|
|
| Om Namah Shivaya |
|
When Vishnu saw Shiva running and being chased by Vrika, he began to laugh at Shiva's simple-heartedness. This was the result of his habit of granting boons thoughtlessly. Vishnu came to his rescue. He changed his guise and became a beautiful woman and prevented Vrika from going further. He said, "What has happened? I find Shiva is running and you are following him. Tell me what the matter is."
Vrika stopped and said, "Shiva has granted me a boon that I shall be able to burn anybody by putting my hand on his head. I am trying to put my hand on his head and he is running to save his life."
Vishnu said, "Oh! You have been befooled by Shiva. What boon can he grant! Who trusts him? He is in the habit of talking nonsense. You have been really hoodwinked. If you don't believe me, put your hand on your head and see that nothing happens. You are wasting your time in a worthless exercise."
In fact Vishnu had caused illusion in Vrika's mind. He immediately put his hand on his head. As soon as he did so, he was burnt to ashes. Shiva heaved a sigh of relief as he had been saved from certain death.
As said in "Mahabharat" when the Pandavas had lost to the Kauravas in gambling, they had to go in exile. Vedavyasa visited them in the forest and said to them, "You have nothing particular to do these days. The best thing for you would be to worship Shiva and please him. You must seek his benevolence and blessings for the sake of time to come."
As advised by Vedavyasa, they decided that Arjun should appease Shiva with his penance. Vedavyasa whispered an incantation into his ear to recite for a certain period. He told him to go to the bank of Bhagirathi and meditate there. At the bank of Bhagirathi, Arjun concentrated at a Shiva-Linga and started Worshipping Shiva. He recited the incantation while standing on one foot. One day, a boar appeared, Arjun thought the boar the would be a nuisance or it might disturb him in his meditation."
|
| |
|