Vidyeswarasamhitha - Chapter - 6, 7 & 8
Long ago there was fight between Lord Vishnu and Brahma. It went on to become a fierce battle and each one of them tried to prove their greatness. Lord Vishnu hurled Maheswara Astra whereas Brahma used Pasupata Astra. Not able to bear the brunt of this severe ordeal the Devas desired to see Lord Shiva in Kailasa. They were immensely pleased with the auspicious darshan and blessings of the Lord. On learning about the reason for their visit, Lord Shiva manifested Himself as the column of fire in the battle field. both Bhrahma and Vishnu decided that they have find the top and bottom of the column of fire and immediately set to prove their prowess. Hari in the form of the boar could not see the root the column and returned exhausted. But Brahma with a fake witness of Ketaki flower lied to have seen the top of the column. Lord Vishnu with all humility accepted his defeat. But Lord Shiva was immensely pleased with the truthfulness of the Lord Vishnu and thus proclaimed that Shiva and Vishnu are to be worshipped with equal footing, temples and festivals. Mahadeva Created Bhairava to punish Brahma, who nipped off his 5th Head. On the request of Lord Vishnu He forgave Brahma but said that he shall not be honoured, nor shall he have his own temple or festivals. He further gave the administering of the Universe as a punishment to Lord Brahma, but also gave a boon that in all public and domestic sacrifices he will be the presiding deity. He also punished Ketaki that it cannot be included in His worship. As Ketaki pleaded further it was only given permission to be used in the canopies of Lord Shiva and for the pooja of other Devas. These chapters talk about the blessings received by Lord Vishnu and also Brahma as well as Ketaki. The eulogy of Devas thus praises Lord Shiva for His benevolence and being the forgiver of defects.
Om Namah Shivaya!
Dr. D. Ashalatha Reddy
