Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.777

c7.777

2) Birth. Three sons called Hiraṇyākṣa, Hiraṇyakaśipu and Vajrāṅga and a daughter, Siṃhikā were born to Kaśyapa-prajāpati by his wife Diti. To Hiraṇyakaśipu were born four sons called Anuhlāda, Hlāda Prahlāda and Saṃhlāda. (Viṣṇu Purāṇa, Part 1, Chapter 15). There is yet another story relating to the birth of these asuras. Though the other wives of Kaśyapa became mothers Diti alone was not blessed with a child for a long time. One day at dusk while Kaśyapa was immersed in meditation Diti rushed into his room and began lamenting and complaining about her having not yet been made a mother, and urgently asked Kaśyapa to make her one. But, Kaśyapa pointed out that it was not the proper time for such things. It was dusk when Śiva with his attendants would be out sight-seeing covered with ashes from burning ghats spread all around by storms. So Kaśyapa wanted to wait for some time more. But, she was not in a mood to pay heed to his advice and Kaśyapa had to yield to her proposal. After obliging her, once again he took his bath and began meditation.