Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1109

c4.1109

1) Previous Birth. This is a story concerning the initial stage of the creation of the Universe. After completing the task of creation Brahmā, in his pride fell into a sleep. In order to slight Brahmā a little, Mahāviṣṇu produced two Rākṣasas called Madhu and Kaiṭabha from his ears. Hearing their terrible roar Brahmā woke up in fear and fled to Mahāviṣṇu seeking refuge. Viṣṇu called Madhu and Kaiṭabha and asked what boon they would like to ask. They proudly replied that they would grant a boon to Viṣṇu. In that case Mahāviṣṇu wanted them to grant him leave to kill them. They answered : "We will not break our promise about granting the boon. But since our passion for fighting has not been abated, you must fulfil our eager desire." Mahāviṣṇu said : "I agree. But let my boon be carried out first. After that, one of you will be reborn under the name of Khara and the other under the name of Atikāya. In the Tretāyuga I shall kill Khara in single combat after allaying his passion for fighting. Lakṣmaṇa who is the incarnation of Ananta will fight with Atikāya to his full satisfaction and kill him. Thus both of you will get Virakti and Mukti."