HIRANYAKSHA (pronounced as Harnakhash) (Killed by boar incarnation of Vishnu. He may not be mistaken as father of Prahlada). Which ones were not ferried across by the remembrance of the Lord? Those of the flying birds like Hansa Avstår, those of the fish form like fish incarnation, those of the deer form like the Shringi sage and those of the boar form like the boar incarnation—all were ferried across in the company of the saint. (Malar M. 5, p. 1269) O Lord, Thou art the Ishwara supporting the earth, Narayana, the man-lion.
Thou art the boar with protruding teeth and supporting the earth. (Maru M. 5, p. 1082) Hiranyaksha, was the brother of the tyrant demon king Hiranyakashipu. He propitiated Brahma and attained the boon of invincibility. He was exempted from hurt by god, man or beast. In great pride, he began to harrass the gods and men.
He even dragged the earth to the nether-regions under the waters where from it was saved by Vishnu, who assumed the form of a boar and caused it to float again.He killed the tyrant demon with his tusks. See : Das Avatars —the boar incarnation and also Hiranyakashipu .
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Hiranyaksha is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, known as a powerful demon (Asura) and the elder brother of Hiranyakashipu. His story is deeply connected to the Varaha Avatar, one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The Legend of Hiranyaksha
- Birth and Boon: Hiranyaksha was born to Diti and Kashyapa, making him a Daitya (demon). Through intense penance, he received a boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by any god, man, or beast. This invulnerability made him arrogant and led him to terrorize the three worlds.
- Submerging the Earth: In his quest for power, Hiranyaksha dragged Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) to the depths of the cosmic ocean, disrupting the balance of creation. This act of chaos prompted the gods to seek help from Lord Vishnu.
- Varaha Avatar: To restore order, Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, a divine boar. In this form, Vishnu descended into the ocean, lifted Bhumi Devi on his tusks, and engaged in a fierce battle with Hiranyaksha. After a prolonged fight, Vishnu defeated and killed Hiranyaksha, restoring the Earth to its rightful place.
- Symbolism: Hiranyaksha represents pride, greed, and the forces of chaos, while Varaha symbolizes divine intervention and the restoration of dharma (righteousness). The story highlights the victory of good over evil and the importance of humility and balance in the universe. Connections to Other Myths
Hiranyaksha’s younger brother, Hiranyakashipu, also became a central figure in Hindu mythology, known for his enmity toward Vishnu and his persecution of his son, Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu. Both brothers are considered incarnations of Jaya and Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vishnu, who were cursed to be born as enemies of the Lord in three lifetimes.
Hiranyaksha’s tale is recounted in texts like the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and other Puranic literature, emphasizing the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction.
