Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.4863

c9.4863

The asura decided to try the boon, on the giver himself first. Terrified at this, Śiva began to run. The asura chased him. At last Śiva sought protection from Viṣṇu. Assuming the form of a boy, Mahāviṣṇu stood on the way and stopped Vṛkāsura, who was running after Śiva. The boy asked him why he was running. The asura told the boy everything. Then the boy laughed and said "Oh! Asura! What Śiva said was a lie. He has no divine power now. He was making fun of you. Not an ant would die by the touch of your fingers. You just try on your head and see for yourself." Hearing this the asura became dejected. He thought what the boy said was true. The poor creature touched his own head with his finger. The moment he touched his head, he fell down dead. (Bhāgavata, Skandha 10). This story has similarity with that of Bhasmāsura. (See under Bhasmāsura).