Kick Day Special: When Bhrigu Rishi kicked Vishnu Ji on the chest… and what happened next is Sanatan's biggest lesson
- bySudha Saxena
- 17 Feb, 2026
On Kick Day, Sanatan reminds us that the greatest religion lies not in breaking relationships, but in kicking our inner ego. This story of sage Bhrigu and Lord Vishnu is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. This tale teaches us that victory is always achieved not through anger, but through compassion.
Kick Day Special: Today's young generation considers Kick Day a symbol of anger, rejection, or distance in relationships. But in the Sanatan tradition, kicking neither means insult nor violence. Here, kicking is a test, a shock to consciousness, and a sign of the end of ego. The most profound and well-known example of this is found in the story of Bhrigu Rishi and Lord Vishnu, which is still considered the basis of religion and philosophy. This incident seems shocking at first glance: a sage kicks the Lord on the chest. But this very moment also teaches the biggest lesson of Sanatan.
Who is the best among the three gods? This is where the story begins.
In ancient times, the question arose among the sages as to who was the greatest among Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Sage Bhrigu was chosen to decide this. Bhrigu decided to test all three gods and then deliver his conclusion. He first approached Brahma, but was not accorded the respect he expected. Next, he went to Shiva, where he was disturbed by Shiva's fierce form. Finally, Sage Bhrigu reached Vaikuntha, where Lord Vishnu was in Yognidra.
When God was kicked in the chest
Sage Bhrigu, without any preamble, placed his foot on Lord Vishnu's chest, which in modern parlance would be called a "kick." This is believed to be the place where Goddess Lakshmi resides, and therefore this act is considered extremely disrespectful. This was intolerable in terms of civilization, rules, and decorum. Had he been a deity, he might have been enraged. But what happened next is what distinguishes Sanatana from other ideologies.
Compassion, not anger, became God's answer
Lord Vishnu immediately stood up. He neither scolded Bhrigu Rishi nor showed anger. Instead, he held the sage's feet and asked, "Revered Sage, are you hurt?" He then began massaging Bhrigu Rishi's feet. This scene was so impressive that Bhrigu Rishi's own ego was shattered. He understood that true greatness lies not in power, but in restraint and compassion. This was why Bhrigu Rishi declared Vishnu the best among the Trinity.
Lakshmi ji's departure from Vaikuntha and its sign
It is believed that after this incident, Goddess Lakshmi departed from Vaikuntha. This did not imply that Vishnu was at fault, but rather indicated that Lakshmi does not stay permanently where disrespect and arrogance enter. This story also teaches society that wealth and prosperity are directly related to dignity and behavior.
The real meaning of Kick Day in Sanatan
This entire incident clearly demonstrates that in Sanatan, "kick" does not symbolize rejecting someone. Here, "kick" means rejecting ego, renouncing anger, and leaving ego behind. Sage Bhrigu's kick was to the body, but its impact was felt on the mind. Vishnu's compassion, on the other hand, demonstrated that true power lies in silence and restraint.
PC: India.com






