On the coils of Anantha...
As the great stillness of grief engulfed all the worlds, mortals and immortals languished in a state of sloth...
Vishnu himself needed some respite from the recent terrible events and entrapped as everyone was in the coils of maya lay awhile in his peaceful Vaikunta. An age but passed in a flash and the burdens of the world grew heavier as Brahma conscientiously kept doing his job.
A flapping grew louder and faint footsteps sounded beyond the 7 gates. Each door opened before the three of them and they finally stood before the final door, closed eyes, immersed in intense prayer side by side.
The last of the doors opened and as they opened their eyes, they were taken by the ecstasy filling up their consciousness. It was pure sattvic energy and their eyes filled with tears at the sight of the great lord lying on the limitless Anantha, radiant with dazzling Lakshmi by his side presenting a picture of pure love. Rooted to the spot the three forgot themselves and the reasons they sought to disturb Naraayana’s slumber. Instead they took in the contrasting lavish richness and simple elegance of Vaikunta. Set on the Ocean of milk and the source of knowledge, immeasurably deep, perfumes of consciousness permeating the air, the famous abode of Vishnu glimmered with Satchidananda.
They stood there without even realizing how much time had passed from the moment they entered for time itself does not enter the eternal Vaikunta. The famed lotus eyes opened in an expression of benevolence and he smiled. A glimmer of mischief flashed in his eyes while he sat up and yawned, putting on a very innocent smile.
Looking at them he gently asks, “I am indeed not just blessed but thrice blessed with such great beings visiting my humble home. Garuda, Indra and Narada – each a veritable lord of your own kinds. Representatives of gods, seers and the animal kind. How can I be of service?”
Narada laughs, “You lord, in service to us? You? Blessed by our coming to you? Well indeed if we must go on in jest, then I can regale everyone with stories of your pranks,” continuing on seriously,”…but Parandaama, we are very confused and seek direction from you and you alone Lord. It is not like you are not aware of the smallest movements of the universe; we cannot pretend to come and inform you of what is happening but purely here to get your sacred advice.”
Vishnu still smiling radiantly raises his eyebrows, “Why Narada, you credit me with knowing too much. How could I know anything at all that is happening if I am lazily sleeping all the time… hmmm? Am I not right Garuda?”
The powerful Garuda coming forward with his head bowed down and hands folded, squawks out a namaskar and says, “O Hari, I would go as far as to say that Narada has not credited you with enough. We don’t need to tell you the problem, resolution nor why we are here or that we need direction. You are the beginning and the end. There are no reasons but that we can feel appeased by you telling us how to assuage the situation. As you know, Rudra is still immersed in grief and the universe is not able to bear the weight of constant creation. Please do something before everything comes to a standstill or annihilation. I have roamed the universe and am appalled by the number of souls that are languishing without salvation.”
Vishnu listens thoughtfully with a serene smile lighting his face. He stays quiet for a moment as if pondering. They all fall quiet waiting for him. Finally Indra cannot bear the silence and worriedly bursts in, “Lord, I have some more concerns to add to this. We in the heavens are not only worried about what Garuda has conveyed but are trembling at the growing might of the asura Taraka. He has been performing intense tapas and gained boons from Brahma rendering him practically invincible. We find ourselves feeling drained of strength while these demons grow more powerful by the minute and cast a certain influence over the mortal and immortal realms. Why is this happening? How can this happen? How can Shiva be drowned in maya, or you? How will the universe function? There is great consternation amidst the entire universe.”
Vishnu gazing at them, “Well, finally you have brought the matter to me. Have you not? Fear not for it is all a divine drama that must happen. What does it matter if I am caught up in maya or Shiva is or Brahma even? What is Karma? Karma is maya, maya is kala, and just the same Brahma is Vishnu, Vishnu is Shiva. You have reminded me at the right moment, I must hasten to proceed to let the drama continue. Do not worry, for you have now sought me.”
Indra still looking puzzled asks, “Forgive my ignorance and impertinence for what I am about to ask you Lord, but the events that happened flew by and I am confused by the events and point of the drama happening. Hearing it from you will assuage any confusions though your very assurance has cleared the mind of consternation.”
Vishnu smiles enchantingly at the three of them and throws a glance at Lakshmi, her attendants and all his bejeweled ganas. They are all listening on with rapt attention waiting for Vishnu to continue dispel the cloud around the stream of events.
Vishnu gently bade the three of them sit down and asks for some refreshments to be brought for his dear guests. With a mock sigh, eyes sparkling mischief, he says, “Well, If I really must, then I really must. It is an exhaustive drama and only the first act is over. There is a lot more to come. What do you say Lakshmi? Should I exhaust my energy telling this winding tale?”
Lakshmi laughs, a pleasing sound like the laugh of tinkling crystal bells. “Achyutha, Who does not love a good tale? But spare us some bit of energy from the inexhaustible wellspring you are and tell us this tale. I myself have been disconcerted with the happenings. I am no more the embodiment of Shakti that I was but just an immortal frame, a mere goddess of wealth and your wife. I do not grant Agni the authority to consume in my stead. I do not exist in Varuna and no more worshipped in thirtha kalasas. Of course, the rituals continue but they are mere actions. The grief, chokes me, though maya it is. The beautiful omkara, the pranava-naada is heard no more and even Vaikunta echoes with that silence. Why has this happened? What is to happen? How did it happen?”
Vishnu pretending as though he is being forced, sighs and hypnotically starts this infinite tale. Everyone's consciousness was lifted and they hardly heard words. They literally perceived events as they tumbled, flashes and perceptions of light, sound, vision, smell, taste, touch, emotions and truth. It overwhelmed the senses and went beyond them as the rapturous tale unfolded.