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KALAKUTA ARISING FROM THE OCEAN BED

SHIVA CONSUMING THE POISON - THE DREADFUL 'KALAKUTA'

The churning of the ocean of milk continued with vigor. Then suddenly arose from the ocean bed a cloud which choked the Devas and the Asuras. The Devas and Asuras began shouting for help. They were at loss as to the reason for the suffocation. Then they realized that the ocean had thrown up the 'KALAKUTA,' the dreadful poison. Everybody was frightened by its fierceness.

CELESTIAL ARTICLES THAT AROSE

LAKSHMI EMERGES FROM THE CHURNING

The Devas fervently prayed to Shiva and hoped that he would come to their rescue for the poison was the most effective fiery substance, which no one except Shiva could swallow. Shiva hearing the cries immediately came to the recue. Then, as requested by the gods, Shiva agreed to drink the poison. Shiva held this poison in his throat and saved mankind. The poison was so powerful that it turned Shiva's throat blue, giving him the name 'NEELAKANTHA' or the 'blue-throated one'.

The poison was thus consumed by Shiva. The Devas and Asuras were once again revived and with enthusiasm began the churning once more.

The Devas and Asuras continued with the churning. As the churning continued many celestial articles took shape.

The churning brought to the surface the precious objects that had been lost in the deluge. SURA (goddess of wine), CHANDRA (the moon), APSARAS (celestial nymphs), KAUSTABHA (the precious gem for Vishnu's body), UCHCHAIHSHRAVAS (the divine horse), PARIJATA (the wish granting coral tree), SURABHI (the cow that grants all desires), DHANWANTRI, the celestial physician with his vessels containing medicines, AIRAVATA(the four-tusked elephant), PANCHAJANYA (conch-shell) and SHARANGA (the invincible bow) emerged one by one as the churning continued.

After that a surprising spectacle appeared. In the midst of the waves of the sea of milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view. She was standing on a fully blossomed lotus. Wearing a lotus garland in the neck, she was holding a lotus in her hand. Her appearance was most attractive. She, who was radiantly smiling, was Lakshmi herself.