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| Lord Venkateswara, another form of Vishnu, residing in the seven
hills of Tirupathi, was chosen as the presiding deity of Kaliyuga.
This deity is also worshipped throughout India as Balaji, Srinivasa
and Vekataramana. By invoking this form of Vishnu during Kaliyuga,
all sins, sorrows and obstacles of life are believed to be annihilated.
According to our Hindu mythology, the advent of Kaliyuga worried
Brahma (the creator) who asked Narada Maharnuni to do something
to avert the coming catastrophe- increased lust, greed and envy
etc. Accordingly, Narada proceeded to Bhooloka ( the earth) and
inquired of the Maharshis Vasistha, Bhrigu and Athri to name the
presiding deity of Kaliyuga. As they appeared to be unsure, Brahma
requested them to test the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Bhrigu
who hesitantly agreed to conduct the test decided that Vishnu was
the most deserving form to be worshipped. He arrived at the decision
because both Brahma and Shiva are upset at Bhrigu for disturbing
them while Vishnu, despite being kicked on the chest by Bhrigu,
welcomed him and made him repent for his action. Goddess Mahalakshz'ni
(the consort of Vishnu) felt insulted when Bhrigu kicked Vishnu
on his chest ( her place of abode) and left Vaikuntha to take the
form of Padmavati on earth. Vishnu, feeling miserable at her departure,
reached the hills of Seshadri where he meditated and attained the
form of Srinivasa. Lord Srinivasa met Padmavati whom he recognized
to be Mahalakshmi, and proposed to her. However, the lord did not
have adequate finances to meet the marriage expenses and borrowed
the money from Kubera, the Treasurer for Brahma. A sum of 14 lakhs
gold coins with the inscription of Sri Rama were borrowed by Lord
Venkateswara with an agreement that the interest on the money would
be paid till the end of Kaliyuga and the principal at the end of
the said period. |
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