Shloka 1
Varāha Confronts Hiraṇyākṣa: The Challenge, the Rescue of Earth, and the Opening of the Mace-Duel
मैत्रेय उवाच तदेवमाकर्ण्य जलेशभाषितं महामनास्तद्विगणय्य दुर्मद: । हरेर्विदित्वा गतिमङ्ग नारदाद् रसातलं निर्विविशे त्वरान्वित: ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca tad evam ākarṇya jaleśa-bhāṣitaṁ mahā-manās tad vigaṇayya durmadaḥ harer viditvā gatim aṅga nāradād rasātalaṁ nirviviśe tvarānvitaḥ
मैत्रेय बोले—वरुण के वचन सुनकर भी वह महाबली दैत्य अपने दुरभिमान के कारण उन्हें तुच्छ समझ बैठा। हे विदुर, नारद से भगवान हरि का ठिकाना जानकर वह शीघ्र ही रसातल में जा घुसा।
Materialistic warmongers are not even afraid to fight with their mightiest enemy, the Personality of Godhead. The demon was very encouraged to learn from Varuṇa that there was one fighter who could actually combat him, and he was very enthusiastic to search out the Supreme Personality of Godhead just to give Him a fight, even though it was predicted by Varuṇa that by fighting with Viṣṇu he would become prey for dogs, jackals and vultures. Since demoniac persons are less intelligent, they dare to fight with Viṣṇu, who is known as Ajita, or one who has never been conquered.
FAQs
This verse shows a pride-intoxicated person dismissing wise counsel (Varuṇa’s words) and rushing toward conflict; the Bhagavatam repeatedly presents arrogance as a cause of spiritual blindness and downfall.
Because he ignored Varuṇa’s advice and, after learning from Nārada where Lord Hari could be found, he hastened to the nether regions (Rasātala) to seek Him out for battle.
Receive guidance with humility, pause before acting in anger or ego, and seek counsel from sādhus; the verse warns against rushing forward while dismissing corrective advice.