The Stolen Earth
The demon Hiranyaksha — brother of Hiranyakashipu — was of immense power and pride. Looking for a worthy opponent, he searched all the worlds until he heard that Vishnu had incarnated as a small boar and was moving across the face of the waters.
Before that, Hiranyaksha had grabbed the earth goddess Bhudevi and dragged her deep into the cosmic ocean, disrupting all creation.
Varaha Dives
Vishnu, as the great Varaha — a boar of cosmic dimensions, with tusks as bright as sacrificial fires — dove into the primordial ocean.
For a thousand years Varaha searched the depths. When he found Hiranyaksha, a great battle commenced in the underwater realm. The demon struck with his mace, his power shaking the ocean. Varaha evaded every blow, then pierced Hiranyaksha with his tusk. The demon fell.
The Earth Is Lifted
Gently, with reverence, Varaha lifted the earth on the tip of his tusk and rose through the waters. As he emerged, the earth rested like a lotus on the surface, restored to her place.
The devas rained flowers from heaven. The sages praised the Lord.
Brahma addressed the earth: "O Bhudevi, you rest on the tusk of the Lord who carries you in His heart. What shelter could be greater than this?"
The earth goddess bowed in gratitude.