Once, a certain group of holy men argued over which of the three main gods was the greatest.
"Lord Brahma created everything. He is the greatest," said one.
"But Lord Vishnu keeps everything going. He is the greatest," argued another.
"Lord Shiva has the power to destroy everything. He is the greatest," said a third.

Their argument continued, until it was agreed that Brighu, the holiest man amongst them, should settle the matter once and for all.

Brighu went first to the home of Lord Brahma.

"Greetings four-headed one," began Brighu, without bowing his head. The god and the holy man spoke together for a long time - creating many new stories and ideas. At the end of their conversation, Brahma said, "I have enjoyed speaking with you, holy man. And I am glad that you now see that I am the greatest god. But next time, please address me with greater reverence and respect." Brighu bowed his head in thanks.

The next house Brighu visited was that of Lord Shiva. Outside the door, Brighu found many skulls lying around. He picked one up and hurled it through an open window. The god emerged from the house, rubbing his head in a wild fury.

"You foolish mortal," thundered Shiva, "Now I shall turn you to a pile of smouldering ashes."
Shiva was about to reveal his deadly third eye, but Brighu spoke up.
"My Lord, please do not harm me. I have been sent to discover which god is the greatest. My quest is now at an end. For it is plain to see that you, Lord Shiva, are the greatest god."

Won over by this flattery, Shiva welcomed Brighu into his home. They talked for hours and hours. And when they had finished, there was barely a trace of ignorance anywhere in the Universe.

When Brighu knocked on the door of Lord Vishnu's house, there was no reply. Believing the god to be not at home, Brighu pushed open the door. But there, lying on the floor, was the great god himself, fast asleep. Brighu tip-toed over and put his mouth to the god's ear.
"Wake up!" he screamed. But the god did not stir.
Next Brighu picked up a jug of water and tipped it over the god's head. But still the god did not wake up.
In exasperation, Brighu kicked the god's chest.
Vishnu awoke to see a holy man, hopping around his house, clutching his big toe.
"That must have been very sore," said Vishnu, "Please sit down and let me have a look."
Vishnu healed the holy man's broken toe. He fetched more water and prepared a meal for the two of them. After they had eaten, Vishnu said,
"Tell me, holy man, what question did you come to ask me?"
"It doesn't matter now," said Brighu."
And thanking the god for his hospitality, he returned to his friends, knowing, with certainity, the answer to their question.