Churning the Milk Ocean

Chapter 6, 7, 8

When Ksirodakasayi Vishnu appeared, the demigods offered words of praise, stunned by the splendour of His effulgence. The Lord advised the demigods to forge a truce with the demons so they could cooperatively churn the milk ocean, from which many fascinating things would emerge. Most importantly, the nectar of immortality would be produced which would safeguard the demigods from any further problems.

The demigods thus approached Bali Maharaja, the king of demons, and everyone agreed to the proposal. They travelled to the ocean carrying Mandara mountain (as the churning rod) and the snake, Vasuki (as the rope). When they became fatigued and injured due to the sheer weight of the mountain, the Lord appeared as Ajita to revive them and help transport it over.

Upon arrival, they began churning the ocean, but after some time the churning rod began sinking. To rescue the joint operation, the Lord incarnated as a tortoise named Kurma to stabilise the mountain on His back. During the churning, a deadly poison was produced which posed a threat to everyone. The Prajapatis appealed to Lord Siva, who performed the most benevolent act of consuming that poison for the protection of everyone assembled. Great personalities accept suffering, simply to relieve the suffering of others.

The churning continued and other items appeared – a surabhi cow, a horse named Uccaihsrava, Airavata and other elephants, a gem known as Kaustubha, a parijata flower and the Apsaras, the most beautiful women in the universe. When Laksmidevi appeared, she was honoured for being the source of prosperity, abundance and grace. Since all living entities have some imperfection, she couldn’t identify an appropriate husband. The goddess of fortune eventually selected Lord Vishnu to be her master, and He offered Her an eternal place at His chest. When Varuni, the goddess of drinking, was generated, Lord Vishnu ordered the demons to accept her.