Samudra Manthan is a very popular Shivaratri legend from Puranas that explains why people stay awake all night on Shivaratri and worship Lord Shiva. Besides, it also tells us why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha.
The Legend
Once Indra who was the King of Gods while riding on an elephant came across Durvasa Muni who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland but put it on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant was irritated by the smell and it threw the garland on the floor. This enraged the Durvasa Muni as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (the fortune) and was to be treated as Prasada. Durvasa Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.
Later in battles that followed this incident, devas were defeated and asuras (demons) led by Bali gained control of the universe. Devas led by Indra sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. And Lord Vishu told Devas that he would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar.
Samudra Manthan
The churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) was an elaborate process. Mount Mandara was used as churning rod and Vasuki, the King of Serpents became the churning rope. Lord Vishnu himself had to intercede in so many ways to aid the Devas. Many objects were produced from the ocean and were divided between asuras and gods. The following things emerged from the Samudra Manthan like-
- Sura or Varuni – Goddess and creator of wine
- Apsaras – various divine nymphs
- Kaustubha – a rare diamond said to be the most valuable jewel in the world
- Uchhaishravas – the divine white horse
- Kalpavriksha – the wish-granting tree
- Kamadhenu – the wish fulfilling cow
- Airavata – the white elephant
- Lakshmi – the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth. Vishnu and Lakshmi were reunited after having been separated for many ages.
Haalaa-Hala – the Poison
During the Samudra Manthan by the gods and demons, haalaa-hala, a pot of poison also came out of the ocean. This terrified the Gods and demons as the poison was so toxic that it effects would have wiped out the entire creation. On the advice of Lord Vishnu all the Gods approached Lord Shiva for help and pray for protection as only he could swallow it without being affected. On the request of gods and out of compassion for living beings, Lord Shiva drank the poison. However, Parvati – Lord Shiva’s consort (wife) pressed his neck so that the poison does not reach his stomach. Thus it stayed in his throat neither going up nor going down and Shiva remained unharmed. The poison was so potent that it changed the colour of Lord Shiva neck to blue. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Neelakantha (the blue-necked one) where ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kantha’ means neck or throat.
As part of the therapy, doctors advised gods to keep Lord Shiva awake during the night. And to amuse Shiva and to keep him awake, the gods took turn performing various dances and playing music. As the day broke out, Lord Shiva was pleased with their devotion and blessed them all. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world. Since then, on this day and night – devotees fast, keep vigil, sing glories of Lord and meditate.
Churning Out Divine Nectar
At last, Dhanvantari – the Divine Physician appeared with a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality) in his skilful hands. And the fierce fighting ensued between devas and asuras for the nectar. Because of fighting at each of these places-Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, a drop of the nectar spilled from the pot. It is believed that these places thus acquired mystical power. Grand Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four places after every 12 years for this reason And Ardha-Kumbha Mela is celebrated after six years. Next Year in 2021 Mahakumbha will be held at Haridwar.
Later Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini. While her beauty bewildered the asuras, Mohini seized the nectar and returned it to the Devas who drank it immediately. And thus the devas became immortal.
