Story : Lord Vishnu – Shaantakaram

Lord Vishnu is described as Shaantakaram, always peaceful and steady minded. Once sage Kashyapa was celebrating a Yajna and all the sages had gathered to witness the same. Now there arose a doubt in their mind as to who was the highest of all divinities. Sage Narada replied that the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara were the highest of all but Lord Vishnu was the Supreme. He was never disturbed by either praise or blame. He was ever peaceful and in bliss. The sages asked Narada to prove it. Narada called sage Brighu aside, whispered something in his ear. Brighu was sent to verify Narada’s statement.

He first went to Brahmaloka. He saw that Lord Brahma was busy in his act of Creation. From afar, Brighu started condemning Lord Brahma. He said  “Oh! Brahma, you don’t have the proper knowledge of Creation. Your Creation is full of defects and faults! Therefore all your efforts are in vain. Not a single thing in your creation is worth praising!”  Lord Brahma was annoyed to hear these words. He got up from his seat and came forward to punish Brighu. But the sage ran away from Brahmaloka. Then Brighu went to Shivaloka. He saw Lord Shiva engaged in Thandava Nrithya. From a distance Brighu began to criticise Lord Shiva. He said “Oh Lord! You are not looking after your department properly at all. Your task is to destroy the evil of the world. But the world today is full of evil. You are busy dancing the whole day and not performing the task allotted to you, why should we worship you then?” Lord Shiva was angry to hear this and He was about to open His third eye to burn the sage, but the sage ran away from there.

Then he went to Vaikuntha. He saw Lord Vishnu resting upon the sesha. He got very angry seeing that Lord was not coming for His devotees but seemed to be engaged in self enjoyment. He went near Lord Vishnu and kicked hard upon his chest. Then Brighu was afraid of the consequences and was about to run away. But to his surprise he saw Lord Vishnu getting up from His seat and falling at his feet. The Lord said “Oh sage! Please forgive me for not noticing you and ignoring you, thereby causing anger to rise in you. My iron-like chest may have injured your foot. Let me press it and comfort you.” What a great tolerance! What a peaceful state! Brighu was taken aback to hear these words and asked the Lord to forgive him.

Then the sage came back to the council of the sages at the yajna and narrated the whole story. Hearing it, all the sages believed that Lord Vishnu alone was Shaantakaram and their doubt was cleared.