In the spiritual quest we are bound to get siddhis. The great saints advise us not to be stuck with the siddhis but to move forward in the search. As we attain siddhis we become proud with the feeling that we can rule the world. And then we indulge in wrong doings. This is true not only in Kaliyuga but at all times. Even sages succumbed to this but learnt their lesson very quickly. The sages could not decide who was the best of the trinities? Why did they want to know this is a question that cannot be answered? Sage Brighu was chosen to test the three divinities. He first went to Brahma and showed utter disrespect. Brahma gets angry and sage Brighu in turns curses that no one in Kaliyuga will worship Brahma.
Next was the turn of Shiva. Nandi did not allow Brighu to enter Kailash. So Brighu cursed that Shiva will be worshipped in the form of Linga. Then he moved to Vaikunta. He went straight in without seeking permission. He found Vishnu sleeping and asked him to wake up but Vishnu did not wake up as he was in deep sleep. Angered at this he kicked Vishnu on his chest. Vishnu woke up but did not get angry. He asked Brighu if his leg was hurt after kicking him. Brighu was very pleased and was declared Vishnu the best of the trinity.
What sage Brighu did not realise was that he was being watched by Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. She got very angry and cursed Brighu. She said from then on no Brahmin would be blessed with wealth as she would never visit them. When sage Brighu stated his purpose of the action, she mellowed down a little and said that her curse stayed but if Brahmins prayed to Lord Vishnu they will be relieved from the problems of not having wealth.
