Divine Unity: The Dream of Narayana and the Blissful Meeting with Shiva

A tale of divine unity, where Lord Narayana dreams of Lord Shiva, leading to their blissful meeting and a profound lesson on the oneness of both of them.

Once, Lord Narayana was sleeping in Vaikuntha. In his dream, he saw Lord Shiva, who shines like millions of moons, holding a trident and drum, adorned with golden ornaments, and revered by Indra. Shiva was dancing ecstatically before him. Seeing this, Lord Vishnu was overwhelmed with joy and sat up on his bed, lost in thought. Goddess Lakshmi noticed and asked, 'Lord, why did you wake up suddenly?' 

Lord Vishnu remained silent for a while, absorbed in joy. Finally, he said, 'Devi, I saw Lord Maheshwara in my dream. His form was full of unparalleled joy and beauty. It seems Shankara remembered me. What a blessing! Let's go to Kailasa and see Mahadeva.'

They set out for Kailasa. They had traveled only halfway when they saw Lord Shankara coming with Goddess Parvati. Even Lord Shiva saw a similar dream. Their  joy was boundless. As they met, they embraced each other warmly, tears of joy flowing, and their bodies trembling with happiness. They stood silently for a moment, embracing each other. After sharing their dreams, they both insisted on visiting each other's abode. Narayana said, 'Let's go to Vaikuntha,' and Shambhu said, 'Let’s go to Kailasa.' 

Their love was so profound that deciding where to go was difficult. Then, Narada appeared, playing his veena. Both requested him to decide. Narada, overwhelmed by the divine meeting, began singing their praises joyfully. Unable to decide, it was agreed that Goddess Uma should decide.

Goddess Uma, after a moment of silence, said, 'O Lords, your pure and unique love shows that your abodes are the same. Kailasa is Vaikuntha, and Vaikuntha is Kailasa; only names differ. It seems that your souls are one, with only the bodies being different. I also believe your consorts are one; I am Lakshmi, and Lakshmi is me. It seems to me that anyone who despises one of you actually despises the other, and anyone who worships one worships the other as well. Those who see a difference between the two of you, will suffer greatly. I feel you are testing me, confusing me. I request you both to return to your respective abodes. Lord Vishnu should think he is going to Vaikuntha as Shiva, and Maheshwara should think he is going to Kailasa as Vishnu.'

Both Lords were pleased with this and praised Goddess Uma. After thanking  her, they went to their respective abodes. When Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikuntha, Goddess Lakshmi asked, 'Lord, who is most dear to you?' 

Lord Vishnu replied, 'Dear, my beloved is Lord Shankara. He is dear to me as my own body. Once, Shankara and I went wandering on earth. I was looking for someone who, like me, searches for his beloved. I met Lord Shankara, and we were drawn to each other as if we had met before. I am Janardana, and I am also Mahadeva. And he is Mahadeva and also Janardana.There is no difference between us, like water in two pots. Devotees of Shiva are dear to me, but those who do not worship Shiva can never be dear to me.'

Vaishnavas who dislike Shiva and Shaivas who dislike Vishnu should reflect on this story.

The teaching of this legend is profound. It shows the unity of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Despite having different forms and abodes, they are essentially one. Their love and respect for each other exemplify the highest form of divine friendship. The legend teaches us to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the underlying unity in both of them. It warns against harboring animosity towards any deity, emphasizing that true devotion respects and honors all forms of the divine. This unity and mutual respect should inspire us to cultivate harmony and reverence in our own spiritual practices.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi