Shrimad Bhagwat Puran – Chapter 2: Varaha Avatar: Salvation of the Earth

Varaha Avatar: The Salvation of Earth

In the previous chapter, we learned about the beginning of creation and the various forms of Lord Vishnu. Now the story moves forward, and we will talk about the time when the Earth was in crisis, and Lord Vishnu took the Varaha avatar for the salvation of his devotees. This is a divine play that makes us experience the mercy and power of God.

The Tyranny of Hiranyaksha

In the early times of creation, the demon Hiranyaksha wreaked havoc in all three worlds with his terrible strength. His ego grew so much that he lifted the Earth itself and threw it into the netherworld. There was a cry of distress everywhere. The gods were terrified, and the sages hid in their hermitages. Mother Earth was groaning, her pain unbearable, and she was pleading with Lord Vishnu for protection. Seeing their sorrow, all the gods became distressed, everyone felt helpless, thinking what would happen now.

"This Hiranyaksha is bent on bringing destruction! What shall we do now?" Devaraj Indra said worriedly. "Only Lord Vishnu can save us from this crisis," said Rishi Narada, "We should seek refuge in him." All of them together remembered Lord Vishnu and began to pray for the salvation of the Earth submerged in the netherworld.

Vishnu's Varaha Form

Hearing the prayers of the gods, Lord Vishnu heard the call of his devotees and immediately took the form of Varaha. This was a unique form, a colossal boar, whose body was as strong as a mountain and whose tusks were as sharp as vajra. He rapidly moved towards the netherworld. There, Hiranyaksha was immersed in ego, holding the Earth. As Lord Varaha appeared before him, Hiranyaksha was filled with rage. He challenged Lord Varaha, and a fierce battle ensued between the two. Lord Varaha lifted the Earth with his powerful tusks and brought it out of the netherworld, placing it upon the waters.

By the grace of Lord Vishnu, the Earth was re-established, and life bloomed again upon it. The gods rejoiced with shouts of victory. The sages sang hymns of praise. Lord Vishnu once again protected his devotees and established righteousness. Seeing this, even Lord Brahma himself was delighted and sang the glory of Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar. This avatar reflects the compassion that God always maintains for his devotees.

The Slaying of Hiranyaksha

Even though the Earth was safe, the slaying of Hiranyaksha was still pending. The fierce battle between Lord Varaha and Hiranyaksha continued. Hiranyaksha put all his might into it, but he was no match for Lord Varaha. Finally, Lord Varaha slew Hiranyaksha with his Sudarshana Chakra. As Hiranyaksha died, peace spread throughout the three worlds. Now, Hiranyaksha's son, Hiranyakashipu, will perform severe penance to avenge his father's death, which will mark the beginning of a new chapter and Lord Vishnu will have to take the Narasimha avatar.