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Bakasur was a very strong and powerful asur (demon). But he was also very foolish. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Bakasur was very ambitious. He wanted to rule over the world. But, he did not know how to achieve his objective. He thought deeply over the matter, still he could not find a solution. So one day, he decided to please Shiva by worshipping him in order to fulfill his ambition. He knew that of all the Gods, Lord Shiva was the easiest to please.
He sat outside his cave in the jungle to pray. Each day, he would religiously cut off a part of his body and offer it to the Lord. This went on for several days. At last Shiva was impressed with his devotion and loyalty. He appeared before Bakasur and told him to ask for any boon that he wished. Bakasur was overjoyed. He said, “O Almighty! Please grant me a boon that on whosoever’s head I place my hand, he should die instantly.” The boon was granted by Shiva immediately.
Bakasur decided to begin his conquest of the world with Shiva himself. He raced towards Shiva to place his hand on his head. Terrified, Shiva ran for his life. Bakasur chased him with all his might. They ran across hills and mountains and rivers and ponds. But Bakasur did not give up the chase. Shiva was at his wit’s end. He did not know how to get rid of the demon. At last, Shiva decided to seek Vishnu’s help to get Bakasur off his back. He raced to Vishnu’s abode and quickly explained the whole story to him. On learning about the evil designs of Bakasur, Vishnu was furious. He decided to finish him off. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I will take care of the rogue.”
Disguised as a priest, Vishnu suddenly appeared before Bakasur.
“Why are you running like this Bakasur? And where are you going?” He asked. The foolish Bakasur quickly narrated the whole story about Shiva’s boon to him. Hearing this, Vishnu burst out laughing, “You foolish asur, Shiva is running away because he has deceived you. His boon is simply not true.” Bakasur looked confused. “If you don’t believe me,” continued Vishnu, “why don’t you put your hand on your head. You will know immediately.” This idea appealed to the foolish demon. He promptly did so and died. Lord Shiva heaved a sigh of relief and thanked Lord Vishnu for saving his life.