Mangal Mandir Jagrati Class Lesson 2 September 14, 2014 The resident deities of Mangal Mandir are Lakshmi Narayan. They occupy the central location in the Mandir. One can see Narayan Bhagwan in His full glory and Lakshmi Maa in her benevolent blessing pose. Nara means humans and Ayana means shelter. Hence Narayana means the shelter of all human beings. Whosoever chants the “Om Namo Narayana” mantra reaches the Vaikuntha planet. Lord Narayan is the supreme almighty and everything emanates from Him. He Himself expands as the Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the maintainer) and Shiva (the destroyer). He is the supersoul and the supreme lord of all. Narayan Bhagwan is seen holding Sudarshan Chakra and gada in His right hands, shankha and lotus flower in his left hands. Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and is the source of strength even to Lord Narayana. She is the consort of Vishnu and married Rama as Sita and Krishna as Radha. Lakshmi is the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk when the Gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn during the samudra manthan. Devas (Gods) and asuras (demons) were in a race to obtain amrit (the nectar of immortality.) The amrit was at the bottom of the ocean and had to be brought to the surface. They approached Lord Vishnu for His help. Lord Vishnu took the form of a tortoise and supported the Mandara Mountain on his back. Devas and asuras then wound the serpent Vasuki about the mountain and used it to churn the ocean. When the ocean was churned, the first thing to emerge was a pot full of Vish, poison. There was no safe place to put the vish. Lord Shiva took the Vish in his mouth but did not swallow it and kept it in his throat. This turned his throat blue and earned him the name “Neel Kanth”, one having blue throat. Many gifts followed which the Devas and asuras shared among themselves. Lakshmi appeared sitting on a beautiful lotus during the churning. Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Maa got reunited at this time. Mangal Mandir Jagrati Class Lesson 2 September 14, 2014 .