Gajendra Moksha is a Hindu mythological story from the Bhagavata Purana, depicting the salvation of Gajendra, the elephant king, by Vishnu. The story tells how Gajendra, while bathing in a lake, is attacked by a crocodile. Despite his valiant struggle, Gajendra is overpowered and, realizing his helplessness, prays to Vishnu for help. Vishnu arrives, slays the crocodile with his discus (Sudarshana Chakra), and grants Gajendra liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
The Story in Detail: Gajendra's Predicament:
Gajendra, the king of elephants, was bathing in a lake when a crocodile attacked him, seizing his leg. Desperate Struggle:
Gajendra fought valiantly to free himself, but the crocodile's grip was relentless.
Call for Help:
Exhausted and realizing his impending doom, Gajendra, in an act of deep devotion, offered a lotus flower to Vishnu and prayed for his help. Vishnu's Intervention:
Heeding Gajendra's plea, Vishnu, mounted on his vehicle Garuda, appeared at the scene.
Liberation:
Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to slay the crocodile, freeing Gajendra from its clutches. Moksha Granted:
Gajendra, now liberated, attained Sarupya Mukti, a form similar to Vishnu, and was taken to Vaikuntha, Vishnu's abode. Divine Explanation:
Vishnu revealed that Gajendra's predicament was a consequence of past karmas (actions) and that his liberation was a divine blessing.
Significance:
Gajendra Moksha is a significant episode in Hindu scriptures, particularly in Vaishnavism, where Vishnu is the central deity. It highlights the importance of devotion (Bhakti) and surrender to God, especially in times of extreme distress. The story emphasizes that even the most powerful beings can be humbled and that divine intervention is possible through sincere prayer and devotion.
This oleograph dated back to 1910-15 from Ravi Varma press Karla Lonavala. Bombay.
