Lord Vishnu Sports with Virabhadra
After hearing this, Lord Janardana became desirous of fighting, for the sake of the brahmanas. Virabhadra then addressed Lord Vishnu, saying, “Why have You come here? You know of my incomparable strength. How can You expect to come out victorious by taking the side of Daksha? Please tell me that.”
Coming closer to Lord Vishnu, Virabhadra continued, “To me, You are just like Lord Shiva. If you desire to fight then remain in front of me.”
Upon hearing this, Lord Vishnu laughingly replied, “O intelligent one, you were born from the splendor of Rudra. Having been frequently requested by Daksha, I attended his sacrifice because I am subservient to My devotees. It is for this reason that I am subservient to Shiva, as well. Either you will conquer Me, or I will conquer you.”
Virabhadra laughed as he humbly bowed down before Lord Vishnu and said, “We are all servants of both You and Shankara.” Lord Vishnu also laughed as He replied, “Fight with Me unhesitatingly. I shall return to My own abode after being satisfied by your onslaught of weapons.”
Saying, “So be it,” Virabhadra picked up his foremost weapon and roared loudly while Lord Vishnu made a tumultuous sound by blowing His conch shell. Upon hearing that sound, the demigods who
had fled the battlefield took heart and returned so that soon, a great battle commenced.
In that terrible conflict, when Virabhadra attempted to swallow Indra and Airavata, Lord Vishnu intervened, pushing the king of heaven behind Him. As they fought, Virabhadra could see that his army was weakening and so he said to the Lord, “You are certainly a heroic warrior and the protector of the devas. If this is actually true then fight with me now, as best You can.”
After saying this, Virabhadra released a shower of arrows upon Lord Vishnu. In reply, the Lord released His chakra but it was swallowed by Virabhadra. When He saw this turn of events, the Lord stroked His mouth, causing the chakra to come out of Virabhadra’s mouth and return to His hand. After accomplishing this, Lord Vishnu ascended into the sky and returned to His eternal abode, satisfied that He had fulfilled His duty.”
