What is the story of Samudra Manthan? The gods and asuras churned the ocean of milk for the nectar of immortality, with Mount Mandara as the rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. Shiva drank the poison that rose first, and Lakshmi, Dhanvantari and the nectar followed.
The story
A curse from sage Durvasa left the gods weak. Vishnu told them to churn the ocean of milk for amrita, the nectar of immortality, and to make peace with the asuras for the work. Mount Mandara was the churning rod, and the serpent Vasuki the rope. When the mountain began to sink, Vishnu became the tortoise Kurma and held it up.
The first thing to rise was Halahala, a poison that could end all life. Shiva drank it, and Parvati held it in his throat, turning it blue. This is why he is called Neelkantha.
Then came treasures: Kamadhenu the wish-giving cow, the horse Uchchaihshravas, the moon, and Lakshmi, who chose Vishnu. Last came Dhanvantari with the pot of amrita. The asuras seized it, and Vishnu took the form of Mohini to give it back to the gods. The asura Svarbhanu slipped in among them and was cut in two, and became Rahu and Ketu.
What it teaches
Sources
- Bhagavata Purana, Book 8; Vishnu Purana.
The puja families link with this story
Questions devotees ask us
Where does the story of Samudra Manthan come from?
It is told in the Bhagavata Purana, Book 8; Vishnu Purana. Retellings differ in small details from region to region.
What does this story teach?
Poison often comes before nectar, and someone must be willing to take it.