The Devas accompanied by Lord Brahma offered prostrations to Lord Vishnu and pleadingly said, “O Lord! The entire universe is solely dependent on Your kindness for their progress. All the created beings turn to each other for support and upliftment.
All the created beings live out their existence bereft of fear because of Your protection and mercy. Bhagawan! A tremendous fear has taken possession of the hearts of men. No one knows who comes and kills these Brahmans at night.
The destruction of Brahmans will lead to the destruction of the entire earth which will then lead to the destruction of the heavenly worlds. O Lord of the Universe! Please be merciful. Please allow us to be under Your protection so that no harm will befall us.”
Lord Vishnu replied, “O Devas! I am quite aware of the cause for the destruction of all beings. I will tell you. Listen to me carefully. There is a fearsome group of daityas by the name of Kāleya. These daityas have taken the help of Vritrāsura to wreak havoc in the universe.
After seeing Vritrāsura killed by the intelligent Indra, they have hidden in the ocean to save themselves. They have entered the ocean filled with predators and emerge at night to destroy the universe and kill Rishis. It is not possible to kill those dānavas because they have taken shelter in the insurmountable ocean.
Therefore, you must come with a plan to dry up the ocean. Only Agastya Maharshi is capable of taking up this task of drinking the ocean. Those dānavas cannot be controlled by any other means.”
The Devas thanked Lord Vishnu profusely and took leave of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. They went to Agastya Maharshi’s ashram. They saw the son of Mitrāvaruna whose brilliance was blinding surrounded by many Rishis.
The Devas approached him with humility singing praises of his astonishing acts, “In the ancient days, you protected the universe from the injustice of Raja Nahusha. You are one who made the troublesome king fall from the position of Indradev.
When the Vindhya Parvat got angry with Lord Surya and began growing suddenly, it was you who stopped it. Vindhyagiri even today has not disobeyed your command.
When the entire universe was thrown into darkness because of the sudden increase in the Vindhyagiri and all the beings were scared of death, it was you who became the saviour of all and brought joy to everyone. It is you who always provides protection to us scared Devas. We have come to beg for your help because only you can help us.”
Agastya Maharshi, son of Mitrāvaruna asked, “Devas! Why have you come here and what do you want from me?”
The Devas placed Indra in the front and offered salutations, “We want you to complete the task of drinking the ocean. Then, we can kill the dānavas called Kāleya.”
“It shall be as you asked. I will fulfil your wish. The happiness of the entire universe is ensured with this.”
Saying thus, Agastya Maharshi along with the Devas and Rishis went near the ocean. Man, nāga, gandharva, yaksha, kinnara and other celestial beings followed the pious sage to witness this extraordinary event. As they approached the ocean, they observed the waves crashing because of the air movement.
Bhagawan Agastya Maharshi declared to the assembly of Devas and Rishis, “I am going to drink all the water of this mighty ocean for the benefit of the universe. You must do whatever is needed quickly.”
Saying thus, Agastya Maharshi, the epitome of Truth, Maryāda and resolve started drinking the ocean with everyone looking on. The entire assembly of Indra along with the Devas were wonderstruck and began praising him, “O revered Maharshi! You are our protector and creator of the entire universe. It is because of your kindness that all the Devas and this universe will not get destroyed.”
As the Devas were extolling the virtues of Bhagawan Agastya Maharshi, the gandharvas played the celestial musical instruments while divine flowers were showered upon him from the heavens. The Devas were pleased when Agastya Maharshi finished drinking the ocean. They took their divine and exalted weapons and attacked the dānavas with immense fury.
The dānavas retaliated with equal measure. A great battle raged on but the energy of the dānavas had been depleted by the tapas of the Rishis who stood there. The dānavas began to be killed rapidly. Those who managed to escape went to the nether world.
After seeing all the dānavas killed, the Devas heaped praises upon Bhagawan Agastya Maharshi, “Mahābhāga! The entire universe has attained happiness because of your kindness and your radiance that burned the cruel Kāleya. Your arms are big and you are capable of creating this new universe.
Now, we request you to please refill this ocean. Please release all the water you have drunk into this ocean.”
“Devas! I have already digested that water. Please find another way to fill up this ocean.” All the Devas were shocked on hearing the words of Agastya Maharshi and became sad. They paid obeisance to Agastya Maharshi and took his permission to leave.
[Excerpt: Tīrthayātrāparva, Vanaparva, Mahābhārat]
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