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LAKSHMI - PADMAPRIYE
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ONE WHO LOVE LOTUS |
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LAKSHMI - PADMAPRIYE
- ONE WHO LOVE LOTUS |
Airavata, the winged elephant, which Indra took as his mount
Uchchaisravas, the white horse with a black tail, which was taken by Bali, the
demon
Shankha, the white conch shell, which was taken by Vishnu
Vish (poison) - it was the most effective fiery substance, which no one except
Shiva could swallow. For the sake of gods and humanity Shiva swallowed this substance.
It left a visible blue spot on his throat and for this reason Shiva is also being
called as NEELAKANTHA (the blue throated Lord)
Lakshmi or Sri, the goddess of wealth and beauty. Vishnu as his wife took Sri.
This is how Lakshmi was born and became the consort of Vishnu.
The legend of the SAMUDRA MANTHAN goes thus:
Sage Durvasa was a great ascetic. Once he was walking along holding in his hand
a garland of flowers called SANTANAKA.
INDRA who was coming from the opposite direction riding Airavata ignored him.
He threw the garland given by Durvasa on
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| SAGE DURVASA AND INDRA |
Airavata, which threw it on the ground
and trampled it. Durvasa lost his temper and cursed: "The pride of wealth
has entered your head. Let Lakshmi forsake you." Then Indra realized his
folly. He bowed to Durvasa and sought his pardon. Durvasa said, "Sri Vishnu
will do you good," and left.
On account of Durvasa's curse, Lakshmi left Indra and went away. Because Lakshmi
the goddess of power, bravery, enthusiasm and radiance left, Devendra's life
became miserable. The demons that were waiting for such an opportunity invaded
heaven, defeated Indra and gods in war and occupied heaven. Indra lost his kingdom
and hid out of sight of the demons. The Gods in due course lost their immortality
and valor.
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| MOUNT MANDARA |
A number of years passed. Indra's teacher Brihaspati thought of finding a way
out for Indra's troubles. He went with the gods to Brahma, who went to Vishnu
with all of them and put forth the appeal of the gods. Then Vishnu said, "don't
fear; I will show you a way out. The sea of milk must be churned. It is a very
difficult job. Therefore, gain the friendship of the demons and get their assistance.
Use MANDARA Mountain as a churning rod and VASUKI, the king of the serpents,
as a rope.
I will come to your assistance at the proper time. When the sea is churned ambrosia
will be produced. Let the gods drink it and become immortal. They will then attain
superb strength. It will then be possible for you to defeat the demons. When
the sea is churned, Lakshmi who has disappeared will appear again. Her grace
will be bestowed on you." He consoled the gods and arranged for the churning
of the sea.
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