Varāha Mahā Purana
31 - The Origin of Vishnu
Mahatapas said:
1. Manu about whom we learn now, is only a manifestation in specific form of the great Vishnu.
2. O king, to the Supreme Being, Narayana, anxiety arose, as he was bringing about creation.
3. “I have now brought into being this creation and I have to protect it myself. It is not possible to establish the performance of duties without a body. Therefore, I shall create a body for the protection of the world”.
4. O king, while the great Being was thinking thus, the whole creation appeared embodied before him.
5. Lord Narayana then saw himself entering into it and all the three worlds constituted his person.
6. Then the Lord remembered the assurance he had to fulfil and gave boons.
7. “You are omniscient and omnipotent and you are worshipped by the entire world. You be the eternal Vishnu governing the three worlds.
8. You should always look after Devas and do whatever Brahma wants. Doubtless you will be knowing everything”.
9. The Lord then withdrew to his original form. And Vishnu evoked his own intellect.
10. The great Lord then mentally summoned Yoganidra (cosmic slumber) and lodging therein all the creatures that arose out of the senses, entered into slumber.
11. While thus sleeping, there arose from his belly a big lotus.
12-13. It was spreading over all the seven islands of the earth and all the waters and forests and extended upto the nether world. In its interior was Meru and at its top Brahma.
14. Seeing the new being come out of his body, Vayu (air within) was delighted and produced the atmosphere (and said):
15. “Hold victory over illusion in the form of a conch and a sword to cut off ignorance.
16. Bear this disc which represents Kalachakra (the course of the world) and a mace to crush unrighteousness.
17. Let there be round your neck this garland which represents the string of beings, and the sun and the moon in the form of Shrivatsa and Kaustubha.
18. For quick travel you have Garuda. Let the great goddess Lakshmi be always with you.
19. Dvadashi shall be your tithi. Any person who takes in only clarified butter on that day and meditates on you, attains heaven, be the person man or woman.”
20. He is Vishnu and his body is constituted of Devas and Asuras. From his own self he creates, protects and destroys.
21. In every Yuga he pervades everything. he is verily the Vedantapurusha. No one should take him as an ordinary man.
22. he who listens to this holy account of Vishnu, acquires great fame and attains heaven.
Summary of chapter 31 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
Following her rebirth as the daughter of Himavān, Mother Umā Parvatī leaves behind royal opulence to undertake excruciating tapas upon the freezing peaks of the Himālayas to win the heart of Parameśvara Śiva. As it happens, She discards all delicate garments, wears bark clothing, and subjects Her tender form to summer fires, torrential monsoon rains, and freezing winter snows while remaining entirely absorbed in meditating upon the lotus feet of Śiva. Moved by Her unshakeable devotion and pure heart, Parameśvara Śiva tests Her resolve by disguising Himself as an old ascetic who criticizes Śiva, but Mother Umā firmly defends the Supreme Yogi and prepares to leave, whereupon Śiva reveals His divine form and accepts Her eternal love.