Ksheera Sagara Manthan / Ocean of Milk Churning
Churning of the Ocean
Samudra Manthan, or the Churning of the Ocean, is a grand cosmic event described in various Hindu scriptures where the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the Ksheera Sagara (Ocean of Milk) to obtain Amrita (nectar of immortality). During the intense churning, several divine objects and beings emerged, including the lethal poison Halahala, which threatened to destroy all of creation. Lord Shiva, in an act of supreme compassion, consumed the poison to protect the universe, holding it in his throat, which turned blue — earning him the name 'Neelakantha'.
When the deadly Halahala poison emerged, Lord Shiva selflessly drank it to protect the universe. He held it in his throat, turning it blue, symbolizing the act of containing negativity without letting it affect one's core essence.
Shiva (Neelakantha)
Consumed the Halahala poison to save the cosmos
Vishnu (Kurma Avatar)
Took the form of Kurma (tortoise) to support Mount Mandara
Devas
Churned the ocean to regain strength and immortality
Asuras
Assisted in churning in hopes of gaining immortality
Mount Mandara
Used as the churning rod
Vasuki
Serpent used as the churning rope
poison Halahala
Represents toxic emotions and karmas released during spiritual transformation.
shiva Drinking Poison
Symbol of supreme sacrifice and mastery over death and ego.
churning
Metaphor for the struggle between good and evil, leading to spiritual enlightenment.
Cosmic Impact
Balance restored between Devas and Asuras through the emergence of Amrita.
Spiritual Impact
Teaches self-sacrifice, detachment, and control over inner poison (anger, ego, etc.).