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USĀŅIRUDDHA
the three worlds, and the gods were shorn of their power and dignity. To remedy this, Visnu was born as a diminutive son of Kaśyapa and Aditi. The dwarf appeared before Bali, and begged of him as much land as he could step over in three paces. The generous monarch complied with the request. Visnu took two strides over heaven and earth; but respecting the virtues of Bali, he then stopped, leaving the dominion
of Pātāla (the nether world) to Bali. 3.13 Indirā-Sahāya : Indirā is the name of Laksmī, wife
of Visnu. So the friend or companion or ally of Indirā
means Vişņu (Krsna in this context). 3.24 Vrsabha-dhvaja : One whose symbol is a bull - Śiva
is generally accompanied by his bull Nandi, hence
this epithet of Siva. 3.28 Murahara : Mura-ripu, Mura-dvis (foe of the demon
Mura) Mura-bhid, Mura-vairin are all epithets of Krsna. Mura was a great demon, an ally of the demon Naraka who ruled over Prāg - jyotisa and assisted him in the defence of that city against Krsna. Krsna with his discus
killed him. He is therefore known as Murāri. 3.32 Narahari : See Martya - Simha above. 3.34 Kārtavīryārjuna : He is also known as Sahasrārjuna.
The son of Kịtavīrya and King of the Haihayas, who ruled at Māhismati. Having worshipped Dattātreya, he obtained from him several boons such as a thousand arms, invincibility by enemies, etc.. He was a contemporary of Rāvana whom he once captured and confined like a beast in a corner of his city. Kārtavīrya was slain by Paraśurāma for having carried off by violence the Kāmadhenu of his revered father Jamadagni.
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