46 - Krishnadvadashivrata

Durvasas said:

1-2. In the month of Ashadha (Karkagaka) also, one may take due sankalpa, and after worshipping Vishnu in the hands as Chakrapani, neck as Bhupati, conch and disc as Panchajanya and Sudarshana and head as Purusha, and place the pot in front as before.

3. Then on a cloth over it should be placed the golden image of Vishnu as Vasudeva and the other vyuhas (Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha).

4. After worship with sandal, flowers etc., it should be gifted to a Vaidik Brahmin, as before.

5. Now listen to the benefits arising from this vrata performed in the prescribed manner.

6. In the Yadu clan therewasagreatmannamed Vasudeva. He had a highly devoted wife named Devaki, but she was without a child.

7. Once Narada came to their house, and being received with due respect, he said:

8. “O Vasudeva, please listen to this matter relating to the worship of god, after knowing which I have rushed here to tell you.

9. Earth went to the assembly of gods and said that she was unable to bear the weight (of the demons) straining her and requested them to kill (these evil-doers).

10. Thus requested, Devas thought of going to lord Narayana but the moment they thought of him, he appeared before them.

11-12. The great lord himself then told Devas that he would accomplish their desire by taking birth as a human being, but he would be born only to her who, with her husband, observes the fast (on Dvadashi) in the bright half of the month of Ashadha.

13. Assured thus, Devas went away, and I came here to tell you about this so that you can get a worthy son.

14. By performing this Dvadashi vrata, Vasudeva got the son named Krishna and gained great prosperity.

15. After enjoying great affluence, he attained in the end final beatitude. Thus, I have told you about the observance of Dvadashi vrata in Ashadha.

Summary of chapter 46 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:

Regaining his strength and consumed by unbridled pride, the demon king Andhaka emerges from the netherworld with a vast army of dark generals, including Jambha, Kujambha, and Kālanemi, to lay siege to Mount Kailāsa. Driven by his dark desire to possess Goddess Parvatī, Andhaka ignores all warnings of cosmic order and leads his multi-million asura legions against the abode of Parameśvara Śiva. The heavens darken with demonic banners and war drums as the asura forces surround the holy mountain, prompting the gaṇas and devas to prepare for an ultimate cosmic battle.