Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 17
Varāha Confronts Hiraṇyākṣa: The Challenge, the Rescue of Earth, and the Opening of the Mace-Duel
ततश्च गदयारातिं दक्षिणस्यां भ्रुवि प्रभु: । आजघ्ने स तु तां सौम्य गदया कोविदोऽहनत् ॥ १७ ॥
tataś ca gadayārātiṁ dakṣiṇasyāṁ bhruvi prabhuḥ ājaghne sa tu tāṁ saumya gadayā kovido ’hanat
Then the Lord struck the foe with His mace on the right brow, but the demon, skilled in combat, O gentle Vidura, warded it off with a deft move of his own mace.
FAQs
It describes Lord Varaha striking Hiranyaksha on the right eyebrow with His mace, and Hiranyaksha expertly countering the blow with his own mace.
Because even after being struck by the Lord, he was able to respond tactically in battle and ward off the attack with his mace, showing martial expertise despite his demoniac nature.
Even when facing powerful opposition, one should remain steady in dharma; opposition may appear formidable, but the Lord’s purpose ultimately prevails.