From a satsang with Paramacharya of SWAHA, H.H. Pt. Hardeo Persad
In the time before creation existed, only water filled the cosmos. This period, known as the maha pralay, saw everything dissolved into nothingness. From that concept of zero, the void, —a profound contribution from the Hindu mathematical world — emerged the Supreme Being. Lakshmi Devi emanated from His left side and Vishnu Bhagavan from His right. Vishnuji, seeking to understand His origin and purpose, went into a state of deep meditation. In this meditative state, a lotus flower emerged from His navel, within which sat Brahma, the Father of all creation.
As Vishnu Bhagavan remained in a deep sleep, two demons, Madhu and Kaitabh, arose from His form, challenging Brahma. Brahma, invoking his yogic powers, thus manifesting Devi, who destroyed the demons. The demons had requested a boon to die only where there was no water, and thus Vishnu placed them on His thighs and beheaded them.
After their destruction, a beautiful form of Devi appeared. In gratitude, the deities of the Hindu trinity prayed to her, acknowledging their dependence on her divine energy, recognising that even the smallest blade of grass moves by her will.
Brahmaji, Vishnuji and Shivaji each create, sustain and dissolve the universe through the shakti (power) of Saraswati Devi, Lakshmi Devi and Durga Devi, respectively. The deities, purified and blessed by Devi’s presence, sought her guidance.
Devi spoke: “With mental alertness, perform your duties of creation, sustenance and dissolution.” The deities expressed concern about how they should create with only water as an element. Smiling knowingly, Devi summoned a celestial chariot, beautifully decorated, to show them the mysteries of creation.
The chariot ascended at a mind-boggling speed, revealing various realms and forms of creation—lush trees, ponds, human beings and sacred places for yagyas. They perceived these realms as heavenly, filled with divine trees like the parijat, and beings like the celestial cow, Kamadhenu, and the four-tusked elephants. Divine dancers performed to celestial music, and the chariot continued its journey powered by Devi’s energy, revealing Gods like Varun, Kuber, Yamraj and Surya Naraayan.
Reaching Brahmaloka, Brahma saw another version of Himself. The deities were amazed by these powers of the Supreme Being. The profound mystery, the power of Maayaa (divine illusion) orchestrated by Devi, left them in awe. They then visited Kailash Parvat, where they saw Shivaji, with all his emblems, along with his sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya, and his bull, Nandi.
At Vaikunth, they witnessed a form of Vishnuji with Lakshmi Devi. In wonder at these divine visions of themselves, they then saw a plane of extreme beauty, adorned with nature’s glory and a majestic seat decorated with gems. There sat a radiant goddess, Devi, the Divine Energy, surrounded by celestial beings and melodic music. In order to meet her, they were transformed into women, enveloped by Maha Shakti’s energy. In complete surrender, they prayed to her. She accepted their prayer, and as they bowed to her feet, they saw numerous creations and universes at play.
Devi revealed the Nav Akshar Mantra, “Om Hreem Shreem Chandikaiya Namah,” instructing the deities to use it to worship her. Empowered, they returned and created the world, fulfilling their divine roles.
In this katha, we witness the eternal mysteries of creation and the infinite energy of Devi, reminding us that our reality is just a miniscule part of the infinite creation of the Divine Mother.
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