By: Seetha ‘Priya’
Vishnu is also known as Anant and Anant Chaturdashi is related to Samudra Manthan, churning of the milky ocean.
Samudra Manthan is a popular mythological story that is mentioned in the Mahabharat, Srimad Bhagavatam and the Vishnu Purana. Also known as Ksheersagar Manthan and Amrit Manthan, the Sagar Manthan offers profound lessons that are of relevance even today.
The key role in Samudra Manthan is played by Vishnu. The story goes that when Indra, the king of Devas, lost all his powers due to a curse by Durvasa Rishi, his kingdom was captured by the Asura king, Bali. He then approached Vishnu for help. On Vishnu’s advice, the Devas agreed to churn the ocean with the help of Asuras, to draw out the elixir of immortality. Collectively we can achieve significant goals.
Every name in Vishnu Sahasranama is an encyclopedia. In Samudra Manthan, we got precious material and Mahalakshmi.
In our life, we should have Samudra Manthan for every event so that we finally get Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
The Manthan started with Mandrachal Parvat being used as the churning rod and Vasuki, the serpent, as the rope held by the Devas and Asuras on either side of the mountain. To prevent the mountain from sinking, Vishnu took Kurma avatar, tortoise form, and provided it the required base.
In the beginning of the churning emerged Halahal, the poison that was powerful enough to destroy the universe. To protect the cosmos, Shiv swallowed it and stored it in his throat, signifying courage, compassion, and detachment – all essential to withstand obstacles that emerge at the start of any project.
The 23rd shloka of Vishnu Sahasranama is –
Gurur Gurutamo Dhama Satyah Satyaparakramaha
Nimisho Animishah Sragvi Vachaspatihi Udaradhihi
Lord Vishnu is not just the Teacher (Guru), but the Supreme Teacher (Gurutama) in whom Truth (Satya) abides. He is of real valor (Satyaparakrama) and even though his eyes are closed (Nimisha), he is ever awake (Animisha), garlanded( Sragvi) by intelligence and wisdom (Vachaspatihi Udaradhi).
In the ‘Life of Sai Baba’ we come across an incident. Suddenly there came a day when the sleep of the entire Shirdi village was brought to an end by a mad person Rohilla, who had forced himself to Shirdi. Nobody knew from where he came, and no one knew when he would leave! He was a nuisance as he would be reciting loudly the kalams from the Koran in the dead of the night and walking along the streets of the village, unmindful of what others felt! He did not sleep nor allowed anyone to sleep peacefully!
This went on every night. Baba listened to Rohilla’s recitations peacefully. Tatya and Mhalsapathy could not even sleep for a minute and were feeling miserable. They could not do anything as Baba was enjoying it.
The hard-working villagers spent their nights cursing for want of sleep! Ultimately, they approached Baba for help. Baba calmly listened to them but supported Rohilla. Baba pacified the villagers – “Brothers, he is the only man who takes God’s name day and night! I know it disturbs you. He is troubled by his wife. To avoid it, he is chanting Koran. How can I stop him? He will repeat them till he gets tired one day and will leave this place! Let us bear with him till such time and enjoy the bliss of the Divine name!”
The villagers could argue no more. Rohilla did not have any wife. What Baba meant was Rohilla’s evil thoughts which would haunt him.
Soon, Rohilla too left Shirdi forever! That night everybody slept happily.
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