Sri Vishnu's Immense Love Towards His Devotees

The Eighth Chapter (Astama Skanda) in Bhagavata Purana ( a.k.a Bhagavatam) holds a wonderful episode which describes the love of Sri Vishnu towards his true devotees. Bhagavan Vishnu is so merciful and so passionate about helping his devotees under any circumstances which is beautifully described in the following poem by Potana, a 15th century Telugu-Sanskrit poet. Sri Bammera Potana or Potanamatya or simply Potana, as he is widely known and respected, felt immensely blessed when he took up the translation of Bhagavata purana ( originally written in Sanskrit by Vyasa Bhagavan) into telugu. 

According to the legend, when Potana was translating this particular episode of "Gajendra Moksha" which translates to "The Liberation of King Elephant", he was looking for words to write the poem but couldn't find appropriate words to describe Vaikuntam ( The heavenly adobe where Bhagavan Vishnu resides with this consort Sri Lakshmi and his followers), It is being said that, while Potana left to the local temple to think about the description of Vaikuntam, Lord Vishnu descended in Potana's disguise and finished the poem. While Lord Vishnu was writing the poem, Potana was struck with the same words Lord Vishnu was writing at Potana's house. Lord Vishnu disappeared once the poem was completed and Potana rushed back home from temple to find that the poem was completed with the exact words that struck him at the temple. This is one of many examples or the "Leela" (Miracles) of Lord Vishnu towards his devotees. 

The following poem is a one in many describing the great quality of Lord Vishnu- Love. 

Image Source: http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/telugu/pothana/gajendra/Gajendra16.htm

English Lyrics:

Sirikim Jeppadu Shankhachakrayugamum Jedoyi Sandhimpade,

Parivambunu jeeradabhragapatim Bannimpadakarnikam,

TaraDhammillumu Jakka nottadu vivaadaprotdhita srikucho,

Parichelaamchalamaina veedadu gajapranavanotsahiai.

In this episode of "Gajendra Moksha", the king of elephant (Gajendra) (previously a king called Indradyumna, who was cursed by the sage Agastya for showing disrespect to him)  is caught by his foot by a fierce and strong crocodile ( previously a Gandharva King named Huhu, cursed to become a crocodile for pulling Dhavala Maharshi's leg while the sage was offering prayers to Surya Bhagavan). Gajendra fought in vain to escape from the vicious bite of crocodile. At the eleventh hour, Gajendra plucked a lotus flower from the pond and offered one last prayer to "The Protector" Lord Vishnu. Having heard the Sharanagati (genuine prayer), Lord Vishnu jumped out of his bed "Vasuki", and started descending to earth. The above poem describes his descent. 

Loose translation: 

( In a hurry to save his devotee) Vishnu did not tell Siri ( Laksmi) what happened, did not wear his armor or took his weapons ( Shankha (conch) and chakra ( Sudarshana chakra, a disc like structure with 108 serrated edges) , didn't call his attendees, neither boarded his vehicle Garuda, nor comb his hair, nor didn't leave the end of Lakshmi devi's saree he held while playing with her, just to protect Gajendra. 

Significance: 

This is a great description of the intensity of love Lord Vishnu has for his devotees. Being Lord Vishnu, he could enjoy a lot of perks. When he heard Gajendra's prayer call, he could have summoned his Chakraor his servants to  to kill the crocodile. He didn't even leave Lakshmi's sari which he held onto while playing with her before the prayer was heard. Even more, being a God he could have killed the crocodile just by his thought. But he did not. Does it mean he could not ? Definitely NO. Having heard the prayer call, he could not stand the fact that his devotee is being hurt and about to be killed, Just as any mortal father would do when he hears about an accident to his son, Lord Vishnu rushed to Gajendra's rescue. He killed the crocodile with his Chakra, liberating the Gandharva from the sage's curse as well as protecting Gajendra. Gajendra was subsequently liberated from his present form to attain spiritual form and attain Vaikunta. Such are the miracles performed by Lord Vishnu.

Keywords: Gajendra Moksha, Gajendra, Indradyumna, Huhu, Lord Vishnu, Potana, Sri Bhagavatam, Bhagavata Purana

ALL HAIL LORD VISHNU

OM NAMO NAARAYANAAYA