Bhrigu Kicks Lord Sri Vishnu on His Chest

Vaikunta is a very beautiful place. It is here: Maha Vishnu, who is also known as Sri Hari or Sri Narayana, lives with his consort, Lakshmi. Sri Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. Wealth flows only from here. So this holy place always gives a festive appearance. One day, Maha Vishnu was resting on the serpent bed (Sesha Sayanam) in the ocean of milk. Lakshmi was sitting near his feet and servicing him, pressing his legs with her tender hands. Sri Brighu had already finished testing Brahma and Siva. He found them either of Rajo or Thamo guna and hence unfit to receive the benefit of the yagna. Hence, only Sri Vishnu now remained to be tested. Thinking so, he reached Vaikuntam. Sri Hari, though aware of the arrival of Sri Brighu, pretended to be innocent. This reminded Sri Brighu of the treatment he received both in Sri Sathyaloka and Sri Kailash. He feared he may meet the same fate here also. This thought provoked him. Without second thoughts, he rushed towards Sri Maha Vishnu and kicked him on his chest with his right foot.

Sri Maha Vishnu was never perturbed. For he knew the purpose of Sri Brighu's visit. He got up from his bed and fondly held Brighu's hands, made him sit on his bed, and pressed his legs, saying that the jewels he was wearing must have caused the Maharishi great pain. While doing so, Vishnu pinched the third eye that was embedded in Sri Brighu's right foot tactfully. The pride of the Sri Maharshi lay in this eye. He then said, "O great learned man, forgive me for my negligence and kindly let me know the purpose of your visit." Having thus lost his power, Sri Brighu realized his folly and begged pardon of the Lord. Sri Hari said, "O Maharshi, you are not to be blamed. You have not done anything out of the way. It all happened as was due. You are only instrumental. Do not, therefore, worry. I wish you success." Sri Brighu then explained the purpose of his visit and requested Maha Vishnu to come and receive the benefit of the yagna the sages were performing. Maha Vishnu agreed. He said he would be present there at the appropriate time. Sri Brighu was very much pleased. He took leave of Sri Hari and reached the banks of the Sri Ganges, where the Sri Yagna was being performed, and explained in great detail his visit to the three Sri lokas and how he considered Mana Sri Vishnu to be the fittest person to test. All the Sri sages felt elated and thanked Sri Brighu.