Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.3

v1.c11.3

“Sections 231-233 of the Matsya-purāṇa are devoted to the same subject (the incarnation itself and its results). I give an abstract of the 47th section, in which Vishnu’s incarnations are enumerated. It is here stated that it was in consequence of a curse pronounced by Bhrigu (as we shall see further on) that Vishnu assumed most of these forms (v. 37). There were twelve conflicts between the gods and Asuras (vv. 39-52). It is related (vv. 58 ff.) that on one occasion when Prahlada had been overcome, and Indra had gained the empire of the three worlds, Sukra, the priest of the Asuras, left them and went to the gods. They, however, entreated him not to desert them, when he re-assured them by the promise of his support (vv. 60 ff.). They were nevertheless attacked by the gods, and again resorted to Sukra, when their assailants left them. Sukra then referred to their former discomfitures, counselled them to wait for a favourable turn of fortune, and declared his intention to resort to Mahadeva and obtain certain sacred texts which would ensure their victory. (vv. 65 ff.). They then promised the gods to desist from hostilities and to betake themselves to austerities (vv. 73 ff.). Sukra accordingly went to Mahadeva and asked for texts more powerful than those possessed by Brihaspati, the priest of the gods; when the deity directed him to perform a painful rite, imbibing the smoke of chaff (kana- *dhūma*) with his head downward for a thousand years. This he agreed to do (*vv. 78 ff.*). Hearing of this, and taking advantage of the defenceless state of the *Asuras*, the gods went to attack them. The *Asuras* remonstrated, and in the absence of Śukra resorted to his mother for help, and were re-assured by her (*vv. 83 ff.*). The gods, however, followed and assailed them, when the goddess (Śukra’s mother—her name is not given)—by her magical power, rendered Indra helpless, and then the other gods took to flight (*vv. 91 ff.*). Viṣṇu, however, interposed, and desired Indra to enter into him (Viṣṇu). This provoked the goddess, who threatened to burn them up; Indra called upon Viṣṇu to slay her before she could carry her threat into effect. Viṣṇu, though hesitating to kill a female, cut off her head with his weapon (*vv. 95 ff.*). Viṣṇu was hereupon doomed by a curse of Śukra to be born seven times in the world of men; and in consequence of this he appears for the good of the world when unrighteousness prevails.”*