Durvasa Receives a Garland

Some time after the devas had regained dominion over the three worlds, Durvasa Rishi wandered upon the earth. While travelling through a forest, he encountered a Vidyadhari, one belonging to a race renowned for mystical attainments and dwelling in the middle regions of the sky, carrying a garland woven from the blossoms of the Santanaka tree. Its fragrance spread through the forest and delighted all who breathed it.

The sage requested the garland from her. She bowed respectfully before him and immediately presented it to him. Durvasa placed the garland upon his head and continued on his way.

In time, he saw Indra approaching upon Airavata, accompanied by the devas. The sage removed the garland from his head and offered it to the king of the devas. Indra received it and placed it upon the forehead of Airavata.

The elephant, in rut and drawn by its fragrance, seized the garland with its trunk, crushed it, and cast it upon the ground.

Indra's Disregard

Witnessing this act, Durvasa became angered and addressed Indra with harsh words.

Verse: aiśvaryamadamatto 'si vāsava durāsadaḥ । śriyo nivāsaṃ srajaṃ yasmān mayā dattāṃ na manyase ॥ (Vishnu Purana 1.9.12)

Verse: mayā dattām imāṃ mālāṃ yasmān na bahu manyase । trailokyaśrīḥ tato mūḍha vināśam upayāsyati ॥ (Vishnu Purana 1.9.14)

Translation:
“O Vasava, intoxicated by sovereignty and difficult to approach, you have failed to honour this garland given by me, which is the abode of Shri. Because you have not esteemed it, O foolish one, the prosperity of the three worlds shall perish.”

Indra descended from Airavata and repeatedly sought the sage’s forgiveness. Yet Durvasa, whose anger was difficult to appease, would not withdraw his words and departed.

The Departure of Shri

Thereafter, Shri gradually departed from the three worlds. Plants, herbs, and trees withered. Sacrifices were no longer performed, and charitable acts diminished. Men and women neglected righteous conduct, while greed and attachment increased.

Seeing the devas weakened, the Daityas and Danavas gathered their strength and attacked them. Unable to withstand their enemies, Indra and the devas went to Brahma.

Hearing all that had occurred, Brahma advised them to seek the aid of Shri Hari, the protector of the worlds. Together they journeyed to the northern shore of Ksheerasagaram and praised Shri Hari with reverence.

The Counsel to Churn Ksheerasagaram

Pleased by their prayers, Shri Hari appeared before them bearing the conch, discus, and mace. Smiling gently, he spoke to the devas.

Verse: tejaso bhavatāṃ devāḥ kariṣyāmy upabṛṃhaṇam । vadāmi yat kariṣyāmo bhavadbhir yad ato 'surāḥ ॥ (Vishnu Purana 1.9.76)

Translation: “O devas, I shall increase your strength and restore your vigour. Hear now what must be done by you and the Asuras.”

Verse: ānīya sahitā daityaiḥ kṣīrodadhau sakaloṣadhīḥ । manthānaṃ mandaraṃ kṛtvā netraṃ kṛtvā tu vāsukim ॥ (Vishnu Purana 1.9.77)

Translation: “Gather every medicinal herb and cast it into Ksheerasagaram. Taking Mandara Mountain as the churning rod and Vasuki as the rope, churn Ksheerasagaram.”

He further instructed them to make peace with the Daityas and promise them an equal share in the undertaking. Yet Shri Hari declared that when amrita arose from the churned Ksheerasagaram, the Daityas would not obtain it.

Following these instructions, the devas approached the Daityas and proposed an alliance. Together they prepared to churn Ksheerasagaram, setting in motion the events through which Shri Lakshmi would once again manifest herself from its sacred waters.

A Brief Reflection

For many devotees, Durvasa’s garland is remembered as a token of Shri’s presence. Sacred traditions gently recall that gifts received with reverence preserve harmony, while disregard for what is sacred may gradually diminish prosperity and well-being.

Note to Readers

This account is primarily based upon the Vishnu Purana, Book 1, Chapter 9. Representative verses have been quoted, while the surrounding events have been narrated in prose based upon the sacred text. Since these works survive in several manuscript traditions, minor variations in wording, chapter numbering, and arrangement of passages may occasionally occur. Respectful corrections and observations are welcome.