Category: Leela – Spiritual pastimes

There exist various manifestations of the Supreme Lord, as described in the scriptures. According to the sacred texts, Garuda (the divine carrier of Lord Vishnu), Lord Shiva, and Ananta are all potent incarnations representing the Brahman aspect of the Lord. Garuda Panchami is a significant festival observed to commemorate the birth of Garuda, a devoted celestial bird who bears Lord Vishnu. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana. Garuda, known by various names such as Pakshiraja, Suparna, and Vishnuvahana, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. His annual celebration on Garuda Panchami involves elaborate rituals and offerings as a mark of reverence.

Garuda, known as the son of Vinata (also called Suparna) and her husband Kasyapa, serves as the divine carrier of Lord Vishnu. He is also the sibling of Aruna, the charioteer of the sun-god. Kasyapa, who is the offspring of Marici, is a prajapati and holds the esteemed position of being one of the sons-in-law of Prajapati Daksa. Lord Garuda, as the carrier of Lord Vishnu, commands immense reverence, as he possesses power akin to the Supreme Lord Himself. He embodies the essence of the Vedas and is adored through sacred verses. In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna himself declares, “Among the birds, I am Garuda” (vainateyash ca pakshinam). Garuda continually bears the weight of Lord Vishnu on his mighty wings, earning him the exalted title of the supreme celestial carrier.

Once, the sage Durvasa encountered the demigod Indra, the king of heavens, and greeted him with a marigold garland. However, Indra, filled with pride, ignored the sage and placed the garland on his white elephant, Airavat, which promptly discarded and trampled it. Enraged, Durvasa cursed Indra to lose all his opulence. Shortly after, demons attacked and defeated the demigods, resulting in many casualties. Despite the efforts of sages, they couldn’t revive the fallen demigods. Following Lord Brahma’s advice, the demigods went to the boundary of Svetadvipa, offered prayers to Lord Vishnu, and He appeared in a blinding effulgence, visible only to Brahma. Lord Vishnu suggested that the demigods and demons collaborate to churn the Milk Ocean for the nectar of immortality, with Mandara Mountain as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. He warned the demigods not to be greedy for other treasures and to remain calm even if the demons claimed them. Amid this epic saga, Shiva’s selflessness shines when he drinks poison to save the world.

Once, the sage Durvasa encountered the demigod Indra, the king of heavens, and greeted him with a marigold garland. However, Indra, filled with pride, ignored the sage and placed the garland on his white elephant, Airavat, which promptly discarded and trampled it. Enraged, Durvasa cursed Indra to lose all his opulence. Shortly after, demons attacked and defeated the demigods, resulting in many casualties. Bali, the demon king, established dominion over the three realms. Despite the efforts of sages, they couldn’t revive the fallen demigods. Following Lord Brahma’s advice, the demigods went to the boundary of Svetadvipa, offered prayers to Lord Vishnu, and He appeared in a blinding effulgence, visible only to Brahma. Lord Vishnu suggested that the demigods and demons collaborate to churn the Milk Ocean for obtaining the nectar of immortality (amrita), with Mandara Mountain as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. He proposed that the demons and demigods should jointly distribute the nectar once it had been retrieved from the ocean. He warned the demigods not to be greedy for other treasures and to remain calm even if the demons claimed them. After giving these instructions, Lord Vishnu disappeared. This pastime is commonly known as Samudra Manthan, translating to the ‘churning of the ocean.’ It is occasionally referred to as Sagara Manthan, as ‘Sagara’ is synonymous with Samudra. Additionally, it goes by the name ‘Kshirasagara Manthan,’ with Kshirasagara denoting the ocean of milk that was churned in this endeavor. The intricate account of Samudra Manthan has been extensively documented in texts like the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana. In this article, we will endeavor to provide a description of these details.

Mother Ganga, with her gentle flow originating from the sacred lotus feet of Krishna, the Supreme Lord, holds a hallowed status as the “patita pavani,” the celestial purifier of souls who have strayed from the righteous path. Ganga personifies not only purity but also boundless compassion. Her winding journey symbolizes a gracious cleansing, as she absolves the transgressions and impurities of those who yearn for spiritual redemption, providing them with a transformative route towards spiritual revitalization. The ancient scriptures, repositories of divine wisdom and profound teachings, eloquently illuminate the profound significance of Ganga as a purifying force. This article endeavors to narrate the captivating tale of her origin and the divine descent that brought her to the earthly realm, enriching our understanding of her divine grace.