Srimad Bhagavatham - Gajendra Moksha (1)
Trikuta mountain (extinct) was high and wide to the extent of eight thousand miles, was rich in minerals and was surrounded by an ocean of milk. It had three peaks of silver, steel and gold and had a wealth of precious stones and minerals.
Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Kinnaras, Nagas and Apsaras frequently visited this picturesque mountain.
There was a garden belonging to Lord Varuna, and it was a sporting ground of celestial women.
Once, Gajendra, the leader of elephants, was roaming around with several female elephants. While moving around with pride, it broke thorny trees and bamboo canes. The disturbance caused by the elephant and its herd cautioned lions, tigers, rhinoceros and serpents. However, smaller animals like wolves, bison, and monkeys moved freely.
All along, these elephants were emitting temporal fluids fed by black bees.
The cool breeze from the lake, which was full of lotuses, carried pollen to a far distance. Scenting the breeze, these elephants, which were thirsty, moved fast towards the lake.
Bathing in water, they relieved the fatigue and quenched their thirst. Elephants, for some time, indulged in water sports with their companions. The proud elephant did not foresee any threat.
Destiny has a different play. A powerful alligator caught hold of the foot of the leader (male) elephant. The elephant fought with the predator with all its might. The female elephants were perplexed while others tried to give a helping hand to rescue their leader.
A thousand years rolled by, and both Gajendra and the alligator fought with each other. However, Gajendra began losing strength and vitality, and the danger to life became more of a reality. At last, the fear of Death dawned on Gajendra to seek the Almighty’s asylum.
Source: Bhagavata Mahapurana
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