Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Keshi included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Keśī
General information.
An Asura. It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 65 that forty Asuras or Dānavas were born to Kaśyapa, the son of Marīci, and the grandson of Brahmā, by his wife Danu, and that Keśī was one of them.
Keśī and Indra.
Once a war broke out between the Devas and the Asuras. Disasters befell the Devas. Daityasenā and Devasenā, the daughters of Prajāpati were about to be carried away by Keśī. Daityasenā agreed to accompany him of her own accord, but Devasenā cried aloud. Hearing her cry Devendra reached the spot. A terrible fight ensued and finally the defeated Keśī ran away. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 223).
Keśī and Viṣṇu.
Once there was a fight which lasted for thirteen days, between Keśī and Viṣṇu. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 134, Stanza 20).