CS03_Cagey_Sages
Presentation by Veeraswamy Krishnaraj


Let me regale you with a tale of the most epic yagna that was being performed by a group of wise sages on the bank of the mighty Saraswati River. As they sat around discussing the age-old controversy of who was the supreme deity among the three chief deities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—sage Bhṛigu decided to put them to the test.


Bhṛigu went to Lord Brahma and failed to bow down or sing his praises, causing the lord to become inflamed with fury. But Brahma, being the wise deity that he is, subdued his anger with his intelligence.


Next, Bhṛigu went to Mount Kailāsa, where Lord Siva joyfully embraced him, but Bhṛigu insulted him and called him a deviant heretic. This caused Siva's eyes to burn with fury, and he raised his trident to strike Bhṛigu down. However, Siva's consort, Devi, fell at his feet and spoke words of pacification, saving Bhṛigu's life.


Finally, Bhṛigu went to Vaikuṇṭha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. In an audacious display of disrespect, Bhṛigu kicked Vishnu on the chest where Sri, his consort, resided. But to Bhṛigu's surprise, Vishnu did not react with anger or violence. Instead, he welcomed Bhṛigu with open arms and begged for his forgiveness.


Vishnu even offered to purify himself, his realm, and the realms of the universal rulers devoted to him by using the water that had washed Bhṛigu's feet. And, as a sign of respect, Vishnu bowed his head to the floor before the sage and declared that he had become the exclusive shelter of the goddess of fortune, Sri.


Overwhelmed with devotional ecstasy, Bhṛigu returned to the sages and described his entire experience. They ultimately declared Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity due to his ability to forgive and remain composed under trying circumstances.


The story teaches us the importance of forgiveness, respect, and tolerance. It shows that true knowledge and understanding come from a deep spiritual connection with the divine, and that qualities like forgiveness and compassion are essential for a harmonious existence in the cosmos. 

Verse 1:
Gathered on the banks of Sarasvati,
The sages debated the age-old query,
Which among the three is supreme?
Brahma, Vishnu, or Siva, what's the theme?

Chorus:
The cagey sages put them to the test,
To determine who is the best,
Through cunning words and sly moves,
Their true nature, they had to prove.
Verse 2:
Bhrgu Muni, son of Brahma, went first,
Testing his father, he showed no thirst,
Brahma contained his anger with his wit,
No curse on his son, he chose to omit.

Chorus:
The cagey sages put them to the test,
To determine who is the best,
Through cunning words and sly moves,
Their true nature, they had to prove.
Verse 3:
Next up was Siva, Bhrgu's own kin,
But the sage's insult made him spin,
His trident raised, ready to strike,
Devi's intervention, saved Bhrgu's life.

Chorus:
The cagey sages put them to the test,
To determine who is the best,
Through cunning words and sly moves,
Their true nature, they had to prove.
Verse 4:
Bhrgu's final test, Vishnu's lotus feet,
A disrespectful kick, he thought was neat,
But Vishnu's response, a shock to all,
Compassion and forgiveness, he did install.

Chorus:
The cagey sages put them to the test,
To determine who is the best,
Through cunning words and sly moves,
Their true nature, they had to prove.
Verse 5:
The conclusion was clear, Vishnu is the one,
Pure goodness, his nature, like the sun,
The importance of forgiveness, a key takeaway,
For a harmonious existence, it's the only way.

Chorus:
The cagey sages put them to the test,
To determine who is the best,
Through cunning words and sly moves,
Their true nature, they had to prove.