Essay name: Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas
Author:
Kum. Geeta P. Kurandwad
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies the Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas by exploring the significance of the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu as depicted in various ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. The research also investigates the social, political, philosophical, and religious impact.
Chapter 4 - Significance of Vaishnava Myths
56 (of 234)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Therefore, even so, spectacular scenaries did not attract their mind.
In their present attempts at Yoga, they passed through six successive
doors, and attained the seventh door. There they saw the two door-
keepers named Jaya and Vijaya who were more dearer to Lord Visṇu.
Both of them had maces in their hands and they were adorned with
precious ornaments. They did not allow those ascetics to enter the
door. So, the sages grew very angry and cursed them to be driven out
from that holy region of Vaikuntha.
Being cursed from the sages, both approached Lord of
Vaikuntha and requested to wipe out the effects of the curse. When
it is suggested as not being possible they two requested Lord Viṣṇu
as to be killed by Lord himself in all three lives.
Accordingly they were born to Diti wife of Kaśyapa and were
named as Hiraṇyakaśipa and Hiraṇyākṣa. Both of them grew very
powerful demons and haughty due to their might. They over powered
the celestial gods.
Further, Bhāgavata Purāṇa states forming part of the story of
Hiraṇyākṣa's conquest of the four quarters. Fearing death at the
hands of none by virtue of the boon got from Brahma Hiranyakasipa
was puffed up with pride and brought under his sway by the strength
of his arms the spheres along with their gardian deities. His younger
brother Hiraṇyākṣa who always tried to please him and was very
fond of war, once went up to heaven, mace in land seeking combat.
His tempo was difficult to resist. He had anklets of gold tinkling
about his feet. Adorned with Vaijayanti garland, he rested his
mace on his shoulders. The gods therefore, were seized with fear.
