Purushottamāya namah
Eighth Canto Chapter Eight
In this chapter, the churning of the ocean and the emergence of Mother Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari are covered.
Maharishi Śuka continued, “O Emperor Parikshit! Lord Rudra’s flag bears the symbol of Vṛshabha (bull) which symbolizes righteousness (dharma). By drinking poison He established and protected the dharma pertaining to this world. The Devatas and demons were extremely pleased when Lord Śiva drank the poison. With renewed enthusiasm they once again continued to churn the ocean.
At first, from the ocean that was thus being churned, a wish-fulfilling cow (kāmadhenu) emerged. She was the holy Mother Cow. For the performance of Yagnas, that bestow the most-supreme Satya loka, as well as for the daily homa rituals, offering oblations is a must. Kāmadhenu, the holy mother cow, produces milk from which these ingredients that are used as oblations in the homa fire are obtained. Therefore the Maharishis, who are exponents in Vedic rituals, accepted Kāmadhenu”.
For this reason elders ask us to protect cows. They shower us with nectar. How can we drink the nectar it gives and then kill it? It is heart wrenching.
“Thereafter, a great horse called Uccaihśravā emerged from the ocean which glowed like the resplendent Full-moon. Emperor Bali was fascinated with this horse. Lord Indra however did not desire that horse. Due to the lessons taught previously by Lord Srihari, Indra did not get infatuated with these objects.
Thereafter a great elephant called Airavata was born from the ocean. It had 4 beautifully gleaming white tusks which appeared to outshine the beauty of Mount Kailasa, the residence of Lord Shiva.
Next emerged the gleaming Kausthuba gem, which Lord Srihari, the Lord of all Lords, felt would be a wonderful decoration on His chest. Hence He took the gem. Then came the Kalpavriksha, the wish fulfilling tree, which would decorate the residence of Devatas. O Emperor Parikshit, just as you fulfill the desires of everyone on earth, this tree fulfills the desires of everyone at any point of time.
Thereafter from the ocean, the celestial damsels known as Apsarasas emerged. Golden ornaments adorned their necks and they were dressed with fine delicate clothing. With their gentle gait and charming gazes, they shower happiness upon the inhabitants of heaven”.
Don’t confuse Apsarasas to be some cheap women as depicted in movies. It is a norm to depict Apsarasas such as Rambha, Urvashi, who dance sensuously to please the Devatas who are seated in heaven. It is incorrect. Apsarasas are divine Devatas.
“Thereafter Mother Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean. Her divine radiance surpassed even the dazzling lightning seen atop a mountain, which illumines all the ten directions. She was filled with feelings of love towards the Supreme Lord Srihari and was eager to please Him. Without any exception everybody, including the Devatas, demons and humans, desired to possess her. Her beauty, her glories, magnanimity, complexion, attractive features and youthfulness captivated the minds of one and all.
Lord Indra immediately brought an exquisite seat for her to sit. All the sacred rivers took a form and in golden pots brought water for her abhisheka. Mother Earth supplied all the herbs and medicinal plants used for abhisheka. Cows supplied the panca-gavya (milk, curd, ghee, urine and cow-dung). Spring season (Vasanta) supplied all the flowers and fruits pertaining to it. Maharishis arranged all the paraphernalia essential for performing abhisheka. Celestials such as Gandharvas sang auspicious songs and hymns. Professional dancers sang and danced.
The presiding deities for the clouds loudly beat the drums, kettle drums, bheri drums, dhol drums, damaru drums and other loud-sounding drums. In great joy they blew conches, played flutes, bugles. While the Vedic scholars chanted auspicious Vedic hymns, Mother Goddess Lakshmi, the chaste lady, held a lotus in her hand and shone beautifully. Mighty elephants worshipped her by performing abhisheka with huge pots containing water (poorna kumbhas).
The Lord of the ocean supplied a set of two yellow silk garments. Lord Varuna gave her a Vyjayanti flower garland. Male bees, which were intoxicated due to drinking of excessive nectar from the flowers in the garland, were encircling the garland.
Vishwakarma Prajapati gifted her with exquisite colourful ornaments. Mother Goddess Saraswati supplied her a necklace. The self-originated Lord Brahma gave her a lotus. Nagas gave her earrings. After the Vedic scholars chanted the auspicious swasti mantras, Goddess Lakshmi, held the lotus garland in her hand and began to walk. Bhāgyāda Lakshmi bāramma- Divine Mother Lakshmi please come. Mother Goddess, who brings auspiciousness with her, began to walk.
The bees that were encircling the lotus flower garland were buzzing melodiously. Her attractive face with its beautiful cheeks, glowed even more radiantly due to the reflection of her dazzling earrings. She had a tender charming smile. It was a modest, tender yet charming smile wherein she did not display all her teeth”.
When some people laugh it appears that their teeth will fall out. When they smile their stained teeth are clearly visible. But her tender smile was captivating.
Achyutaya namah