Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 26
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
स आहतो विश्वजिता ह्यवज्ञया परिभ्रमद्गात्र उदस्तलोचन: । विशीर्णबाह्वङ्घ्रिशिरोरुहोऽपतद् यथा नगेन्द्रो लुलितो नभस्वता ॥ २६ ॥
sa āhato viśva-jitā hy avajñayā paribhramad-gātra udasta-locanaḥ viśīrṇa-bāhv-aṅghri-śiroruho ’patad yathā nagendro lulito nabhasvatā
万物の征服者である主によって無造作に打たれたにもかかわらず、悪魔の体は回転し始めた。彼の眼球は眼窩から飛び出した。手足は折れ、髪は乱れ、風によって根こそぎにされた巨木のように、彼は死んで倒れた。
It does not take even a moment for the Lord to kill any powerful demon, including Hiraṇyākṣa. The Lord could have killed him long before, but He allowed the demon to display the full extent of his magical feats. One may know that by magical feats, by scientific advancement of knowledge or by material power one cannot become the equal of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His one signal is sufficient to destroy all our attempts. His inconceivable power, as displayed here, is so strong that the demon, despite all his demoniac maneuvers, was killed by the Lord when the Lord desired, simply by one slap.
FAQs
It depicts Hiraṇyākṣa being struck by the all-conquering Lord (Varāha), becoming disoriented and humiliated, and finally falling apart like a mountain shattered by fierce wind—signifying the complete collapse of demoniac pride.
Because as Viṣṇu’s Varāha avatāra, He is invincible and supreme over all forces; His victory over Hiraṇyākṣa demonstrates that no material power can overcome the Lord’s will.
It warns against arrogance and contempt (avajñā) and reminds us that pride collapses under divine law; cultivating humility, respect for the Lord, and alignment with dharma brings steadiness and protection.