Bhrugu Maharishi is the second “Sittu DAsa” referred to by Kanakadasaru in his popular composition

Bhrugu Maharishi is the second “Sittu DAsa” referred to by Kanakadasaru in his popular composition

 

Sage Bhrigu (Bhrugu Maharishi) is one of the Sapta Rishis (Seven most distinguished or Divine sages, who are seen in the sky and referred to as Ursa Major in the modern Astronomy. These Sapta Rishis are said to be more powerful than all the deities, except Lord Narayana. These Sapta Rishis are born out of the skin and mind of Lord Brahma and their life is equal to the life span of Lord Brahma. In other words, they live till the end of One Manvantara and the present manvantara is known as Vaisvata Manvantara. These Saptarishis are created by Lord Brahma to assist him in creation. Names of Sapta Rishis of this Vaivasvata Manvantara are: Angeerasa, Atri, Bhrugu, Gautama, Kashyapa, Kutsa and Vasishta. Different sources mention different names in this lineage.   

Bhrugu Maharishi was born from the skin of Lord Brahma and was brought up by Varuna and his wife. According to some sources, the Ashram or the hermitage of Bhrugu is on Mount Bhrugutunga in Nepal of the present day on the eastern banks of River Gandaki.

The story of Bhrugu Maharishi is mentioned in Padma Purana. Once, there was a congregation of great sages on the Banks of River Saraswati in connection with the performance of a Maha Yajna, Great Sacrifice. Bhrugu was also present in that congregation. A question arose as to which of the three Gods Lord Vishnu, Lord Rudra and Lord Brahma, should the prayers and offerings of the Sacrifice go. It was decided that Bhrugu should clarify by checking all the three Gods.

Accordingly, Bhrugu went to the Brahma Loka. To test how Lord Brahma would behave, Bhrugu behaved disrespectfully with Lord Brahma, who was enraged by this misbehaviour of Bhrugu Maharishi and was about to curse Sage Bhrugu. Goddess Saraswati intervened and prevented Lord Brahma from pronouncing the curse.However, Bhrugu was convinced that Lord Brahma cannot be the recipient of the offerings in the Sacrifice.

Bhrugu went to Mount Kailas to test Lord Shiva. But, since Lord Shiva and Parvati were sharing some intimate moments, Nandi, the Bull, who was guarding the entrance, stopped Bhrugu from entering the room in which Lord Shiva and Parvati were. Bhrugu was inflated and cursed Lord Shiva that he should be worshipped only in the form of Linga on Earth and Goddess Parvati should be worshipped in the form of Yoni.

Finally, Bhrugu went to Vaikuntha to check on Lord Vishnu. Bhrugu suddenly went into the Vaikuntha Dham and saw Lord Vishnu there. Lord Vishnu, at the time of Bhrugu’s arrival there, was sleeping. Bhrugu yelled at Lord Vishnu, asking the Lord to wake up. But, Lord Vishnu pretended to have not heard Bhrugu, who, in a fit of wrath, kicked the chest of Lord Vishnu with his left leg. Lord Vishnu woke up and instead of objecting the sage, Lord Vishnu caressed the left leg of the sage. In the toe of the sage, an asura was hiding and was prompting Bhrugu to act arrogantly with all the Gods. Lord Vishnu, in the pretext of caressing the left leg of the sage, killed the asura in the left toe of the sage. The sage was unaware of all these things. The sage was very much pleased with the humanity and humility of Lord Vishnu. The sage decided that all the offerings and prayers offered in the sacrifice should be addressed to Lord Vishnu. (to be continued).

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