Ashvashira

The earth now asked the boar whether Narayana was the same as the brahman and the boar replied that the two were indeed identical. But it is very difficult to see Narayana directly. He has to be seen through the medium of his incarnations. Brahma is nothing but a form of Narayana, and so is Shiva. Narayana can be seen in the earth, the water and the elements. The whole creation is nothing but a manifestation of Narayana.

There was once a righteous king named Ashvashira who asked the sage Kapila how Narayana might be worshipped.

“There are two Narayanas present here”, replied Kapila. “Worship whichever one you will”.

(Kapila meant that he himself was a manifestation of Narayana.)

“How can you be Narayana?” asked the king. “Narayana has four hands and rides on Garuda, the king of the birds. You have only two hands and I do not see any Garuda.”

“Look again,” said Kapila.