Adhyaya 10

Sāvarṇi asks how Śrī (Lakṣmī), after departing from Indra, may be regained, requesting an account centered on Nārāyaṇa. Skanda describes the devas’ fallen state: defeat and loss of rank, ascetic-like wandering with the guardians of the directions, and a long season of drought, poverty, and scarcity. After enduring much misery, the devas take refuge at Mount Meru and approach Brahmā, with Śaṅkara present. Brahmā proposes a remedy to win Viṣṇu’s favor. The devas go to the northern shore of the Kṣīrasāgara (Ocean of Milk) and perform severe tapas, meditating single-mindedly on Keśava—Vāsudeva, the Lord of Lakṣmī. In time Viṣṇu manifests in radiant splendor. Brahmā and Śiva, followed by the assembled devas, prostrate and offer a formal stotra, praising Vāsudeva as Oṃkāra-brahma, nirguṇa, the inner ruler (antar-yāmin), and protector of dharma. The devas confess that their offense to Durvāsas caused Śrī’s absence and beg for restoration. Viṣṇu acknowledges their distress and prescribes a practical, cooperative means: cast medicinal herbs into the ocean, use Mandara as the churning rod and the Nāgarāja as the rope, and churn the sea in alliance with the asuras. He promises aid and foretells the results—amṛta will arise and Śrī’s “glance” will return to the devas, while the adversaries will be burdened with suffering. Viṣṇu then disappears, and the devas begin to carry out his instruction.