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LAKSHMI - CONSORT OF VISHNU |
Sita
Vedavati was later born as a daughter of king Janaka. King Janaka named her Sita.
At that time Dasharatha was ruling over Ayodhya. To his wife Kausalya, Vishnu
was born and became famous as Sri Rama. He came with sage Vishwamitra to Janaka's
capital and broke the bow given by Shiva. Then King Janaka, having admired Sri
Rama's valor, gave Sita in marriage to Sri Rama. When sometime passed, Sri Rama,
as desired by his father, had to go to Dandakaranya with Sita and Lakshmana.
While living there, Ravana deceitfully took Sita to Lanka. Sri Rama went to Lanka
with Sugreeva, Hanumanta and other monkey warriors and invaded Lanka. In the
terrible war that followed, Sri Rama killed Ravana. Thereafter, Sita came to
Ayodhya with Sri Rama and lived a happy life. This story is told in great detail
in the Ramayana.
Tulasi
On the other side, Lakshmi was born to Dharmadhwaja's wife Madhavi. Her parents
named her Tulasi. The child was very beautiful. She grew up to be virtuous. Later
she married Vishnu. Vishnu told her: "You leave this body and stay with
me. Let your body become a river by name Gandaki. I will became a Saligrama stone
and will reside in Gandaki River. Let your hair grow into a plant, become famous
as Tulasi and be worshipped by people. I love a garland of Tulasi petals."
Tulasi's body flowed after becoming river Gandaki. Narayana became a stone and
was residing in it. Tulasi plant was born from the hair of Tulasi and became
sacred.
Rukmini
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LAKSHMI - CONSORT OF VISHNU |
There was a king by name Bhishmaka in the kingdom of Vidharbha. He had five sons
by name Rukmi, Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesha and Rukmamali. Sriman Narayana
was born for killing Kansa and with a view to establishing righteousness. When
he was thus born as Krishna, Lakshmi was born as Rukmini, daughter of Bhismaka.
She was beautiful and virtuous. Father Bhishmaka was not only god-fearing but
had also great respect for Sri Krishna. He thought of giving Rukmini in marriage
to Sri Krishna.
But Bhishmaks's first son Rukmi did not agree to it. He had joined a gang of
wicked men formed by Shishupala and others. He brought pressure on his father
to give sister Rukmini in marriage to Shishupala. As Rukmi hated Sri Krishna
he did not agree to have the relationship. Bhishmaka was not bold enough to ignore
his advice.
Rukmini's marriage with Shishupala was fixed. But Rukmini, having heard of Sri
Krishna's good character and greatness, had mentally accepted him as her husband.
She sent a messenger to Dwaraka with the message that she would marry Krishna;
and if not possible, she would give her life.
Sri Krishna had already heard of Rukmini's character, virtue and beauty. He wished
to marry her. Therefore, he immediately boarded a chariot and came to Bhishmaka's
town. Balarama came to know that Sri Krishna went alone. Instantly he followed
with a large army to help his brother.
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