From a satsang with Paramacharya of SWAHA, H.H. Pt. Hardeo Persad
In a time of great distress, when even the Devas faced insurmountable challenges, they all turned to prayer and worship to seek solace. Disturbed by their plight, Bhagwan Vishnu graciously acknowledged their troubles and offered a profound solution. He urged the Devas to return to their respective abodes and steadfastly continue their devotions. He reassured them that, in due course, their prayers would be answered.
This divine incident highlights a universal truth: genuine and sincere prayers do not go unanswered. When we wholeheartedly seek divine intervention with unwavering faith, we can rest assured that our supplications will be heard. Inspired by the Devas’ unwavering commitment, Bhagwan Vishnu sought to alleviate the sufferings of mankind, even though the task was formidable as the demons had obtained various powers.
In his contemplation, Bhagwan Vishnu pondered, “How can I bring about a solution to mankind’s problems?” It was then that he took a sacred vow to worship the aspect of Lord Shiva, while recognizing that he and Shivaji are not different entities but rather complementary forces, differing only in function and personification. Lord Shiva, the representative of destructive action, absolves the world of poisons, negativities and impurities. Bhagwan Vishnu realised that the answer lay within himself; thus, he resolved to worship Himself as Lord Shiva, delving deep within to find a solution to life’s challenges. This profound lesson holds true for all of us – the ultimate solution always arises from within.
Prepared to undertake rigorous austerities, Bhagwan Vishnu embarked on his journey to Kailash Parvat. He represents the need for sacrifice through our spiritual practices. To commence his worship, Vishnu Bhagwan created an earthen Shiva Lingam, representing infinite power. The Lingam encompasses the union of Brahma and Shakti Devi, the creative principle. Its construction follows a specific formula with three essential parts: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva Rudra.
Each component of the Lingam holds profound significance. The square pedestal signifies Lord Brahma, while the octagonal base – each angle measuring 135 degrees and the sum total equating to 1080 degrees – represents Lord Vishnu. Finally, the cylindrical upper part signifies Shiva. Together, the Lingam embodies the union of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Shiva Shakti – the harmonious integration of these three forces. Furthermore, the earthly Lingam possesses the ability to purify the five senses, representing the five qualities of the gyaan indriyas.
Bhagwan Vishnu embarked upon his worship of the Shiva Lingam with deep devotion. He made offerings, recited mantras, and fervently appealed to Bhagwan Shankar, praising His divine glory. Determined to please Bhagwan Shankar, Bhagwan Vishnu persevered through the passage of time, unyielding in his commitment. He intensified his devotions by reciting the Shiva Sahasranam, the thousand names of Lord Shiva, and offering a thousand lotus flowers with each chant. So resolute was his dedication that when Bhagavan Vishnu could not find the thousand lotus flowers anywhere on Earth – a test posed by Lord Shiva – he was willing to sacrifice his eye, as Lord Vishnu is known as Kamal Netra, the Lotus Eyed One.
In response to Bhagwan Vishnu’s unwavering devotion and sense of sacrifice, Lord Shiva manifested Himself, pleased with Lord Vishnu’s unwavering commitment. This divine incident illuminates what is required from us when we approach the divine with prayer – an attitude of dedication, sacrifice, faith and unwavering conviction. Bhagwan Vishnu was praised for his righteous devotion and selfless sacrifices, which ultimately led to his triumph.
As a token of appreciation, Lord Shiva bestowed upon Lord Vishnu the Sudarshan Chakra, which he placed on his right index finger. The Sudarshan Chakra, the discus that brings right vision, swiftly eradicated the demons, restoring righteousness to the world. This sacred place of worship, where Bhagwan Vishnu performed his devotion, became immortalised as Harishwar, signifying the harmony between Lord Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Ishwarji (Lord Shiva).
The divine intervention witnessed in this incident serves as a testament that solutions can be found through connecting with the divine. Whether on a grand scale or in our individual lives, appealing to God with belief, sacrifice, faith and conviction allows the Lord to manifest as a solution to remove our problems.
Inward reflection plays a vital role in our spiritual progression. During our worship, we activate the dormant energies within us. Aham Brahmasmi – within me lies the ultimate truth. Lord Vishnu also represents Sattvik Praakriti, and through meditation upon oneself, we can access these divine energies.
The symbolism behind the thousand lotus flowers reveals profound yogic wisdom. The human body encompasses 114 chakras or energy centres, with seven main chakras being prominent. The agya chakra, situated in the innermost sanctum of the forehead, represents the inner Kashi and Kailash, where the celestial rivers – Ganga, Jamunaa and Saraswathi – merge, symbols of the Ida Nadi, Pingala Nadi and Sushumna Nadi, the main channels of bioenergy. This chakra is also the abode of the pituitary gland. The highest chakra, the crown chakra above the head, is believed to possess one thousand petals. Lord Vishnu’s offering of a thousand lotus flowers signifies the rising of energy from the base Mooladhara chakra to the Sahasrara chakra, the energy centre with a thousand petals. To attain such spiritual heights, duality must be transcended. As each of us possesses two eyes, Lord Vishnu’s offering of one eye symbolises the transcendence to a state of non-duality.
The Sudarshan Chakra carries profound symbolism. Its elliptical movement mirrors that of the planets revolving around the sun in the cosmic belt. Additionally, the chakra’s rotation around the index finger represents the passage of time – a force of immense power that governs all beings. The index finger itself symbolises the individual soul (jeev), encapsulating the reality that every human is bound by the influence of time.
Bhagwan Vishnu’s profound teachings guide us on our spiritual journey through life. He encourages us to seek divinity within ourselves, to intensify our devotion for a higher purpose, and to firmly believe that the Divine holds the solutions to humanity’s every problem. We must wholeheartedly worship, with faith and unwavering conviction, knowing that the answers we seek lie within. May our devotion and commitment to the divine be unyielding, leading us towards the ultimate realisation of our spiritual selves.
