Chapter 41 - History of Ganga (continued, 5): Vishnu’s incarnation as Vamana

In due time the Lord Vishnu^[1] incarnated himself as the son of Kasyapa and Aditi, for the benefit of the gods and the Brahmanas, and for the chastisement of Bali. As soon as he was born his parents saw Him in His real form and glory. They were struck with awe and reverence, and, falling down at his feet, prayed to him for a long time.

Vishnu said?

“Mother, as I have come down to help you, I shall give up my real form, and shall henceforth behave like an ordinary child, and by and by develop into a dwarf according to you wishes.”

Kasyapa celebrated the birth of his child with great magnificence, and in strict accordance with the rules of the Sastras. He was given several names, chief among which was Vamana^[1]. In due time he was invested with the sacred thread when all the gods and Rishis were invited. Vrihaspati, the high priest of the gods, conferred the sacred thread on him, and the Sun-god himself initiated him into the secrets of the Gayatri. All the gods and goddesses gave him the customary alms and the articles requisite for a Brahmachari. When the sacrificial fire was extinguished, Vamana bowed down to his parents, the gods, the Rishis and the Brahmanas and begged permission to go to his Guru’s house to receive education according to the prescribed rules. Permission was readily granted, and Vamana departed in the company of a few Brahmanas to the house of Vrihaspati. He made very rapid progress in his studies, and mastered Vyakarana,^[2] the six Darsanas,^[3] the Srutis, the Puranas, the Vedas, the Vedangas^[4] and other Sastras in a very short time.

When his education was complete, and it was time for him to take leave of his preceptor, he approached the latter and said,

“Guru, you have been kind enough te teach me all the Sastras, but I do not know what Dakshina^[5] to offer to you to free myself from your debt. There is nothing on earth which a disciple should withhold from his preceptor if he happens to possess it, but all my possession consists of the hearty veneration I have for you, and this I lay down at your feet. Be pleased with me, my Lord.”

Vrihaspati said,

“My Lord, all the learnings have emanated from you, and you are the master thereof. You did not stand in need of learning anything from me, but, in coming to me for instruction you have simply tried to conduct yourself like an ordinary human being. It is enough Dakshina for me that you have condescended to become my pupil, and the accomplishment of the object for which you have become incarnate as man will be my additional recompense. What can be more delightful to me than the restoration of Indra’s Kingdom to him? You have my permission to depart.”

Vamana bowed down to his Guru and departed in the company of a few Brahmana.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Or Hari.

[2]:

A dwarf.

[3]:

Grammar.

[4]:

The different systems of philosophy.

[5]:

Certain classes of works regarded as auxiliary to the Vedas designed to aid in the correct pronunciation and interpretation of the text, and the right employment of the Mantras in the ceremonials.

[6]:

Present made in consideration of religious services or instructions received.