**The Pastimes of Lord Venkateshwara** curse and boon stories. indian mythological curse and boon stories
Venkatesh Shrinivas Swami Tirupati Balaji stories in English
Srinivasa and Padmavati story. Story of Shrinivasa & Princess Padmavati in indian mythology story.Curse & boon stories: Venkatesh Shrinivasa & Padmavati Tirupati Balaji stories in English
In the prosperous land of India, there is a region called Naimisharanya, considered highly sacred. In this peaceful and holy place, great sages like Shaunak resided, engaging in worship and penance. These sages had heard the eighteen Puranas and other stories composed by Sage Vyasa from the esteemed narrator Suta Maharishi. One day, after completing their daily rituals, they approached Suta Muni with a humble request, asking him to describe the glory of Lord Venkateshwara's incarnation.
Pleased by their request, Suta Muni responded, "O sages, your question is indeed excellent. I will surely narrate the glories of Lord Venkateshwara to you. Lord Vishnu incarnated on the Venkata hill to liberate all beings in the world. Lord Venkateshwara is the manifest deity of the Kali Yuga, as it is said, 'In the Kali Yuga, Venkateshwara is the Lord.' He saves his devotees from all suffering and responds immediately to their prayers. I will tell you the glories of such a Lord Venkateshwara. Listen attentively. Those who read and listen to these stories carefully will not suffer from worldly or physical pains and will easily attain liberation."
Hearing these words from Suta Muni, the sages, including Shaunak, were delighted. Suta Muni, invoking the name of his guru Vyasa, began to speak.
Narada Muni's Visit to Brahmaji
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Narada Muni, the son of Brahma, was a great devotee who wandered through the three worlds, chanting the name of Hari. He often devised ways to protect devotees and chaste women, and to teach wicked demons, thus upholding Vishnu's principles of protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked. Once, Narada Muni went to Satyaloka to visit his father. At that time, Brahmaji was seated meditatively, chanting the name of Narayana with all four of his mouths, while his wife Saraswati played the Veena, singing sweetly from the Samaveda. In this assembly, Indra and other guardians of the directions, the nine planets, and the seven great sages had gathered to see Brahmaji. As Narada entered the assembly hall, he bowed to his parents, and Brahma blessed him and invited him to sit. Narada, who traveled the three worlds, was eager to hear their news, and everyone was pleased to share.
Upon seeing his son, Brahmaji remembered something and said, "O son, you are a great devotee of the Lord. You should do something to benefit the world. In the Kali Yuga, Lord Narayana has not incarnated. Due to ignorance, people are committing many sins and are bound for hell. Therefore, you should use your skill to bring Lord Narayana to incarnate on earth. This will inspire human devotion and lead them to liberation, thus benefiting the world. You will also gain glory from this act." Hearing Brahmaji's words, the other deities were pleased and encouraged Narada to undertake this task.
Narada Muni's Visit to the Sages' Yajna
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Narada Muni was pleased with his father's suggestion and resolved to benefit the world. With his father's permission, Narada descended to earth, chanting the name of Hari, and reached the banks of the Ganges. There, he found the great sages like Kashyapa conducting a grand yajna. Seeing this sacred yajna for the welfare of the world, Narada was very pleased and felt that his wish would be fulfilled. The sages welcomed Narada and treated him with great respect. Narada then addressed the sages:
"O great sages, you are all great souls and devotees. Each one of you has the power to create the three worlds. I am pleased to see this sacred yajna being performed by you. However, I have a doubt in my mind. To which deity among the Trinity is this yajna dedicated? Who among the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—will grant the fruits of this yajna? I have pondered this question for many days but could not find an answer. Please, great ones, dispel my doubt."
Hearing Narada's question, the sages were puzzled and could not name a specific deity among the Trinity. They remained silent, unable to answer Narada's question. Then Narada laughed and said, "Friends, a yajna performed without a clear objective is futile. Therefore, first, determine who among the Trinity is endowed with the quality of sattva and is the giver of the fruit of liberation. Only then will your yajna be successful."
By planting the seed of doubt in the sages' minds, Narada thought that the sages would now test the Trinity. In this test, Brahma and Shiva would be defeated, and Sri Narayana would prevail. This test would cause a dispute between Lakshmi and Narayana, leading to Narayana leaving Vaikuntha and coming to earth. Thus, my wish will be fulfilled, and all humanity will be blessed. With this thought, Narada left.
The sages were troubled by a growing doubt in their minds. Some supported Brahma, others Shiva, and others Vishnu, leading to arguments. The Shaivite sages claimed that Shiva was the most powerful, while the Vaishnavites argued that Vishnu was supreme. Some sages supported Brahma as the creator. As a result, they praised their chosen deity and criticized the others. Some people blamed the quarrelsome sage Narada for the discord. The sacrificial rituals were disrupted, and the chanting of mantras turned into debates. Everyone started fighting with each other.
Seeing this, an elderly sage addressed them, saying, "O sages! You are wise, knowledgeable about dharma and dharma, and capable of discerning right from wrong. It is unbecoming for you to quarrel like this. If others hear about it, they will laugh at us. Some of you blamed Narada, but that is not right. Narada raised an important issue. Devotees must understand the significance of the gods. Among the qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas, the dominance of sattva is the essence of divinity. Therefore, it is appropriate to discern which of the three gods embodies sattva the most. We should send a sage capable of evaluating the strength and importance of the three deities to resolve this doubt."
The sages agreed with this idea. However, they knew that testing the three deities would not be easy and pondered who would be suitable for this task. Some suggested that Bhrigu Maharishi was the most suitable, as he had attained many powers through his penance. They decided to make him the examiner.
Others supported this idea, and Bhrigu Maharishi accepted the assembly's command. Although he felt it was like playing with fire, he proceeded with the task.
Bhrigu Muni went to Brahmaloka, where Brahma was seated on a golden throne in a grand assembly. The assembly included great sages, divine beings, and others listening to Brahma explaining the Vedas. Bhrigu Muni entered the assembly and, without greeting Brahma, sat arrogantly on a high seat. The assembly members were pleased to see Bhrigu but were offended by his disregard for Brahma. They whispered about Bhrigu's arrogance and disrespect.
Brahma was also offended by Bhrigu's behavior, considering it a breach of decorum. He became angry, his eyes turned red, and he spoke harshly, "Bhrigu! You were born under my influence, you know dharma and dharma, and you have attained greatness through penance. Yet, you failed to uphold the dignity of this assembly. Did you not know how foolish you were to sit without greeting me, the head of this assembly, or seeking my permission? You have become so proud of your penance? Do you think you are the greatest? Here sit sages like Atri, Gautama, and Jamadagni, all greater than you."
Brahma scolded Bhrigu severely. Bhrigu smiled inwardly, thinking, "How arrogant Brahma is! What difference does it make if I do not greet him? What do the calm ones have to do with others' praises or criticisms? Only those dominated by rajasic qualities are arrogant. Thus, Brahma embodies more rajas than sattva," and left the assembly without responding to Brahma's words.
Bhrigu Muni's Visit to Kailasa
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
After Bhrigu Muni's encounter with Brahma, he proceeded to Kailasa to test Lord Shiva. At Kailasa, the air was filled with the chants of the Panchakshari mantra and the sound of Pranava (Om). Approaching the temple, Bhrigu Muni asked the gatekeeper, "What is Lord Shiva doing?" The gatekeeper replied, "O sage, Lord Shiva is currently in seclusion with Goddess Parvati. You will not be able to see him now. Please come at another time."
Bhrigu Muni thought this was the perfect opportunity to test Shiva. Ignoring the gatekeepers, he entered the secluded temple. Upon seeing another man, Goddess Parvati moved away from Lord Shiva.
Despite knowing it was inappropriate to intrude on a couple's private space, Bhrigu Muni entered the temple. This angered Lord Shiva, who, known for his Rudra form, became furious. With fiery eyes, Shiva rebuked, "Fool! How dare you enter this private space without permission? This is the private chamber of a husband and wife. Your behavior is disgraceful. Who allowed you to enter? You claim to be wise, born in the lineage of Brahma, and a great ascetic, yet you act like a fool. You have studied the Vedas and know right from wrong. You know how sinful it is to invade a couple's privacy. Why did you enter out of arrogance? This is shameful. Should I curse you now? Get out of here; I don't want to see your face."
Bhrigu Muni remained silent, listening to Shiva's scolding. He eventually left, smiling to himself, thinking, "Ah, even great beings lose their wisdom and discernment in anger. Shiva, the great renunciate who resides in cremation grounds, showed such anger. This is due to the dominance of tamasic qualities in him. Despite his knowledge, his anger reveals his limitations. There is no point in staying here. Now, I will go to Vaikuntha." With this thought, Bhrigu Muni departed for Vaikuntha.
Bhrigu Muni's Visit to Vaikuntha and Kicking Lord Vishnu
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Vaikuntha, the abode of Lakshmi and Vishnu, was resplendent and filled with wealth and prosperity. Bhrigu Muni entered this glorious city and went straight to Lord Vishnu's temple. At that moment, Lord Vishnu was resting on the Shesha Naga, with Goddess Lakshmi massaging his feet. After mentally saluting Lord Vishnu from a distance, Bhrigu Muni fearlessly approached and kicked Vishnu on the chest. Goddess Lakshmi was shocked, but Lord Vishnu did not become angry. Instead, he got up, held Bhrigu's feet, and spoke calmly.
Bhrigu Kicks Vishnu on the Chest
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Bhrigu Muni kicked Lord Vishnu in the chest, to which Vishnu responded with grace and humility. He said, "O great sage! Today is a blessed day for me. The touch of your foot has purified my body. My chest, where Goddess Lakshmi resides, has become sanctified by your touch. Your foot must be hurting from striking my chest. Please allow me to serve your feet." With these words, Vishnu gently massaged Bhrigu's feet and continued, "I understand your intentions, and I am glad that you have fulfilled your purpose."
Bhrigu Muni was deeply moved by Lord Vishnu's calm and forgiving nature. He regretted his action of kicking Vishnu and expressed his remorse, saying, "O Lord of the Universe! The sages entrusted me with this task. By kicking you, I have committed a great sin. Who could be more sinful than I am? How can I atone for this sin? Please forgive my mistake and protect me, O Lord." Vishnu, smiling, replied, "O sage, do not be distressed. I understand your purpose. You did not commit this act out of malice. Because of you, my significance will be known to the world. Go in peace; all will be well for you." With these words, Vishnu sent Bhrigu away, reassuring him.
Lakshmi Leaves Vaikuntha
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Despite the peaceful resolution, Goddess Lakshmi was angered by the incident. She felt disrespected because Vishnu had not punished Bhrigu for his offense. Lakshmi, who resides on Vishnu's chest, felt insulted by the act. She said to Vishnu, "O Lord, the audacity of Bhrigu Muni to kick your chest, where I reside, is unforgivable. You, who are worshipped by all gods, were disrespected in this manner. This is a grave insult. By kicking your chest, he has insulted me as well." Feeling deeply offended, Goddess Lakshmi left Vaikuntha and went to Earth in anger.
Lakshmi's Anger and Departure
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Goddess Lakshmi was furious with Lord Vishnu. She said, "I will destroy that wicked Bhrigu. What fault did he have? Not only did you forgive him, but you also praised him. You may be pleased, but my heart is burning with anger." Lakshmi expressed her anger towards Narayana, to which he responded with a smile, "Dear one, why are you so angry without understanding the bond between a devotee and the Lord? It is difficult to understand the hearts of devotees; only I know them. Bhrigu is a great sage, a knower of Brahman, and a devoted follower. He could never insult me. He came here for a great purpose and has no arrogance. How can we punish our own devotees? Just as parents do not get angry with their children's actions, you should calm down."
Lakshmi's Departure to Earth
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
However, Lakshmi was not appeased by Vishnu's words. She could not forgive Bhrigu and said, "Lord, you may find Bhrigu's actions acceptable, but I cannot forgive him. If you do not punish him, I will no longer stay in Vaikuntha. From now on, our paths diverge. I will go to Earth, as this wicked sage has separated us. Brahmins will suffer from this curse and become impoverished, resorting to selling their knowledge."
Goddess Lakshmi cursed the entire Brahmin caste due to Bhrigu's actions. She believed it was better to leave Vaikuntha and live in austerity on Earth than to stay after being disrespected. Despite Vishnu's pleas, Lakshmi left Vaikuntha and journeyed through dense forests, formidable mountains, and deep rivers. Finally, she settled on the banks of the Godavari River in Kolhapur, where she began performing penance in a hermitage.
Vishnu's Search for Lakshmi
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
With Lakshmi's departure, the splendor of Vaikuntha diminished, and the gods felt impoverished. Lord Vishnu, stricken with grief over his wife's absence, lost interest in all activities, and everything reminded him of Lakshmi. Overcome with sorrow, he forgot his vow to protect his devotees. One day, unable to bear the separation, Vishnu left Vaikuntha to search for Lakshmi on Earth.
Wandering the earth, Vishnu could not find Lakshmi anywhere. He lamented, "O my beloved! Where are you? Who will tell me your whereabouts? My life is meaningless without you. How can I live without you? The sage has separated us. Will I ever see you again?" As he wandered, Vishnu searched the mountains, valleys, and caves, asking animals and birds about his beloved wife. His heart ached with longing for Lakshmi, and he suffered greatly. In his quest, he eventually reached Sheshadri.
Narada Predicts Padmavati's Future
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Padmavati's literacy ritual was conducted in the Shukla Panchami of the fifth year. Being born from divine grace, she quickly mastered all forms of knowledge. Gradually, she turned fourteen. Blessed with the beauty of Rati Devi, the wisdom of Saraswati, the purity of Parvati, and the splendor of Lakshmi, Padmavati was unparalleled in her appearance and qualities.
One day, after worshipping Gauri, Padmavati was playing with her friends in the inner chambers. At that moment, Narada arrived, singing hymns in praise of the Lord. Padmavati welcomed Narada, honored him with great respect, and seated him on a high pedestal. She washed his feet and sprinkled the water on her head.
Pleased with Padmavati's devotion, Narada said, "Oh mother! I have come to tell you something for your good. Show me your hand, and I will reveal your future." Initially shy, Padmavati finally sat beside him and showed her hand. Observing the auspicious lines on her palm, Narada said, "Oh Mother! The lines on your hand are extraordinary. Due to these auspicious lines, you possess a moon-like face, lotus-like eyes, mirror-like cheeks, lips like ripe pomegranates, teeth like pearls, hair as dark as clouds, eyebrows like bows, and a radiant body. You are endowed with all the auspicious qualities. All the attributes of Goddess Lakshmi shine in you. You will marry Lord Vishnu. Know this for certain." With these words, Narada left for his travels.
Aakashraj Searches for a Suitable Groom
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Aakashraj and Dharanidevi began to think that Padmavati had come of age and was now ready for marriage. They decided to arrange her marriage soon and sent Brahmins in all directions to find a suitable groom. They received portraits of many princes, but none seemed suitable. Many princes, having heard of Padmavati's beauty, attempted to marry her, but none succeeded. Despite sending Brahmins to different countries and trying themselves, they found no success. Aakashraj and his wife became increasingly worried. How long could they keep a grown-up daughter unmarried?
Aakashraj and Dharanidevi Discuss Padmavati's Marriage
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
One day, in this situation, Narada arrived at Aakashraj's court. Aakashraj welcomed him properly, received his blessings, and asked, "Oh great sage Narada! My daughter Padmavati has come of age. I have seen many portraits of princes, but none seems suitable. There is no worthy groom for my daughter. You, who traverse the three worlds, please guide us to a suitable groom for our Padmavati."
Aakashraj Speaks with Narada Muni
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Hearing the king's plea, Narada said, "Oh king! You do not need to search for a groom. Your daughter was born with a part of Goddess Lakshmi. According to the boon given by the Lord, Vedavati has reincarnated as Padmavati in your house. Padmavati will marry Lord Vishnu. Trust my words. There is no need for unnecessary worry. The auspicious moment is approaching very soon." With these words, Narada left. Aakashraj was greatly satisfied with Narada's words and began to eagerly await that auspicious day.
Seeking Vakuladevi’s Permission to Hunt
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Due to Vakuladevi’s care, Lord Srinivasa was living comfortably in Sheshachalam. One day, Lord Srinivasa wished to go hunting. He expressed his desire to Vakuladevi. Upon hearing this, Vakuladevi said, "Son, you are very delicate and tender. There are many dangerous animals in this forest. I fear this hunt." Srinivasa smiled and replied, "Mother, there is nothing to fear. Those ferocious beasts cannot harm me. You are unaware of your son's valor. Let me fulfill my wish." Vakuladevi then blessed him and wished for his safe return.
Srinivasa Hunting
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Wearing appropriate hunting attire and armed with a bow and arrow, Lord Srinivasa, with Vakuladevi's permission, ventured into the dense forest. Upon reaching the heart of the forest, he drew his bowstring, creating a sound that resembled thunder. Hearing this terrifying sound, lions, elephants, tigers, deer, and other animals fled in fear. Taking advantage of the moment, Srinivasa used his sharp arrows to slay several wild beasts. At that moment, an elephant roared. Srinivasa chased after it. The elephant led him far away and eventually disappeared from sight. Feeling very thirsty, Srinivasa went to a nearby grove to drink water.
Padmavati's Visit to the Forest
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On that same day, Padmavati had come to the same grove with her friends to enjoy a forest outing. They engaged in various playful activities in the grove, played in the water, ate fresh fruits, and made garlands of flowers. They spent their time joyfully.
Thirsty, Srinivasa drank water from the pond and rested under a tree. He then heard sweet music. Following the sound, he came across Padmavati and her friends enjoying themselves in the forest. Seeing Padmavati, who shone like the moon among the stars, Srinivasa was captivated. Filled with love, he thought, "Oh! What an unparalleled beauty has come to this mortal world. Even celestial maidens cannot compare to her beauty. How fortunate is the one who marries her! Could she be unmarried? If she were married, why would my heart be drawn to her? No, she must not be married. Which kingdom's princess is she? Let’s go and find out." With this thought, he approached them.
Seeing the approaching hunter, Padmavati said to her friends, "Go and find out who that man is and why he has come here."
Sakhis Ask Srinivasa About His Identity.
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
The sakhis approached Srinivasa and asked, "Who are you? Which country do you belong to? What is your name? Why have you come here? Don’t you know that men are not allowed in this forest?" Srinivasa replied, "I will answer all your questions directly to your friend." Saying this, he went to Padmavati.
Seeing Srinivasa in his attire, Padmavati mistook him for a forest dweller and became very angry. She asked, "How dare you enter the grove of sakhis so boldly? What is your name? Where are you from? And why have you come here?"
Srinivasa responded, "Oh beautiful lady! I am alone now, with no family of my own. In the past, I had a place, but now all countries are mine. I was once wealthy with Lakshmi, but I became poor after she left me. Who are you? What is your name? Who are your parents?"
Smiling, Srinivasa said, "Oh beautiful lady! After seeing you, I do not wish to leave you. You seem like Lakshmi, who left Vaikuntha and came here. Otherwise, how could such auspicious features be present in a human woman? Whatever the case, my heart is filled with joy upon seeing you. I have fallen in love with you and wish to marry you."
Hearing these words of love from the supposed forest dweller, Padmavati's heart burned with anger, and her eyes turned red. She retorted, "You fool! What nonsense are you talking? Marry me? How did such an idea enter your mind? If my father hears this, he will have you torn to pieces. How dare a hunter like you think of marrying a princess? Leave immediately, or else you will face dire consequences."
Srinivasa smiled at these words and said, "Oh fair one! Love is governed by the heart, not by wealth or social status. Whatever the case, I cannot live without marrying you. Listen to me. Seeing you and your beauty has made me mad. Show mercy on me and fulfill my wish." Saying this, Srinivasa started to approach Padmavati. Padmavati thought there was no use reasoning with this fool and ordered her sakhis to drive him away with stones.
Obeying the princess, the sakhis started throwing stones at Srinivasa, creating a rain of stones. Poor Srinivasa could hardly breathe, his entire body was bruised, and streams of blood started flowing. Unable to bear the pain and unwilling to harm the women, Srinivasa quietly retreated and returned to Sheshadri.
Srinivasa Confides in Vakuladevi
(indian mythological curse and boon English stories Tirupati Balaji )
Srinivasa returned as dejected as he had been enthusiastic about going hunting. Seeing him, Vakuladevi became very concerned. She approached him and asked, "Son, Srinivasa! Why are you so sad? How did you get these wounds on your body? What pain are you in? I am your mother, tell me everything truthfully. Do not hide anything from me." But Srinivasa did not answer. This made Vakuladevi even more worried. She said, "Son, I am asking you so much, yet you won’t tell me anything. Is this your respect for your mother? Do my son’s joys and sorrows mean nothing to me? My good son, share your feelings with me!"
Then Srinivasa replied, "Mother, what should I hide from you now? Listen. Today, I went hunting in the forest and became very tired. I was very thirsty and went to a nearby grove to drink water. I drank from the pond there. I heard it is Aakasharaja's private grove. At that time, his daughter Padmavati had come there with her friends to enjoy the forest. Mother, I saw that beautiful princess. Even among the gods, there is no woman as beautiful as her. I fell in love with her. I expressed my feelings to her. Hearing my words, she became furious and had her friends rain stones at me. I silently endured the blows and came back. Mother, as soon as I saw her, I wanted to marry her. Her beauty has captured my eyes. I cannot live without marrying her." This is how Srinivasa revealed his determination.
