Mr Ashish Kumar
(It is difficult to comment about young author Mr Ashish Kumar and his mythological/spiritual writing. He has well researched Hindu Philosophy, Science and quest of success beyond the material realms. I am really mesmerized. I am sure you will be also amazed. We are pleased to begin a series on excerpts from his well acclaimed book “Samudramanthanam” . According to Mr Ashish “Samudramanthanam is less explained and explored till date. I have tried to give broad way of this one of the most important chapter of Hindu mythology. I have read many scriptures and take references from many temples and folk stories, to present the all possible aspects of portrait of Samudramanthanam.” Now our distinguished readers will be able to read this series on every Saturday.)
Amazon Link – Samudramanthanam
☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam -4 Lost of Shree ☆
Once there is a disagreement between Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was not agreed that all the command of universe is given in the hands of Devtas and appoint Indra as king of heaven. Shiva didn’t do any prejudice between Devtas and Danvas. But this partiality by Brahma make Shiva angry. Shiva has decided that not to take participate on world affairs but anger start to appear around him in his aura. So finally, he decided to transfer his anger in tangible form and planned to transfer his anger to Anasuya, the wife of sage Atri. From this portion of Shiva deposited into Anasuya, a child was born, who was named ‘Durvasa’ (lit. one who is difficult to live with). Because he was born of Shiva’s anger, he had an irascible nature.
One fine day when ‘Durvasa’ doing meditation with his closed eyes. A garland was fall from heaven from the hands of an apsara, nymph and hold on the branch of one tree. Very sweet smell starts flowing all around from the flowers of that garland. All people near that area start losing their senses.
That garland falls in the neck of sage ‘Durvasa’ from that tree. He wore it on his brow. Resuming his wanderings, the sage came across Indra riding his elephant, Airavata, attended by the gods. Durvasa, still in his state of frenzy, threw the garland at Indra, who caught it and placed it on Airavata’s head. The elephant was irritated by the fragrance of the nectar in the flowers, so it threw the garland to the ground with its trunk. Durvasa was enraged to see his gift treated so callously and cursed Indra that he would be cast down from his position of dominion over the three worlds, just as the garland was cast down. Indra immediately begged Durvasa’s forgiveness, but the sage refused to retract or even soften his curse and went on his way. Because of the curse, Indra and the devas were diminished in strength and shorn of their luster. From this wife of Indra ‘Sachi’ who was the incarnation of goddess Lakshmi turns into statue of rock. the “Airavata’ also go deep in to ocean of Milk ‘Kshirasāgara’ and all the good and auspiciousness of Devtas lost as the reaction of this action.
Great sages suggest Indra and other Devtas to do a great scarify to get grace of goddess Lakshmi again on heaven and in the life of all Suras.
Many great sages gathered at the bank of river Sarasvati to do this yajna, scarify for Devtas. Bhrigu was arrogant and was filled with ahamkara Ego, due to his extreme austerities. At the time of yajna all the great saints and sages could not decide that out of the Trinity Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva to whom should they offer Pradhanta (Master) of that Yagya and to whom they have to scarify yajnas oblation. With the consent of all the great saints presents there, it was decided that Bhrigu will test and decide who was pre-eminent.
Upon being entrusted with the task Maharishi Bhrigu decided to test each of the Trimurti. Being ignored by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, he visited Lord Vishnu. Vishnu was asleep and Brighu kicked him in the chest to wake him up. Vishnu smilingly welcomed Bhrigu who realized his egotistical outbursts with extreme pain. He begged for forgiveness and Vishnu forgave him.
But from this action Wife of Lord Vishnu Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ got very upset and decided to future shrink her grace even from the life of sages and other living creatures of universe.
World without Lakshmi is more than horrible. All bad omen and actions are happening all around.
Seizing this opportunity, the Asuras led by Bali waged war against the gods. The gods were routed and turned to Lord Brahma for help. Lord Brahma directed them to seek refuge with Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu in turn, advised them to call a truce with the Asuras and work together with them to churn the ocean of milk and obtain the Amrita (nectar of immortality), on the pretext of sharing it with them. Lord Vishnu promised that he would ensure only the devas drank the Nectar and re obtain their former power so they could once again defeat the Asuras.
© Ashish Kumar
New Delhi
