Hiranyaksha is described as a demon in Hinduism killed by Lord Vishnu. Hiranyaksha was an Asura of the pre-ancient India and he was the son of Diti and Kashyapa. He was killed by the Lord Vishnu after he took the Earth to the bed of the `Cosmic Ocean`. The literal meaning of the name Hiranyaksha in Sanskrit is `Goldeneye`. Hiranyaksha, the brother of Hiranyakasipu, was destroyed by Vishnu in his boar incarnation, though he was believed to be invincible. Lord Vishnu presumed the avatar of a boar - Varaha and dived into the ocean in order to lift the Earth. In the process he killed Hiranyaksha who was blocking his way and thus rescued Earth. It is also said that this battle lasted for near about one thousand years. In the Padma Purana it is said that this occurred in the first, or Matsya avatar: that Vishnu in the form of fish entered the ocean and destroyed Hiranyaksha.

Hiranyaksha also had an elder brother named Hiranyakashipu. His brother after having attempted penances became incredibly powerful and unbeatable unless and until several conditions were met. Hiranyakashipu was later killed by Narasimha Avatara, fourth incarnation of Vishnu.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com