[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.276 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.276 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.276 - **Language:** English ### [c5.276](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.276) In the Padma Purāna it is related that the Rishis, assembled at a sacrifice, disputed as to which deity was best entitled to the homage of a Brāhman. Being unable to agree, they resolved to send Bhrigu to test the characters of the various gods, and he accordingly went. He could not obtain access to Siva because that deity was engaged with his wife; “finding him, therefore, to consist of the property of darkness, Bhrigu sentenced him to take the form of the Linga, and pronounced that he should have no offerings presented to him, nor receive the worship of the pious and respectable. His next visit was to Brahmā, whom he beheld surrounded by sages, and so much inflated with his own importance as to treat Bhrigu with great inattention, betraying his being made up of foulness. The Muni therefore excluded him from the worship of the Brāhmans. Repairing next to Vishnu, he found the deity asleep, and, indignant at his seeming sloth, Bhrigu stamped upon his breast with his left foot and awoke him; instead of being offended, Vishnu gently pressed the Brāhman’s foot and expressed himself honoured and made happy by its contact; and Bhrigu, highly pleased by his humility, and satisfied of his being impersonated goodness, proclaimed Vishnu as the only being to be worshipped by men or gods, in which decision the Munis, upon Bhrigu’s report, concurred.”—\*Wilson.\* - [Previous: c5.275](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.275) - [Next: c5.277](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.277) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Cites (1) - [Padmapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.padma) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.276](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.276) · Pramāṇa