Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 8 Chapter 8:18-29

Book 8: Chapter 8

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 8: Chapter 8: Verses 18-29 The manifestation (in a personal form) of the Lord's (own) enchanting potency Having a pair of symmetrical and closely set breasts, painted with sandal-paste and saffron, and marked with an exceedingly slender waist and moving hither and thither (in that distinguished assemblage) accompanied by the sweet jingling of anklets, She shone like a (mobile) creeper of gold. Looking out among the Gandharvas, Yaksas, Asuras, Siddhas, Caranas, gods (lit., the denizens of heaven) and others for a husband for Her-a husband free from blemish, eternal and possessed of everlasting virtues, She did not find any. (She said to Herself:--)"There is no full control of anger in him of whom asceticism can be surely predicated. (Likewise) wisdom is found in some individuals; but it is not free from attachment. A third one is great (no doubt); but there is no complete mastery of concupiscence in him. And how can he be a lord, who depends (for his existence and power) on another ? There is righteousness in some; but there is no love for living beings in them. (Again) there is liberality in some individuals; but in their case it is not conducive to Liberation (their liberality being actuated by some interested motives). (Similarly) there is prowess in a certain individual; but it is not immune from the ravages of Time. (And) surely he who is (entirely) free from attachment to the objects of senses cannot be a (fit) companion (inasmuch as he will choose to remain absorbed in abstract meditation and will have nothing to do with me). There is long life in some; but there is no amiability nor auspiciousness (of the kind coveted by women ). In some (others) there is amiability and auspiciousness too; but the duration of their life cannot be (easily) known. In some rare individual both these qualities (longevity as well as amiability) exist; but he too is inauspicious (in outward conduct). (Of course) there is one who is very auspicious too (besides being long-lived and amiable); but he does not long for me." Having thus deliberated, Goddess Rama (Laksmi) chose for Her husband (none other than) Lord Visnu (the Bestower of Liberation), the most worthy of all from the point of view of His everlasting virtues (such as righteousness and wisdom) and (absolute) independence, who is beyond the (three) Gunas (modes of Prakrti) and was coveted by Her, nay, who is wooed by all excellences, even though He does not feel interested in anyone.. Placing on His shoulders the charming wreath of fresh lotuses resonant with the humming of swarms of maddening black-bees, and having attained to His bosom, Her own (permanent) abode, through Her (lotus-like) eyes blooming with a bashful smile, she stood by His side (awaiting His grace as it were). Lord Visnu (the Father of the three worlds) made His bosom the permanent abode of Goddess Sri, the Mother of the three worlds and the Source of (all) riches. Ensconced there, Laksmi promoted (the welfare of) Her creation, the three worlds and their rulers, by Her benignant look. A great noise issued forth from conchs, clarionets and clay tomtoms and other musical instruments, as well as from Gandharvas (attendants of the gods) and their wives singing (on that occasion). All the creators of the world, headed by Brahma, Rudra (the god of destruction) and the sage Angina, celebrated the Lord by means of sacred texts purporting to describe Him and representing the bare truth, and showered flowers on Him. Looked at by Sri, the gods and other created beings including the lords of creation became rich in amiability and other qualities and attained supreme felicity. The Daityas and Danavas (on the other hand) became dispirited, rapacious, effortless and devoid of shame, O Pariksit, when they were overlooked by Laksmi.