Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 34

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LORD VENKATESHWAR
Uttisthottistha! Govinda! Uttistha Garudadhvaja! Uttistha Kamalakanta! Trailokyam mangalam kuru.
बैन्कटेशवर
उत्तिष्ठो त्तिष्ठ गोविन्द! उत्तिष्ठ गरुडध्वजः उत्तिष्ठ कमलाकान्ता त्रैलोक्यं मङ्गलं कुरु ।
Lord Venkateswara, another form of Vishnu, residing in the seven hills of Tirupathi, was chosen as the presiding deity of Kaliyuga. This deity is also worshipped throughout India as Balaji, Srinivasa and Vekataramana. By invoking this form of Vishnu during Kaliyuga, allsins, sorrows and obstacles of life are believed to be annihilated. According to our Hindu mythology, the advent of Kaliyuga worried Brahma (the creator) who asked Narada Mahamuni to do something to avert the coming catastrophe increased lust, greed and envy etc. Accordingly, Narada proceeded to Bhooloka (the earth) and inquired of the Maharshis Vasistha, Bhrigu and Athri to name the presiding deity of Kaliyuga. As they appeared to be unsure, Brahma requested them to test the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Bhrigu who hesitantly agreed to conduct the test decided that Vishnu was the most deserving form to be worshipped. He arrived at the decision because both Brahma and Shiva are upset at Bhrigu for disturbing them while Vishnu, despite being kicked on by chest by Bhrigu, welcomed him and made him repent for his action. Goddess Mahalakshmi (the consort of Vishnu) felt insulted when Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on his chest (her place of abode) and left Vaikuntha to take the form of Padmavati on earth. Vishnu, feeling miserable at her departure, reached the hills of Seshadri where he meditated and attained the form of Srinivasa. Lord Srinivasa met Padmavati who he recognized to be Mahalakshmi, and proposed to her. However, the lord did not have adequate finances to meet the marriage expenses and borrowed the money from Kubera, the Treasurer for Brahma. A sum of 14 lakhs gold coins with the inscription of Sri Rama were borrowed by Lord Venkateswara with an agreement that the interest on the money would be paid till the end of Kaliyuga and the principal at the end of the said period.