The story behind the keśa (hair) avatāra is that when the Earth Goddess felt overburdened by the proliferation of unrighteous kings, she approached the host of devas headed by Brahmā. Hearing her plea, Brahmā advised the devas to accompany him to the Milk Ocean to supplicate Bhagavān Viṣṇu. Being pleased with their prayers, Śrī Viṣṇu appeared to Brahmā. In response to the report of the Earth’s plight, He plucked out two hairs from His head and announced that these hairs would descend to the earth and rid her of this burden.