MAHALAKSHMI ASHTAKAM - PART 2 (THE STORY BEHIND)

The Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (eight verses on Mahalakshmi) by Indra is discussed here along with a brief description of the Samudra mantham (churning of Milk Ocean) which led to the appearance of Mahalakshmi, as described in Srimad Bhagavatam, and the killing of Mahishaasura as described in Devi Mahatmyam.

The "Indra Uvaca" Ashtakam was composed when Mahalakshmi appeared from the Milk Ocean as it was being churned. At first, the fierce poison Haalaahala appeared. Only then did all the various types of wealth appeared. The devas were pleased after Lord Shiva drank the poison and resumed the churning with great enthusiasm. Then the celestial cow Kamadhenu appeared. the rishis too her since she would be so helpful to them in performing various yagnyas with offerings from milk products.

Then came the horse named Uccaishravas (white in color and which could fly too).Maharaja Bali took it. Indira did not want it because Bhagavan had told Indra (secretly) not to take it. Then came the divine elephant named Iraavata, which Indra took (as per Bhagavan's wish). The Iraavata, unlike other elephants has four tusks and is as white as the snow of the Himalayas (Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 8,chapter 8, verse 4).Then came the jewel Kaustubha, which Bhagavan Himself decided to take and it adorns His neck. Why did Bhagavan take the Kaustubha? Anyone who just looks at the Kaustubha jewel is blessed - with all opulences. This is the reason Bahgavan took the jewwl and it beautifies His neck. we just have to look at it when we try to get a darshan of Bhagavan at the temple.

Kautuba mani of Panduranga

 Then came the Kalpavruksha, which was taken by the gods to enhance the beauty of Swargaloka. Then appeared the Divine dancers - the Apsaras - who were so charming and beautiful thT ll gods wanted them and so they (apsaras) became the residents of swargaloka. Finally Mahalakshmi Herself appreared. When She appeared everyone, without exception, wanted Her as a wife. All the gods, all the  asuras, all the humans too (sura- asura maanavaah, Canto 8, chapter 8, verse 9). When She appeared all the directions became radiant as if brightened by a flash of lightning. Indra wanted Her. So, did all the rishis. And, so did Brahma and Shiva as well. And, also all the asuras. All of them tried to please Her in various ways. Mahalakshmi looked around and found nine that was a match for Her. She looked around to see who did NOT seem to desire Her,  (Sumangalah kashca na kaamkshate hi maam

, verse22, chapter 8, Canto 8). And She found that only Bhagavan seemed to be totally fit for Her. Only Bhagavan showed not a trace of any desire. In fact, all the gunas wanted to reside within Bhagavan, Shukaacharya concludes this description of samudra Manthanam, beautifully, as follows. [As discusswd before in Lakshmi Shobane]

   

Vavre varam sarva guNair apekshitamRamaa Mukundam nirapeksham eepsitam

ll8.8.23ll

Sarva gunair apekshitam, means desired by all the gunas. This is the description of Bhagavan who is referred to as Mukunda. One who provides us with Moksha, or liberation. In the next two verses follows the description of the scene of Mahalakshmi garlanding Bhagavan. And Bhagavan accepted Her and She immediately took residence in His vaksha sthalam (heart area). May be that is why we say that true love springs from the heart. After Mahalakshmi chose Sriman Narayana, or Mahavishnu, as Her consort, everyone rejoiced and accepted her desicion and continued to seek Her blessings- indeed just the glance from the corner of Her eyes (kataaksham).This is the background for Indra's hymn where he asks for the wealth of his kingdom (through conquest over all his enemies). May be this also explains why the Phalashruti says "chant the stotram three times each day" to conquer enemies. For Indra, even sinful activities could be destroyed with just one chant but retaining kingdom needed chanting three times. Indra wanted his heavenly kingdom (of the gods), like the king Suratha in the Devi Mahatmyam story who wanted his earthly kingdom back and also a kingdom that  no one could ever take away from him. But, let us remember "Vavre RamaaMukundam" during this Navarathri days dedicated for the worship of  Mahalakshmi.

The Phalashruti part says that if you chant this hymn 

1. Once every day (eka kaalam paten nityam) all sins will be destroyed. 

2. Twice every day (dwikaalam paten nityam) will yield bounty of food grains (dhaanya) and wealth (dhaanya).

3. Thrice every day (trikaalam paten nityam) will help with conquest of all enemies. Intersting isn't it? Only once everyday to destroy all sins but thrice everyday to conquer your enemies! One must wonder why.

The Phalashruti for this stotram states that if one recites this Stotram for a whole year, three times a day (trisandhyam) then one becomes worthy of worship by Mahalakshmi Herself.