Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 8
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
करालदंष्ट्रश्चक्षुर्भ्यां सञ्चक्षाणो दहन्निव । अभिप्लुत्य स्वगदया हतोऽसीत्याहनद्धरिम् ॥ ८ ॥
karāla-daṁṣṭraś cakṣurbhyāṁ sañcakṣāṇo dahann iva abhiplutya sva-gadayā hato ’sīty āhanad dharim
The demon, who had fearful tusks, stared at the Personality of Godhead as though to burn Him. Springing into the air, he aimed his mace at the Lord, exclaiming at the same time, “You are slain!”
FAQs
This verse shows Hiraṇyākṣa’s arrogance—he boasts “You are slain!” even while attacking Lord Hari—illustrating how demonic pride blinds one to the Supreme’s invincibility.
In the narrative of Canto 3, Hiraṇyākṣa is intoxicated by strength and hatred toward Viṣṇu; his taunt expresses overconfidence and contempt as he charges and strikes with his mace.
It cautions against ego-driven certainty—when pride “burns” the mind, one misjudges reality; humility and devotion protect one from self-deception.