As soon as he was born, he said to his father in burning words:—"O father, I am stricken with hunger. Leave me, I shall eat up the whole world (51)". At that time yawning with flames that had gone up to the celestial region the all-ending fire completely consumed the ten quarters and all the elements and thus increased itself (52). In the meantime the Lord Brahmā, the master of all creatures, went where that Muni begat that most excellent son (53). He saw there the worlds along with the Rishis blazing up with the thigh-begotten fiery son of Urva and assailed by Aurva's fire of anger (54).
Thereupon honouring the Rishi Urva Brahmā said to him:—"Bear this energy of your son out of compassion for the world (55). O Vipra, I shall confer upon this son of yours the most excellent virtue of patience. And I shall bestow on him the best of habitations and nectarine food. Hear these my truthful words, O foremost of speakers" (56).
Urva said:—"Blessed I am. I have received a great favour since the Lord has conferred a great grace on my child and given him this inclination (57). How will this my son, when he will attain to the desirable youth, acquire happiness on being honoured with Havyas? Where will be his house and what will be his food? What sort of food will you arrange for this highly powerful one commensurate with his strength (58–59)."
Brahma said:—This boy will live in the mouth of the ocean resembling that of a mare. O Vipra, I am born of water, so his body will be made of water (60). Always living on watery food I live in the water. I shall give your son this food. Let him bring it (61). O you of firm vows, at the time of the termination of a yuga this fire will consume all the worlds. United with him I shall repeatedly eat up the worlds (62). This fire has been made by me to live upon the water of dissolution. He will consume all the creatures with the gods, Asuras and Rākshasas (63). Saying "So be it," and casting off his effulgence before his father Aurva, enveloped with consecrated flames of fire, entered into the mouth of the ocean (64).
Thereupon Brahmā and other great Rishis returned to their respective habitations. And being informed of the power of Aurva fire they resorted to their respective courses (65). Beholding the wondrous affair Hiranyakasipu, placing all his limbs on the ground, worshipped Urva and said the following words (66) "O Reverend Sir, wonderful is this affair that has been witnessed by all the worlds. O foremost of Munis, the grand-father has been pleased with your penances (67). O you of great vows, if I am worthy of being praised for my actions know me as your and your son's servant (68). Behold me as engaged in worshipping you. If I meet with discomfiture, O foremost of Munis, it will be your defeat (69)."
Urva said:—"I have been also blessed and honored since you have accepted me as your preceptor. O you of firm vows, you have no longer any fear of ascetic observances (70). Do you take this fiery illusion which even the fires, without fuels that have been created my son, cannot easily touch (71). This illusion will help you in killing the enemies of your family; it will protect your own army and consume the enemies" (72).
Saying 'may it be so’ and saluting that foremost of Munis Hiranyakasipu, the king of Dānavas, was pleased and returned to the celestial region (73).
Varuna said:—This is that illusion, which the deities cannot bear, and that had been created in the days of yore by Urva's son Aurva (74). With the death of that Daitya it has undoubtedly been shorn of its power. It had been imprecated with a curse in the days of yore by him who had created it (75) If we can strike against this illusion the king of gods will be happy. Give me, O Sakra, my friend Nishakara (the moon) who is born of water (76). Being united with him and Yados[164] and controlling my senses, I shall by your favour, undoubtedly destroy this illusion (77).
| [154] | One who eats grain without its having been threshed, anchorite. |
| [155] | Breaking or bruising anything with a stone. |