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Rishi Bhrigu, a revered sage in Hindu philosophy, tests the patience of the gods and discovers the true nature of Lord Vishnu through a series of encounters.
Characters in the story:
Rishi Bhrigu: Rishi Bhrigu is a revered sage and one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages). He is known for his wisdom, knowledge of scriptures, and authorship of the Bhrigu Samhita, a sacred text that contains predictions about the future.
Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth, prosperity, and fortune. She is often depicted with four arms holding lotus flowers and other symbols of wealth and abundance.
Lord Brahma: Lord Brahma holds a significant position in Hinduism as the divine creator of the universe and all living beings. He is commonly portrayed with four heads, symbolizing his association with the four Vedas.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva, an eminent figure in Hinduism, holds a prominent position as the deity responsible for annihilating evil and facilitating the transformation of the universe. In depictions, he is frequently portrayed as a meditative ascetic or as the master of dance, adorned with a third eye, a serpent adorning his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Nandi: Nandi is a sacred bull and the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Shiva. He is often depicted sitting at the entrance of Shiva’s abode, acting as a gatekeeper and devotee of Lord Shiva.
Rishi Bhrigu holds great reverence in Hinduism as one of the most esteemed sages. His contributions to ancient Hindu texts, particularly the Vedas, are of immense significance. He was a disciple of Maharishi Varuna, the deity of water and oceans, and was initiated into spiritual and intellectual pursuits from a young age.
Bhrigu is credited with composing numerous hymns and mantras in the Rigveda, the oldest among the four Vedas. These verses are regarded as exceptionally beautiful and profound within the Vedic literature. Even today, priests and scholars chant them during various religious ceremonies and rituals.
One day, Rishi Bhrigu resolved to test the power and patience of the three primary deities in Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. He approached each of them and insulted them in different ways.
Brahma, occupied with his own affairs, didn’t even acknowledge him. In response to Lord Brahma’s inhospitality, Bhrigu cursed him, decreeing that he would no longer be a deity worthy of worship.
Next, Sage Bhrigu visited Lord Shiva at Kailash Parvata. Upon reaching the mountain, Nandi, the celestial bull, prevented him from entering, as Shiva and Parvati were engaged in an intimate moment. Enraged, Sage Bhrigu cursed Lord Shiva, declaring that he would only be worshiped in the form of a Linga.
However, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, responded differently. Bhrigu entered Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s abode, without seeking permission and discovered that the Lord was resting. Bhrigu urged him to wake up, but Vishnu remained in a deep slumber. Not receiving any response, the sage struck Lord Vishnu on his chest.
Startled by the blow, Lord Vishnu awoke and realized what had occurred. With humility, he asked Bhrigu, “Maharishi, did the hit hurt your foot? Did your soft foot hurt hitting my hard chest?”
Observing Lord Vishnu’s humble demeanor, Sage Bhrigu was pleased and proclaimed him superior among the Trinity. However, the place where Bhrigu had kicked on Vishnu’s chest was where Goddess Lakshmi resided. Lord Vishnu is also referred to as “Srivatsa,” meaning “beloved of Sri,” signifying his chest as the abode of the goddess.
Goddess Lakshmi, feeling offended by Bhrigu’s actions towards both Lord Vishnu and herself, cursed the sage. She decreed that henceforth she would never visit Brahmanas, and they would live without wealth.
Upon hearing Goddess Lakshmi’s curse, Maharishi explained the true purpose of his visit to her. Understanding the sage’s intentions, Lakshmi informed Bhrigu that her curse would still affect Brahmanas, but any Brahmana who worshiped Lord Vishnu would be liberated from the curse.
This tale underscores the significance of patience and forgiveness in Hinduism, demonstrating that even the gods are not exempt from the consequences of their actions. It also highlights the power of knowledge and wisdom, as Rishi Bhrigu was able to recognize the true nature of Lord Vishnu.
