Lakshmi
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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.
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LAKSHMI - PADMAPRIYE
- ONE WHO LOVE LOTUS |
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 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. |
