Bhrighu tests the Trinity

Bhrighu Maharishi tests the Trinity

The Universe was at peace. People in all realms were doing their work without any threat from the Asuras. Nature was bountiful and kind giving rains and crops that satisfied thirst and hunger. All was well. Sometimes all being well can also cause disruptions. All the sages of Bharatavarsha had congregated to discuss many issues with regard to religion, philosophy and duties of mankind..

Many topics were being discussed and debated animatedly by the sages who had gathered there. One of the interesting topics of debate was ranking virtues, vices, kings, scriptures and much more. For example, what is the greatest sin that man can commit? What is greatest punya or good deed man is capable of? Who amongst the sages is well versed in the scriptures? Which scripture provides better insights into human life, its meaning and the path to the divine? As you can see, many of these were very serious and perhaps intense topics.

As things progressed, a voice piped up suddenly What about the Gods? There was complete silence. Everyone turned to look who had spoken. It was the respected Sage Bhrighu. Another revered Sage asked, “What about them?”. Bhrighu Maharishi said “ Who is the best amongst Gods? After all, if we are ranking so many things, let us rank the Gods, too? Let us start with the Trimurthi – Shiva, Vishnu and Bhramha”. Now, there was an uncomfortable silence.

One Saptarishi finally said “We are the creation of the Supreme God, the Nirguna Parabhramam. How can we rate the divine who created us?” Another rishi nodded and said “Yes. It will be very presumptuous on our part to start ranking the divine. Anyway, what criteria can we even use to do that?” Yet another learned sage said “ To rank the Trimurthi is like ranking various parts of the same body. They are but a manifestation of the Parabrahmam. This exercise will not get us anywhere.”

Bhrighu Maharishi was not be discouraged. He said “Why not? We are sitting here and ranking the Vedas. Aren’t all Vedas given to us by the divine Why are we doing that exercise then?” To this, one sage replied “Learned Sage, Vedas are texts and we have codified them for our convenience. Ranking them is just to understand which text conveys the answer to what question better. You cannot compare that exercise to ranking the Trinity.”

Sage Bhrighu disagreed. “We believe in Sanatana Dharma that everything is a manifestation of the Brahman. So by that thought, the Trinity are also bound by the same rules.”. Despite the discomfort of ranking the Trinity, now people were curious. Some felt that Bhrighu’s argument had some logic to it. After a lot of discussion, they decided that since Sage Bhrighu had raised the question, he has to give them the answer. Sage Bhrighu agreed to the challenge and set out to find who was superior amongst the Trinity.

First, he went to Brahmalok to see Lord Brahma and Saraswati Devi. Despite being in the presence of the Creator who was also his father, Bhrighu did not do any pranaam nor fold his hands. Brahma looked at his son’s insolent posture and got angry. “Bhrighu, I am sparing you because you are my son and this is the first time you have behaved like this. Please leave before I change my mind and curse you.” (Guess you do get some concessions for being Brahma’s son after all.

From there Sage Bhrighu made way to the icy peaks of Mount Kailash. The Shivaganas (Shiva’s army and protectors of Kailash) prevented Bhrighu’s entry with many excuses. Finally, an irritated Bhrighu asked Nandi why he was not being allowed inside. Nandi said that since the Lord and Devi Parvati wanted to be alone, they had been instructed not to let anyone inside. An angry Bhrighu left Kailash cursing Shiva to be worshipped more in the form of a Lingam.

Bhrighu’s final stop was Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Here the Lord was in yoganidra (Deep meditation). Try as he might, Bhrighu could not wake up the sleeping Vishnu. Angry now, Bhrighu kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest. Devi Lakshmi watched in shock. Adisheshan (The snake bed of Lord Vishnu) started hissing in anger. Lord Vishnu opened his lotus like eyes with a smile. He held Sage Bhrighu’s feet and said “I hope your feet are not hurting you”. Sage Bhrighu was shocked at this statement from Vishnu. He stammered “Swami, what, what are you asking?” Lord Vishnu replied “I am asking if your feet are not hurting because of kicking me. Come, I will massage your feet more. You are right. I have the duty to preserve the Bhramand. I do not have the luxury of being Yoganidra when people in distress need me. I am in your debt for reminding me this important matter. Your footprint will forever be imprinted on my chest as a reminder You shall be known as Pada Bhrighu, the one who used his foot to evaluate the Gods”

Sage Bhrighu was ashamed and angry with himself. He had tears in his eyes. Bhrighu said in his mind voice that was heard by the gathering of the sages in Bhulok “You Narayana are the greatest. I was blinded by my arrogance and anger. Please forgive me.”

Lord Vishnu smiled and said “Bhrighu, you are quest is a wrong one. There is no such thing as the greatest amongst the Trinity. Each of us are but a aspect of Brahmand with a job to do. Our only duty is to execute the job given to us to benefit the entire Universe.” Bhrighu bowed and agreed.

There was one person there who was not amused or smiling. It was Devi Mahalakshmi. She was angry that Sage Bhrighu was arrogant to kick her Lord that too on his chest where she resides.

She looked at Sage Bhrighu angrily and said “Who do you think you are to rank the Trinity? For all your knowledge, you have not gained any wisdom. And how dare you kick my Lord. He may be kind and may have forgiven you. But I cannot let this go easily. Hereafter, I shall never enter the house of a brahmin. They can have the wealth of knowledge but will not have Aishwaryam (wealth). Brahmins shall remain poor.”

Sage Bhrighu returned to Bhuloka suitably humbled and wise.