*SKANDHA VII. CHAP. 2-4.*
Upon the death of Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakasipu collected his companions
and told them that Vishnu was no longer keeping that neutrality and
impartiality which he had observed of yore. On the contrary, he had
taken the side of the Devas, under the pretence of Upasana.
He then consoled his nephew and his brother's wife by words of wisdom
explaining to them the transitory character of the world and the
permanence of Atma. He also told them several stories to illustrate the
point.
Hiranyakasipu vowed enmity to Vishnu. He prayed hard for immortality and
supremacy over the Triloki. Brahma became pleased with his asceticism
and enquired what boon he wanted. Said Hiranyakasipu: -- "Let me have no
death from any one created by Thee. Let not those that are not created
by Thee kill me inside or outside, by day or by night, with any weapon,
either on the earth or in the air. Let no man or animal, with or without
life (asu) Deva, Daitya or serpent kill me. As thou art without a rival
in battle, the one glorious lord of all beings and all Lokapalas, so let
me be too. Let me possess all the Siddhis, (Anima &c.)" Brahma said,
Amen.
Hiranyakasipu then ruled the Universe. He took the place of Indra. All
the Devas worshipped him.
Brahmanas and other Grihasthas performed Yajna in his honor and gave
offerings to him. The earth yielded plenty even without much effort.
There was prosperity all around. The Shastras were however not duly
respected. (All this is a description of the material period, the reign
of Materiality). A long, long time passed on in this way. At last the
Lokapalas could bear it no longer. They prayed to Vishnu for relief. The
Devas heard a voice from heaven "Wait ye all. The time has not yet come
for the fall of Hiranyakasipu. He shall be the enemy of his own son. I
kill him then." -- Assured by these words, the Devas went to their own
place.