Srimad Bhagavatam - Aditi Performs Payovrata and Lord Vamana's Manifestation
What was Aditi's concern and her request to her husband Sage Kashyapa? What is Payovrata, and what was the outcome?
When King Bali invaded Amravathi, Indra's capital, devatas had to flee, and their whereabouts were not known to anyone. Aditi, mother of devatas, was highly distressed.
When Sage Kashyapa returned home after a long penance, he saw Aditi in sorrow. He questioned whether rituals were performed as per schedule, was there any deviation in dharma, and finally asked the well-being of the inmates, guests, and her sons.
Aditi said all the activities are conducted as per his wish. However, Bali (Diti's son) has driven away their sons from Swarga loka, and their whereabouts aren't known. She requested Kashyapa to get rid of her sorrow.
Sage Kashyapa, though fully detached from worldly affairs, advised Aditi to observe Payovrata, a vow lasting 12 days to please Lord Srihari. He said it has to be done with utmost devotion, followed by rigid procedures.
Lord Vasudeva must be meditated as:
- Supreme Person, the abode of all created beings, the witness;
- Lord as unmanifest, who is Pradhana (Primordial matter) and Purusha (Spirit);
- Lord as presiding deity over sacrifice (Yagna Purusha) with 2 heads (Prayaniya and Udayaniya) - rites performed in the beginning and end of sacrifice;
- Lord with 3 feets (Savana - extracting Soma juice thrice - morning, midday and evening);
- Lord with 4 horns (four Vedas);
- Lord with 7 arms (Vedic meters)- the bestower of rewards of the sacrifice;
- Lord as Shiva and Rudra - the destroyer of the universe;
- Lord, as Hiranyagarba (Brahma);
- Lord, as Hrishikesha (inner soul);
- Lord, as Nara_Narayana;
- Lord, as Srihari (Mahalakshmi resides on your chest).
She should bathe thrice a day, offer oblations into the sacred fire, worship the Lord, offer food to Brahmanas, and partake milk alone. She should avoid vile talks, control her mind and sense, and focus her mind on Srihari alone.
When Aditi successfully completed the vrat, an immensely pleased Srihari appeared on the 12th day. She was overjoyed and was filled with wonder.
She hailed Him as Yagnesha (giver of boons), Yagna Purusha (worshipped in Yagna), Achutha (has no change), Thirthapada (whose feet is pure), Aadhya (creator), Esha (capable) Bhagavan (holds all wealth and prosperity and Dheena Natha (protector).
She said “ I seek protection for my sons who were deprived of their place and status long ago by daitas”.
Lord Srihari said “ I am fully aware of your concern. Waging a war is not wise as they are strongly supported by Guru Shukracharya and other Brghu brahmanas.
I shall manifest as your son and do the needful. Approach your husband Sage Kashyapa, who has earned huge spiritual merits as part of Me. The combined merits will fetch you rewards of Me being as your son. Do not reveal this secret to anyone.” He disappeared at that very moment.
Having secured a rare boon from Lord Srihari, Aditi approached her husband with supreme devotion. Sage Kashyapa, through his yogic power, understood Aditi's desire and Srihari's intention.
Sage Kashyapa’s predicament is that he had fathered both Daitas and Devatas. Yet, keeping his composure, he adhered to the needs of Aditi and Lord Srihari.
The Lord descended with four arms, carrying conch, Mace, Discus and lotus in each hand. He wore Pitambara (yellow) garment, had big eyes, bore the mark of Srivatsa (a white curl on his blossom), alligator shaped ear rings, and a Diadem, a pair of anklets along with armlets. He adored Sylvan flower with Kaustubha gem.
Astonished to see the Lord in this form, Aditi and Sage Kashyapa experienced a great joy.
Immediately He assumed a form short- stature Brahmana boy (Vamana).
Gandarvas, Manus, Apsaras, Sages, Kimpursas, kinnaras, Caranas, Yaksha, Nagas arrived to see Him.
Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana
