Vishnu's Shakti

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VISHNU AND HIS SHAKTI- A STORY

 

One day, in the midst of conversation, Lakshmi, the Divine Consort

and the Goddess of Wealth, addressed Naryana, "Lord! The entire world

is adoring Me; not even one in a hundred, why, not even one in a

million, is worshipping you." She teased the Lord by this statement.

She put forward a plan to test the sincerity of man. She said, "Lord!

It is best to discover for ourselves how true the facts are. Come, we

shall both go forth into the world and find out."

 

Narayana agreed. He changed into a great Pandit, wearing golden

bracelets on his wrists as evidence of the appreciation and

admiration of famous academic bodies. He had a garland of rudraksha

beads round the neck and thick streaks of vibhuthi on the forehead.

He manifested himself on earth as a redoubtable scholar. He moved

from village to village and began enchanting the people through his

enrapturing discourses. His splendorous personality and deep

scholarship attracted the people; thousands gathered to hear him and

followed him from place to place. Brahmins invited him to their

settlements and honoured him. His arrival was celebrated as a

festival, with rich feasting.

 

While Narayana was being feted thus, Lakshmi too appeared on earth as

a great Yogini (Female Ascetic). She too proceeded from village to

village enlightening the people on the Atma through her discourses.

Women assembled to hear her fascinating speeches in wave after wave,

in massive numbers. They prayed that she should honour their homes

with a visit and partake of the feast they were most eager to offer.

In reply, she informed them that she was bound by some vows which

made it difficult for her to accept their request. She would not eat

out of plates already in use in the homes. She said that she should

be allowed to bring her own cups and plates with her. The women were

yearning so deeply for hosting her that they accepted the condition.

Whatever her vow, they were ready to respect it. Invitations came

from every woman from every place.

 

The Yogini reached the house where she was to take food the first day

and took out from the bag she had with her a gold plate, a few gold

cups and a gold 'tumbler' (lota) to hold drinking water. These she

spread before herself for the various items of the menu. When the

meal was over, she left the place, leaving the precious golden

articles to be taken by the host. She had a new set for each day, she

said.

 

The news spread. The villages where Narayana was holding his

delightful discourses also heard the wonderful happenings of the

Yogini's gifts. The Brahmins who were staunch admirers of the far-

famed scholar also rushed to invite the Yogini to their homes for

lunch! The Yogini told them that they ought to drive the Pandit out

before she could enter their settlement. She would not set foot there

so long as the person continued to stay there! She was adamant on

that point. Their greed for gold was so strong that they forced the

Pandit, whom they had adored so long and with so much pomp, to go out

of their village.

 

Thereafter, the Yogini entered the Brahmin settlement, gave

discourses, partook of feasts arranged in her honour and presented

the golden plates and cups to each of her hosts. Thus, the Yogini

managed to get the Pandit driven out of every place where he sought

recognition and attention. Instead, she secured the worship of people

everywhere. Unable to bear the universal insult, the Pandit cast off

the role and Narayana disappeared from the earth. The Yogini came to

know of this. She too gave up the cast she had assumed and, resuming

her real Form, She joined Lord Narayana. While talking among

themselves, she told the Lord, "Now, tell me! What did you discover?

Who between us is honoured and worshipped more on earth?" Narayana

smiled at her question. He replied, "Yes, What you said is true."

 

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