India: Vishnu Rescuing the King of the Elephants, Gajendramoksha, from a makara, Himachal Pradesh, 17th century

Gajendra Moksha (Sanskrit: गजेन्द्रमोक्षः) is a Puranic legend from Bhagavata Purana. Lord Vishnu came down to earth to protect Gajendra (elephant) from the death clutches of Makara (crocodile).

Gajendra was the King of the Elephants. One hot day, he proceeded to the lake with his family to cool off in its fresh waters. But from within the lake a crocodile appeared who attacked him and would not let go of him. When the family and relatives saw ‘death’ coming close to Gajendra, and everyone realised that everything was lost, they left Gajendra alone. Gajendra prayed to god Vishnu to save him. Vishnu came to the aid of Gajendra, who offered a lotus to the god. Vishnu attacked the crocodile and saved His Loved One.

Gajendra, in his previous life was a great devotee called Indradyumna who was also a great king. One day, Agastya, a great sage came to visit the king. Indradyumna did not receive the Sage with the respect that the latter expected. The enraged Agastya cursed the king to become an elephant in his next birth, as he sat heavy on his seat and did not rise to greet him.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History