49 - Shattering of the Pride of Agni 

Sri Krishna said- Surya who happens to be Trigunatmaka and the illustrious one bowed in reverence to Brahma and at his command shedding his pride started behaving in a docile manner. Now you listen to the story of Agni quite carefully. This story is quite secretive in the Puranas and serve as a nectar and are the best for the ears. 

Once Agni, the god of fire got ready to reduce the three lokas to ashes. At that point of time his flame was rising to the height of hundred tala trees. He had been enraged getting upset with the curse of Bhrugu. Thinking himself to be an extremely illustrious one he thought others to be of no consequence. 

In the meantime, Vishnu arrived there and standing before him Agni took away the power of Agni to burn. 

Having the form of a boy by his illution, lord Janardana told him smilingly and gently with devotion. 

The boy said- О lord, why are you annoyed you tell me the reason for it? Why have you got ready to bum the three worlds for nothing.

Bhrugu has pronounced a curse on you, therefore you can suppress Bhrugu, how far is it justified to destroy all the three worlds for the fault of one person? 

Brahma has created this world and Vishnu is the preserver of the same, the responsibility for destruction of the universe rests with Shiva this is the order prescribed since the time immemorial. 

How have you thought of destroying the universe, yourself when Shiva is very much present? In case you have to do this, better be victorious over Vishnu and thereafter, you can destroy the universe. 

Thus, speaking the Brahmana mendicant nicked up a dried leaf of a tree in his hand and with a delightful mind, gave it to Agni for burning it. 

At the sight of that any leaf, the god Agni started moving his tongue. He covered the Brahmana boy with his flames in the same way as the moon is covered the clouds. 

But he could neither bum the dry leaf of the tree nor could he do any harm to the Brahmana boy. At the sight of this, the god Agni felt ashamed and he felt standing totally surprised before the boy. 

The lord in the form of a boy shattered the pride of Agni and then disappeared. He felt terrified and shedding away his terrific form, felt frightened and left for his abide. 

I have narrated to you the story of the shattering of the pride of Agni. What more do you want to listen from me? The shattering of the pride of gods is a new story. 

Radhika said- О lord, you narrate to me about the shattering of the pride of others. Who can be satisfied by with the nectar-like story spoken from your mouth? 

Narayana said- On hearing the words of Radhika Sri Krishna smiled and started narrating the ancient but charming story.