EXTRA READING: Pattanaik's Secret Secrets of Vishnu: Part E (Rama)

Rama's secret is to outgrow the beast to discover the divine. The battle between the Devas and the Asuras is aligned vertically, while the battle between the Manavas and the Rakshasas is aligned horizontally. Humans who uphold dharma (good) are called manavas while the humans who uphold adharma (bad) are called rakshasas who are described as demons. Rama is the only avatar of Vishnu to be worshipped as king. Rama is a man who upheld dharma as he upheld the code of civilization and refused to succumb to animal instincts despite temptation. Rama's role is to stay alert and ensure everybody behaves as they are expected to and if things go wrong, he has to rush to help as Vishnu would to set things to right. Rama has to remind people of their obligations to outgrow animal instincts and make sure things keep moving. In addition, Rama as the king has to punish law-breakers and reward law-abiders as Vishnu would do as well.

There are different accounts that state the different number of Vishnu avatars. Some say there are 10, some say 12, while other accounts state that there are 22 avatars of Vishnu. However, no matter how many avatars there are, it often has been commented that the order of Vishnu's descents follows the evolution of the man and the human avatars follow the varna system. An avatar redefines dharma for a particular age in time. Avatars are sent to this earth to balance human demands with nature's needs for as long as possible.

Bibliography: Seven Secrets of Vishnu (Rama) by Devdutt Pattanaik (link)

Rama. Source: Wikimedia Commons. 

Pattanaik's Secret Secrets of Vishnu: Part D (Trivikrama)

Ignorance breeds insecurity and arrogance. Lakshmi and Saraswati are usually never seen together. The Devas and the Asuras focus on either Lakshmi or Saraswati only one at a time. Vishnu, however, focuses on both goddesses simultaneously. Lakshmi is Vishnu's connection to the earthly needs of humans. Saraswati is Vishnu's connection to the spiritual needs of man. He knows that the two goddesses do not get along so he keeps Lakshmi at his feet and Saraswati in his mouth. The journey to Sarawati, the goddess representing peace, goes from finite to infinite, which is a journey of "what I have" to "what I am." From Brahma's nostrils, Vishnu is incarnated as a boar with long tusks which is Vahara. From that day, Vishnu is the guardian of the earth, which is why he is the color blue.


Bibliography: Seven Secrets of Vishnu (Trivikrama) by Devdutt Pattanaik (link)

Trivikrama. Source: Wikimedia Commons. 

Pattanaik's Secret Secrets of Vishnu: Part C (Kurma)

Wealth eludes the insecure. Lakshmi is a goddess who people worship because she provides our food, clothes, and homes. The Devas and Asuras are half siblings who are trying to save Lakshmi. The Devas and Asuras do not get along but work together to churn. Lakshmi rises from the ocean because of the Devas and Asuras. Lakshmi and Vishnu get together. Lakshmi has a sister named Alakshmi who represents conflict, the opposite of Lakshmi. They cannot live without each other.


Bibliography: Seven Secrets of Vishnu (Kurma) by Devdutt Pattanaik (link)

Kurma. Source: Wikimedia Commons.