Test of Tridev

Once sage Bhrigu wanted to know who among the trinity was the greatest: The Lord Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva. He decided to take test. He began with Lord Brahma. While Lord Brahma was reading the scriptures, Bhrigu came before him in a very arrogant way without bowing. Lord Brahma paid no attention towards sage Bhrigu. Later he scolded sage Bhrigu for showing disrespect. Next Bhrigu went to see Shiva. When Shiva saw sage Bhrigu coming towards him, he did not know how to greet him. In spite of this, Shiva grabbed sage Bhrigu and embraced him. Sage Bhrigu didn’t liked this way as Lord Shiva had a bhasm on his body This made Lord Shiva angry. Sage Bhrigu quickly left that place too. While on his way sage Bhrigu thought that how can Lord Brahma & Lord Shiva be greatest because they could not control their anger.Vishnu was the last member of the trinity to be examined by Bhrigu. When Bhrigu arrived at Vishnu’s abode, Vishnu was fast asleep. Sage Bhrigu thought to himself, “Since both Lord Brahma and Shiva showed their anger, let me see if I can also make Vishnu angry.” Then sage Bhrigu kicked lord Vishnu extremely hard right on his chest. Lord Vishnu woke up and immediately grabbed Bhrigu’s feet. “Are you hurt, are you hurt,? Please tell me. You kicked me so hard! I am deeply concerned that you have hurt yourself. Bhrigu replied, “My Lord, among the trinity— Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva –you are by far the greatest.”. It is said that the mark of Bhrigu’s foot is still visible on Vishnu’s chest.