Mahalakshmi’s proximity

Lord Narayana is gracious enough to forgive our sins, if we but surrender to Him. Periazhvar, in one of his verses, said that He does not tolerate the criticism of His devotees. He will not believe that they are capable of doing wrong. Even if Goddess Mahalakshmi were to complain to Him about His devotees, and point to their flaws, He will not accept Her criticism.

He will disbelieve Her criticism and assert that they are incapable of wrong doing. Such is the quality of His mercy towards His devotees. But although God is mercy

personified, He can be provoked to anger too, and His mercy can be slow in coming. But the Goddess’mercy flows unimpeded by
anger. This unhindered grace of Hers is what ultimately saves us, said Akkarakkani Srinidhi, in a discourse. It is because of Her
concern for us, that the moment the Lord decides to incarnate, She is ready to accompany Him. She comes to stay His hand,
when He is about to punish us, and to argue on our behalf with Him.

Kakasura pecked at Sita’s breast. Sita tried to shoo the crow away by throwing a clod of

earth on it. But the crow resumed pecking Her after a short respite. Sita, who was tired, was resting Her head on Rama’s lap,
But the crow dared to peck Her even then. And now it injured Her. This was an unforgivable offence, and Lord Rama’s wrath
was aroused. He saw Sita bleeding from the injuries inflicted by the crow. He picked up a blade of grass and converted it into
the Brahmastra, and sent it after the crow, with the intention of killing it. The crow flew as fast it could, but wherever it went, the arrow followed it. Finally, exhausted
and with no place to go to, it fell at Rama’s feet. Rama forgave the crow and showed it
leniency in punishment, and spared its life. The reason for this kindness was the presence of Sita beside Him.

But others who were slain by Rama were not so fortunate, because in their cases, Sita was not beside Rama when they were subjected to His wrath. The Lord cannot be seen as separate from His Consort. Together they protect us, with the Goddess displaying more tolerance towards our many mistakes.