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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'.

Deity: Shiva (Neelakantha)
Vishnu
Devas
Asuras
Shiva's Role: Neelakantha
The Blue-Throated One

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.

Key Figures & Roles

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

Symbolism

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.

Impact of the Event

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.).

Divine Emergences
Treasures and beings that emerged during the event.
Kamadhenu (wish-fulfilling cow)
Airavata (Indra's elephant)
Kalpavriksha (divine tree)
Apsaras (celestial maidens)
Chandra (Moon)
Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth)
Dhanvantari (Divine physician with Amrita)
Halahala (deadly poison)