Britasur

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Once a Brahmin named Brita (also called Vrutra) became the head of the demons. He gave up his dharma – duty – of doing good to others. Instead he turned to violence and began to battle with the devas. Hence, he became known as Britasur (Vrutrasur). ‘Asur’ means demon.

Slowly, he began to win. The devas or Gods became frightened against his evil might. Along with Indra, they approached Lord Vishnu for help. He told them that he could not be destroyed with ordinary weapons.

“Only a weapon made from the bones of a saintly rishi will kill Britasur (Vrutrasur),” revealed Lord Vishnu.

“But nobody will give up his beloved body. Who would die to provide a weapon?” inquired the devas or Gods.

Lord Vishnu then advised the devas to approach Dadhichi rishi and ask for his bones as bhikhsha – alms.

The devas went off in search of Dadhichi rishi. When they reached his ashram, they felt anxious.

Rishi Dadhichi gladly gave up his bones for the cause of the good, saying "It is better that my bones help you attain victory, rather than rot in the ground".

The devas collected the bones. Indra made the Vajra weapon from them. With this the devas battled with Britasur. It is said that the battle lasted for 360 days. In the end the devas won.