord returned to His own abode in the spiritual world, where there is always an uninterrupted festival going on.

 

Suta Gosvami concluded his narration by saying, "O brahmanas, anyone who hears, chants, or takes pleasure in the wonderful description of Lord Varaha's killing of Hiranyaksha is at once relieved from the results of all kinds of sinful activities, including the killing of a brahmana."

 

Summarized by Purnapragya dasa

 

===================

 

(4) Drama of The Appearance Of Lord Varaha

from Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Third Canto, Chapter 13

* * * * *

CAST: Narrator, Marichi, Brahmana, Manu, Lord Brahma, Varuna, Commander, Hiranyaksha, Lord

Varaha.

 

Narrator: Many thousands of years ago, the light of the sun and moon suddenly became darkened, so all the demigods went, in great fear, to Lord Brahma and asked him to explain the cause of that darkness. Lord Brahma explained to them  that, once upon a time, the four Kumaras wanted to visit the Supreme Lord Narayana in Vaikuntha, the spiritual world. These four Kumaras are great self-realized devotees and are the oldest of all living creatures, and yet by their mystic power they always appear to be small boys of five years old. When they tried to enter the gate of Vaikuntha, however, they were stopped by two gate-keepers named Jaya and Vijaya, who mistook them for ordinary small boys. The Kumaras become angry because they wanted very much to see Lord Narayana, and thus they cursed the doorkeepers. When the Lord heard of this, He approved this curse, for an offense to the lotus feet of a devotee is the greatest offense

one can commit.

 

By the Lord's will, Jaya and Vijaya fell down from Vaikuntha and entered the womb of Diti, destined to be born as the two most powerful demons ever known—Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha! These two demons were so powerful that even while they were in their mother's womb, the sun and moon become darkened by their prowess! And what to speak of other demigods, even Lord Indra, king of the heavens, hid in fear of them. But of the two demonic brothers, the demigods were especially afraid of Hiranyaksha, who traveled all over the universe challenging everyone, and destroying all who got in his way.

 

SCENE ONE

 

Outside the palace of Lord Brahma

 

(Marichi and other brahmanas discuss the catastrophe)

Marichi: This demon, Hiranyaksha, is so powerful that even Lord Brahma is powerless to stop

him!

Brahmana: But something must be done to save the earth. This Hiranyaksha has extracted all the gold from the planet, and because of this the earth has fallen out of its orbit, plunging into the great body of water at the bottom of the universe!

Marichi: Patience! Shri Manu has already gone to Lord Brahma with this problem. We must wait to hear what he has to say.

Brahmana: Look, here they come now. (Lord Brahma and Shri Manu enter, conversing)

Manu: So you see, my Lord, the earth is in a precarious position, and somehow it must be rescued. I am sure it can be done by your endeavor, and by the mercy of the Supreme Lord!

Brahma: Yes, something must be done, but what can be done by we who are engaged in the matter of creation? It is best to let the Almighty Lord direct us. (suddenly, Lord Brahma becomes struck with wonder) Manu, did you see that? A small creature just flew out of my nostril! Look there it is, up in the sky!

Manu: It's getting bigger!

Brahma: What in the three worlds is it? It looks like a great boar, but it is so beautiful!

Brahmana: Yes, it is wonderful!

Marichi: It must be a manifestation of the material energy.

Brahma: No, surely this is an avatara of Lord Vishnu, come to save the earth from this catastrophe! (Varaha roars and everyone gasps. Brahma confirms: ) Yes, it is the Supreme Lord Himself, appearing in the form of a wonderful boar!

Everyone: Jai! All glories to Lord Boar! (Lord Varaha roars again) Jai! All glories to Lord Boar! Haribol! Haribol! (they bow down and offer their obeisances)

Narrator: The fabulous creature was indeed an avatara of Vishnu, known as Lord Varaha, who had appeared in the form of a wonderful boar. The Supreme Lord is unlimited and transcendental, and therefore He can appear in any form He likes just for His pleasure pastimes. Before diving into the Garbhodaka ocean to save the earth. Lord Varaha flew into the sky, slashing the air with His tail, His hard hairs quivering and His very glance appearing luminous. As the Lord scattered the clouds with His hoofs and His glittering white tusks, all the residents of the upper planets praised the Lord by chanting Vedic hymnsand in reply, the Lord Boar roared tumultuously, enlivening the devotees and filling the demons with fear.

Meanwhile, the demon Hiranyaksha, having conquered space, was busy conquering the ocean. For years he smote the wind-tossed waves with his iron mace and struck terror into the hearts of all the aquatic creatures. Finally he approached Vibhavari, the capital of the watery kingdom, where Varuna, god of the ocean, resides.

 

SCENE TWO

In the palace of Varuna

 

(Varuna sits on his throne. His military commander enters in great anxiety)

Commander: O Lord Varuna! The demon Hiranyaksha is now at our gates! O great god of the ocean, you are the mightiest of warriors, only you can stop this fiend!

Varuna: No, not I! Hiranyaksha cannot be checked by any mortal creature in the universe!

Commander: Then we are doomed!

Varuna: Fear not, my friend! Have faith in the Supreme Lord He will not leave us for lost!

(demonic roaring is heard from offstage. Commander runs in fear. Hiranyaksha enters, falls at Varuna's feet and challenges him mockingly)

Hiranyaksha: O Varuna! You are the most powerful of rulers and have crushed the might of many arrogant warriors! O great lord, please fight with me!

Varuna: (subduing his anger) My dear Hiranyaksha, I have grown too old for combat; besides, you are so powerful that there is no one in the three worlds who can challenge you!

Hiranyaksha: (rising and moving towards Varuna) Yes! Ha ha ha!

Varuna: No one, that is, except.

Hiranyaksha: (stopping in his tracks) Yes?

Varuna: Lord Vishnu!

Hiranyaksha: Lord who? Ha ha ha!

Varuna: You laugh too soon, Hiranyaksha. Lord Vishnu has already appeared within this universe for your destruction. Upon reaching Him, your pride will be smashed and you will lie down on the field of battle, surrounded by dogs and vultures!

Hiranyaksha: (curling up with laughter) O Varuna, you jest with me! Ha ha ha! Don't you know? No one can kill me. I am immortal! Ha ha ha ha! Where is this Lord Vishnu? (spits) I will kill Him! (he exits, roaring madly).

Narrator: Lord Varaha had penetrated the Garbhodaka ocean with His hoofs, which were like sharpened arrows, and He had found out the limits of that ocean, although it was unlimited. Seeing the earth lying as it was in the beginning of creation, and picking it up very gently on His tusks, Lord Boar took it out of the water and flew into space. Meanwhile, the demon Hiranyaksha searched everywhere for the whereabouts of Lord Varaha, for out of belligerent madness he wished to challenge the Lord in battle.

 

SCENE THREE

By the Garbhodaka Ocean

 

Hiranyaksha: Where is this Lord Vishnu? (hears the sound of Lord Varaha's voice. Looks into the sky) Oh, here He is an amphibious beast! You big foolish animal, today I shall enliven my kinsmen by killing You! Ha ha ha ha! Do You hear me? When Your skull is smashed by my mace, the sages and devotees who engage in Your devotional service will cease to exist! Ha ha ha ha! (Lord Varaha roars again and then appears on stage)

Varaha: Indeed, we are creatures of the jungle, and we enjoy searching after dogs like you. One who is free from material entanglement does not fear insults of the kind in which you are indulging, because you are bound by the laws of death! Now give up your nonsensical talks, you are supposed to be the commander of many soldiers, so now you better take prompt steps to overthrow Me!

Narrator: (continues narration as actors act it out) Hiranyaksha trembles with rage, and hissing indignantly he deals a blow with his mace, but Lord Varaha moves slightly and dodges the blow. Hiranyaksha begins to brandish his mace around, but Lord Varaha strikes him to the right of his brow. The demon, however, protects himself by a maneuver of his own mace. In this way, the demon and the Lord begin striking each other angrily. At this point, the demigods appear in the sky and view the battle from their flower airplanes. The Lord aims His mace at Hiranyaksha, but His mace is struck by the demon and slips from His hand. The demigods cry out in alarm, but the demon does not strike the Lord because He is unarmed. Lord Varaha becomes even angrier because of this and invokes His Sudarshana disc as the demigods cheer. Hiranyaksha begins to hiss like a serpent and shouts, "You are slain!" as he aims his mace at the Lord, who playfully knocks it down with His left foot. Lord Varaha then says, Take up your weapon and try again!

 

The demon picks up his mace and hurls it at the Lord, roaring loudly. The Lord then catches it with ease and offers it back to the demon. Hiranyaksha, feeling humiliated, takes a trident and hurls it at the Lord, who tears it apart with His Sudarshana disc. The demon, enraged, roars loudly and strikes his hard fist against the Lord's chest and disappears. Then he begins to employ many magic tricks against the Lord like fierce winds, hailstorms, volleys of stones, rains of puss, blood, bones and stool. The Lord however dispels all this with His disc. Hiranyaksha appears again, and from behind tries to crush the Lord with his arms, but the Lord slips out of his arms. Hiranyaksha then begins to strike the Lord with his fists, but the Lord then slaps him indifferently at the base of the ear. Hiranyaksha begins to wheel, eyeballs bulging, and with his arms and legs broken, he falls down dead.

 

Demigods: Jai! Jai! All glories to Lord Varaha! (Lord Varaha roars and walks off stage, victoriously)

 

Brahma: Oh, what a blessed death! To die by the lotus hand of the Supreme Lord Himself. All glories to Lord Varaha who has assumed the from of a boar to save the world! This demon was a torment to the three worlds, but he has been slain by You so that we may live peacefully in devotion to Your lotus feet. Lord Varaha ki Jai! Lord Varaha ki Jai! Lord Varaha ki Jai! (kirtan)

 

Archiving and editing by Radha Damodara Das

Editing and typesetting by Dasarath Suta Das

 

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