Stories From The Bhagawatham - Prelude To An Avatar (Part 1)

 


While the Devas and Asuras were always rivals, once it so happened that the Devas lost all their strength and the Asuras began to conquer them. Worried about the future of the universe, the Devas approached Lord Brahma, the Creator to seek His help. Lord Brahma advised the Devas to seek Lord Narayana.

The Devas, along with Lord Brahma approached Maha Vishnu and asked for His guidance.

“I know what you need to win over the Asuras.” Maha Vishnu said. “First and foremost, you need to make peace with them. You need time to recover your strength and should avoid any fights. You need to obtain Amritha, the nectar of life which will grant immortality to you. To get this nectar, you need to churn the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning staff and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. This churning will require powerful hands and you will need the assistance of the Asuras for the same.”

Maha Vishnu also gave some advice to the Devas. “Whatever happens, agree with the Asuras for everything for the time being and do not oppose them. Also, the first thing that will come out of the churning will be Kalakuta, a dreadful poison. Do not be scared. There will also be several other things coming out of the ocean but do not get distracted by them, nor covet them. Your purpose is to obtain only the Amritha. Make peace with Bali, the king of the Asuras and begin the great churning.”

Bali was the son of Virochana and the grandson of Prahlad who was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Narayana. When the Devas visited Bali, the later’s army initially prepared to fight. However, Bali stopped them from acting rashly. He welcomed the Devas into his court and asked them how he could assist them.

King Indra very humbly stated that it would be of great benefit to both the Asuras and Devas if they came together to churn the ocean and avail the Amritha. Bali welcomed his suggestion. The Devas and the Asuras decided to unite for the time being.

It was time to begin the Great Churning, which would enable the world to see another avatar of Maha Vishnu.

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