Varāha Mahā Purana
48 - Kalkidvadashivrata
Durvasas said:
1. In the same manner, on the Ekadashi of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada (Kanya), one may worship the lord of lords in the prescribed manner.
2-3. He should worship the feet as Kalkin, the waist as Hrushkesha, the belly as Mlecchavidhvamsaka, neck as Shitikantha, arms as Khadgapani, hands as Chaturbhuja and head as Vishvamurti.
4-5. After worship in this manner, he should place, as before, a pot in front and over it a golden image of Kalkin in a white cloth and with sandal and flowers, and in the morning, it should be gifted to a Vaidik Brahmin.
6-7. O sage, now listen to the result accruing from this vrata:
Once there was a powerful king named Vishala in Kashi. Deprived of his kingdom by his kinsmen, he went to Gandhamadana and from there reached Badari in a canoe, bereft of all his royalty.
8. There came the great and ancient sages Nara and Narayana, who are worshipped by all gods.
9. Seeing the king there immersed in contemplation of the Supreme Being Vishnu, they were very much pleased and asked him to seek a boon from them who had gone there pleased by his meditation.
The king said:
10. “I do not know who you are and from whom I should seek the boon. I wish to get boon from him whom I am worshipping”.
11. Said thus, they asked: “O king, whom are you worshipping and what boon do you wish to get? We wish to know this. So please tell us”.
12. The king replied that he was worshipping Vishnu and then remained silent. They then said:
13-14. “It is by the grace of that same god (Vishnu) that we are offering you a boon now. So, tell us what you desire”.
The king said:
15. Grant me the boon by which I will be able to propitiate the lord of sacrifices (Vishnu) by various sacrifices.
Nara said:
16. Lord Narayana who looks after the entire world, is performing penance with me at Badari.
17. He formerly took the form of a fish (Matsya), then that of a tortoise (Kurma), afterwards that of a pig (Varaha) and then assumed the form of man-lion (Narasimha).
18-19. Then he was born as a dwarf (Vamana), and later on as the mighty son of Jamadagni (Parashurama). Then he took birth as the son of Dasharatha (Rama) and killing all the base and vile people, established order in the world.1
1. One verse relating to Krishna and Kalkin seems to be missing here.
20-22. One may worship Narasimha for ridding oneself of sins, Vamana for removing all stupefaction, Parashurama for wealth, Rama for annihilation of enemies, Balarama and Krishna for begetting sons, Buddha for physical charm and Kalki for victory.
23. He then told him about this Dvadashi. And observing this, the king became an emperor, and by his name Badari came to be known as Vishala.
24. After ruling the country for long, the king retired to the forest. By performing several sacrifices, he attained final beatitude.
Summary of chapter 48 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
A terrifying clash ensues on the slopes of Mount Kailāsa between the divine gaṇas led by Nandi, Bhṛṅgi, and Vīrabhadra and the fierce asura forces of Andhaka. The celestial weapons of the gaṇas rain down upon the demonic ranks, shattering their chariots, slaying their commanders, and routing the asura vanguard. Despite their dark sorcery and vast numbers, the daityas are completely overwhelmed by the spiritual energy and martial prowess of Śiva's followers, leaving the battlefield covered in fallen demon warriors.