Shloka 23
Varāha Confronts Hiraṇyākṣa: The Challenge, the Rescue of Earth, and the Opening of the Mace-Duel
ब्रह्मोवाच एष ते देव देवानामङ्घ्रिमूलमुपेयुषाम् । विप्राणां सौरभेयीणां भूतानामप्यनागसाम् ॥ २२ ॥ आगस्कृद्भयकृद्दुष्कृदस्मद्राद्धवरोऽसुर: । अन्वेषन्नप्रतिरथो लोकानटति कण्टक: ॥ २३ ॥
brahmovāca eṣa te deva devānām aṅghri-mūlam upeyuṣām viprāṇāṁ saurabheyīṇāṁ bhūtānām apy anāgasām
ब्रह्मा बोले—हे देव! जो देवता, ब्राह्मण, गौएँ और निष्पाप प्राणी आपके चरणकमलों की शरण में रहते हैं, उनके लिए यह असुर सदा काँटे के समान पीड़ा देने वाला बन गया है। मुझसे वर पाकर यह दुष्कर्मी भय उत्पन्न करता हुआ, अजेय-सा योद्धा खोजता, लोक-लोक में भटकता फिरता है।
There are two classes of living entities: one is called sura, or the demigods, and the other is called asura, or the demons. Demons are generally fond of worshiping the demigods, and there are evidences that by such worship they get extensive power for their sense gratification. This later proves to be a cause of trouble to the brāhmaṇas, demigods and other innocent living entities. Demons habitually find fault with the demigods, brāhmaṇas and innocent, to whom they are a constant source of fear. The way of the demon is to take power from the demigods and then tease the demigods themselves. There is an instance of a great devotee of Lord Śiva who obtained a boon from Lord Śiva that the head of whomever he touched with his hand would come off its trunk. As soon as the boon was offered to him, the demon wanted to touch the very head of Lord Śiva. That is their way. The devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead do not, however, ask any favor for sense gratification. Even if they are offered liberation, they refuse it. They are happy simply engaging in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
FAQs
It describes the demon Hiraṇyākṣa as sinful and fear-producing, roaming unchecked like a “thorn” to all the worlds until the Lord confronts him.
Brahmā highlights the Lord’s role as universal shelter and protector, implying that the demon’s harassment of the innocent will inevitably draw the Lord’s intervention.
Take shelter of the Lord’s feet through prayer and dharma, and recognize that harmful forces that terrorize the innocent are ultimately checked by divine justice and protection.