[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c7.2351 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.2351 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.2351 - **Language:** English ### [c7.2351](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.2351) In Satyayuga Mahāviṣṇu performed intense penance on the Śveta island for the attainment of eternal happiness. Brahmā also performed penance at a beautiful place for the annihilation of desires. During their tapas Viṣṇu and Brahmā, for a rest, left their seats and walked about in the forest when they met each other. There arose a controversy between them about their respective greatness when Śiva, in the form of a Liṅga, appeared between the two contestants and told them that he, who first found out his (Śiva's) head or feet was greater than the other. Accordingly Viṣṇu went down and Brahmā went up on a tour of enquiry. - [Previous: c7.2350](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.2350) - [Next: c7.2352](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.2352) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.2351](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.2351) · Pramāṇa