Who is Lord Vikat?
Lord Vikat is described as the sixth avatar of Lord Ganesha in the Ashta Vinayaka avatars. According to the Mudgala Purana, this avatar appeared to suppress a powerful demon named Kamasura. The word "Vikat" means one who has a huge, extraordinary, formidable or wonderful form. This form of Lord Ganesha is considered a symbol of divine power, self-control and victory over desires.
The Vikat avatar gives the message of removing the defects of uncontrolled desires, lusts and indulgences in human life. Kamasura was not just an asura, but a symbol of excessive lust, craving and craving for material pleasures in the human mind. Lord Vikat showed that when desires cross the limits of religion and conscience, they cause destruction.
Origin of Kamasura
According to the Mudgal Purana, the demon Jalandhar became invincible due to the influence of the chastity of Mahasati Vrinda. At the request of the gods, Lord Vishnu playfully broke Vrinda's chastity. As a result of this incident, Kamasura was born from the radiance of Lord Vishnu. From childhood, Kamasura had extraordinary power, ambition and a strong desire to win.
Kamasur accepted the demon guru Shukracharya as his guru. Shukracharya was a great devotee of Shiva. He initiated Kamasura into the five-letter mantra of Lord Shiva "Namah Shivaay" and advised him to go to the forest for penance.
Lord Shiva's Penance and Boon
Kamasur performed severe penance to Lord Shiva for thousands of years, giving up food, water and fruits. Pleased with his steadfast devotion and rigorous practice, Lord Ashutosh appeared before him. Kamasura praised Lord Shiva and asked for a boon of the kingdom of the universe, undefeated power, fearlessness and immortality.
Despite knowing that this boon could create trouble for the gods, Lord Shiva granted Kamasura the desired boon due to his devotion. As soon as he received the boon, Kamasura's confidence increased manifold.
Kamasur's Empire
Shukracharya married Kamasura to Mahishasura's daughter Trishna and declared him the ruler of the demons. Kamasura made Ratidnagar his capital. His main allies included powerful demons like Ravana, Shambar, Mahisha, Bali and Durmad.
By the power of boons, Kamasura first conquered the earth and then invaded heaven. The gods could not withstand him. Soon he established his dominance over all three worlds. The rule of the demons was established in the entire universe.
Destruction of Religion
During Kamasura's reign, Yajna, Havan, Swaha, Swadha and the Vedas' religious traditions began to be destroyed. The Varnashrama system was broken. In place of truth, kindness and religion, falsehood, deceit and indulgence prevailed. The sages, sages and pious people became extremely sad.
The gods took refuge in Maharishi Mudgal to get relief from this crisis. He advised the gods to go to the Mayuresh region and worship Lord Ganesha.
Incarnation of Lord Vikat
The gods worshipped Lord Ganesha for a long time through the monosyllable Ganesh mantra. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vikat appeared. In this incarnation, Lord Ganesha was riding on a peacock vehicle and was holding a noose and reins in his hands. All directions were illuminated by his divine radiance.
The gods told Lord Vikat about the terror of Kamasura and prayed for his protection. Lord Vikat assured him that he would end Kamasura's adharma and restore religion.
War with Kamasura
With the blessings of Lord Vikat, new power was infused in the gods and the war began. A fierce struggle took place between the gods and the demons. During this war, two of Kamasura's sons – Adharshan and Dushpur – died. Enraged by the death of his sons, Kamasura himself entered the battlefield.
Kamasur challenged Lord Vikat and said that the entire Triloka was under his control and the gods could not stand against him. But Lord Vikat explained to him that he had spread adharma by misusing the boon of Lord Shiva. He said that he was the Supreme Brahman who was beyond birth and death and no one could win against him.
Lord Vikat's Philosophy
Lord Vikat advised Kamasura to remember the teachings of his guru Shukracharya. He explained that power and boons should be used to protect religion, not to spread evil. If Kamasura wanted to live, he should give up ego and lust and surrender to God.
Despite this divine teaching of God, Kamasura tried to strike with his mace. But he immediately fainted. When he came to his senses, he realized that it was impossible to fight against Lord Vikat. God had made him experience His power without using any weapon.
Kamasur's Surrender
Finally, Kamasura realized that Lord Vikat was the form of the Almighty Brahman. He surrendered to the Lord by giving up his ego, lust and indulgence. He sought forgiveness from the Lord and resolved to follow the path of religion.
Lord Vikat forgave him and blessed him to live a peaceful life. After Kamasura's transformation, all the sufferings of the gods, sages and pious people were removed. Religion and righteousness were re-established in the entire universe.
Spiritual Significance of Vikat Avatar
The incarnation of Lord Vikat gives the message of overcoming the uncontrolled desires and lusts in human life. Kamasura is a symbol of excessive desires, which take a person away from religion and truth. When desires are not controlled, a person harms himself and society.
Lord Vikat teaches that desires can be directed in the right direction only through self-control, devotion and discernment. True happiness lies not in pleasures but in self-knowledge and spiritual development.
Importance of worshipping Lord Vikat
Lord Vikat is worshipped for control over desires, stability of mind and spiritual progress. Devotees believe that with his grace, one can overcome lusts, greed and improper desires. This form is considered especially beneficial for students, seekers and people walking on the spiritual path.
Conclusion
Lord Vikat is the sixth and most powerful form of Lord Ganesha in the Ashta Vinayaka Avatars. By defeating Kamasura, he taught the world that uncontrolled desires and indulgence ultimately lead to destruction. The path of self-control, devotion and religion is the path to true peace and success. Lord Vikat's form inspires devotees towards self-victory and spiritual advancement.