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MAHARSHI BHRIGU
Maharshi Bhrigu was one of the
Manasputras (born by a wish) of Lord
Brahma. He was married to Khyati, the
daughter of Daksha. Two sons, Dhata and
Vidhata and a daughter Shri were born to
them. Maharshi Bhrigu is also called
Prajapati (creator) as he was created by
Lord Brahma to help him in the process
of creation of the universe.
His daughter Shri, was married to
none other than Lord Vishnu (Narayana).
Maharshi Bhrigu had accomplished many
Yagyas and had helped others to
accomplish them. With his powers, he
fulfilled the wishes of people for
begetting sons. During the two months of
Shravana and Bhadrapaksha, he made the
chariot of the Sun God as his abode. We
get this description in all the Puranas.
A famous incident in his life has
been described below: Once, sages from
different places had gathered on the
banks of the Saraswati river. A debate
started among them as to who was the
greatest among the three; Lord Brahma,
Lord Vishnu or Lord Mahesh. When they
were unable to come to any conclusion,
they chose Bhrigu as their
representative to personally test all
the three deities and to decide as to
who is the greatest.
His first visit was at Lord Brahma's
abode. Bhrigu neither bowed in reverence
nor greeted Him. Brahma felt insulted
but did not lose his temper.
After that, Bhrigu went to 'Kailash
Parvata' to meet Lord Shiva. Seeing
Bhrigu approaching, Lord Shiva wanted to
embrace him. But Bhrigu who wanted to
test his greatness, replied
sarcastically: "Since you don't follow
the right course, I will not accept your
respect and service".
Hearing Bhrigu's words, Lord Shiva
lost his temper and ran after him with
his 'Trishula' (trident). At last
Parvati intervened and requested Lord
Shiva to spare Bhrigu.
Ultimately, Bhrigu went to
Vaikunthloka to see Lord Vishnu. Lord
Vishnu was relaxing at that moment.
 Maharshi
Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest.
Lord Vishnu woke up as a result of the
blow, bowed in reverence and said: "O
Lord, be seated, I was not aware of your
arrival, hence I could not welcome you.
Forgive me! Your feet must be in pain as
my chest is hard as 'Vajra' (mace)".
Saying this, Lord Vishnu started
pressing his legs and further said: "O
Brahmin, you have been most gracious to
me, as the soil of your feet would
remain on my chest forever."
After his return, Bhrigu narrated
the whole story to the assembly of the
sages. Everyone concluded that it was
Lord Vishnu who was the greatest among
the trinity and only He is entitled to
be worshipped by devotees as He loves
virtuosity.
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