English
The Churning of the Ocean and the Appearance of Lakshmi
Source: Vishnu Purana, Book 1, chapter 9; Bhagavata Purana, 8th Skandha, chapters 5–8
This story is from the Vishnu Purana. Once the sage Durvasa, pleased, gave Indra, king of the gods, a garland of divine flowers. Indra was riding his elephant Airavata at the time.
Indra placed the garland on Airavata's head. The elephant, irritated by its fragrance, pulled it off with his trunk and threw it on the ground.
Seeing his gift dishonoured, Durvasa grew angry. He cursed: “Indra, the splendour in whose pride you did this, Shri, will leave you and the three worlds.”
The curse came true. Lakshmi left heaven. The gods lost their radiance, the sacrifices stopped, and the demons attacked and defeated the gods.
The distressed gods went with Brahma to take refuge in Lord Vishnu. Vishnu said, “Make a truce with the demons, and together churn the Ocean of Milk. Nectar will come from it, and the lost Lakshmi too will return.”
Mount Mandara became the churning rod, the serpent Vasuki the rope, and Vishnu, as a tortoise, held the mountain on his back. First came the Halahala poison, which Shiva drank to protect creation. Then treasures began to emerge one by one: the cow Kamadhenu, the horse Uchchaihshravas, the elephant Airavata, the Kaustubha gem, the Parijata tree and the apsaras.
The churning went on. Then suddenly the waves of the ocean grew still, and from the midst of the waters a divine light began to rise, like a flash of lightning. Everyone held their breath…
In the midst of that light, holding a lotus, the Devi Lakshmi herself appeared. Her form shone like lightning, and gods, demons and sages were all enchanted at the sight.
The Bhagavata tells that Indra gave her a divine seat. The rivers brought holy water in golden pots, and the elephants of the directions bathed the Devi with it. The ocean gave her yellow silk garments, Varuna the Vaijayanti garland, and Vishvakarma ornaments.
Now the Devi set out to choose her husband, a garland of lotuses in her hand. She looked carefully at all. One had austerity, but had not overcome anger. One had knowledge, but also attachment. One was great, but had not conquered desire. One was long-lived, but his nature was not auspicious.
At last the Devi saw Lord Vishnu, in whom were all auspicious qualities and who depended on no one. The Devi placed the garland of lotuses around his neck. Vishnu gave her a place on his chest.
As soon as Lakshmi's gracious glance fell on them, the gods regained their radiance, and splendour and prosperity returned to the three worlds. In the Vishnu Purana Indra praises the Devi and prays that she never again leave the three worlds.
After this the goddess Varuni emerged from the churning, and at last Lord Dhanvantari, physician of the gods, appeared holding a pot full of nectar.
Dhanteras, Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti, and from this day begins the festival of Lakshmi Puja at Deepavali. Health and prosperity are both gifts of this churning of the ocean.
What this story teaches
Lakshmi leaves in the face of pride and returns through effort, patience and virtue. She stays where good qualities are steady.
On Dhanteras, Dhanvantari is worshipped and the Yama-deep lamp is lit at dusk. Lakshmi Puja is performed on the Amavasya of Deepavali. In many traditions Lakshmi's appearance is also linked to Sharad Purnima.
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