The
Devas lost their
strength and powers due to a curse by the sage Durvasa because Indra, the king of the Devas, had insulted the sage’s gift (a garland)
by giving it to his elephant (Airavata) which trampled upon it. Thus,
after losing their immortality and kingdom, they approached Lord Vishnu for help.
Vishnu
suggested that they needed to drink the nectar of immortality to regain their
lost glory. However, they needed to strive hard to acquire the nectar since it
was hidden in the ocean of milk. After declaring a truce with their foes (Asuras), Indra and his
Devas together with the Asuras, use the serpent Vasuki as a churning rope and the mount Mandara as the churning staff.
When
they began churning, the mount began sinking into the ocean. Taking the form of
a turtle (Kurma), Vishnu bears the entire weight of the mountain and the churning
continues and various objects are thrown out including the deadly poison Halahala, whose fumes threaten to destroy
the Devas and the Asuras. Lord Shiva then comes to their rescue and gathers the entire poison in his
palm and drinks it. His consort, Parvathi, clasps his throat and the
poison remains there. Hence he became known as “Neelakanta” (literally: “the
blue-throated one).
“Fourteen
precious things” come out of the ocean, culminating with Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods,
appearing with the nectar of immortality. The Asuras immediately rush and grab
the nectar while quarreling among themselves.
Vishnu
again comes to the rescue in the form of a beautiful damsel, Mohini and tricks the Asuras and retrieves the potion which is
distributed to the Devas. Though the Asuras realize Vishnu’s tricks, it is too
late, as the Devas regain their renowned prowess and defeat them.
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