Samudra Manthana
According Sanatana Dharma, Samudra Manthana or the Churning of the Milk Sea is an event occuring between the Devas and Asuras. Both parties seek Amrita, the elixer of immortality, the Devas triumphing in the end! Overall, this myth features a struggle between the Devas and Asuras or between good and evil. And while churning, herbs were cast into the sea which created fourteen gems called ratnas. Some of these were treasures while the rest transformed into new devas or mythic creatures! |
Legend |
The world changed after the Birth of the Erlithmanil, the old world razed to the ground—for many it was the end. Surviving Sanatanis believe the chaos was the end of the previous cycle or associate it with the myth of Samudra Manthana, a war between the Devas and Asuras as they sought out Amrita, the elixur of immortality. Either way, the Erlithmanil raged across the entire world, elemental destruction and divine fury reshaped the planet. Wildfires scorched the earth, lightning besotted whole nations and the sea consumed swaths of the earth which shifted beneath their feet, entire continents relocated!
As uncompromising fire enveloped Bharatavarsa and their once tropical environment gave way to arctic winds, Shiva took pity on the pious Sanatanis, submerging their peninsula in quenching water. Some Sanatanis survived this well-intended flood by taking refuge in the high peaks turned islands while others were rescued by Devas inlcuding Varuna, Pashupati, Garuda and the Ashvins, granting them kaithur which would let them to fly or reside underwater! But Parvati, in the form of Kali, was furious with Shiva for extinguishing her flames. Yet Shiva, ever tranquil and patient, managed to calm her wrath and call on her to aid the suffering Sanatanis. Taking on the form of Gauri, Parvati warmed the waters from deep underground, the steady heat of volcanc chambers saving them from the unforgiving cold of their new arctic habitat. From then on, Bharatavarsa became a mystical lake where snow falls along warm, steamy waters! A new being was also born from the combined power of Shiva and Parvati--Kamadeva! He rose alongside the steam, embodying both his mother's passion and his father's tranquility. Despite this act of goodwill, the conflict continued as the Asuras battled against the Devas overhead Bharatavarsa, churning these waters into a frothy whirlpool! Prithvi began casting special herbs into the water laced with healing magic, trying to save those caught in the tempest. But she is pulled into the water by an Asura, submerging her deep underwater until Vishnu -in the shape of a boar- defeats her assailant and rescues her from the depths! But something miraculous had occurred due to Prithvi's efforts: the herbs and churning waters birthing fourteen ratnas, precious gems, which transformed into divine treasures, mythic creatures and even newborn Devas! Lakshmi herself emerged from this frothing sea, immediately dredging up mountains all around the edges of Bharatavarsa, coralling the tepid waters until a system of lakes, mountains and islands were formed! Varuni also emerged, carrying with her Amrita which she granted to the Devas, causing the Asurra to retreat. Once they had attained immortality, Kamadeva sprang into action! Useing his sugarcane bow and flower arrows, he struck the hearts of the raging Devas, invoking emotions of affection and love for mankind and a desire for peace. Finally seeing the destruction they had wrought, the Devas refocused on restoring order. With the aid of the serpent Vasuki anquored around Kunlun Shan, the raging waters finally subsided. However, a lethal poison, Halahala, formed from the churning and herbs too, so potent it threatened the life of all creatures! In one more act of wisdom and kindness, Shiva gathered and swallowed Halahala, turning his neck blue but finally quelling the dangers the Asura had provoked. The Sanatanis people were saved despite many changes to their homeland, taking on a new aquatic lifestyle. Kamadeva became known as the god of love, a symbol of divine aid and mercy who calmed the raging gods! He continues to rule Bharatavarsa to this day through, the Bharata Ganarajya. |
Devas |
Alakshmi | |||
Wealth & Fortune |
Misfortune & Poverty | ||
Merriment & Alcohol |
Love & Desire | ||
Dhanvantari |
Nidradevi | ||
Medicine & Ayurveda |
Sleep & Dreams |
Creatures |
Kamadhenu |
A wish-fullfilling cow which represents prosperity and fertility. |
Airavata |
Strong, loyal and having 3-5 heads and four tusks, Airavata is the vahana of Indra, king of the gods. |
Uchchaishravas |
A snowy white pegasus considered the ideal horse, Uchchaishravas is the vahana of Bali, king of the Asuras. |
Treasures |
Kaustubha |
Kalpavriksha |
A divine ruby gifted to Vishnu by Shiva, representing his divine authority, beauty and purity. It is said to be the most beautiful and resplendant of all gems! |
A wish-fulfilling tree which resides in Indraloka, Indra's paradise, symbolizing fulfillment and divine generosity. It can grant any wish. |
Halahala |
Panchajanya |
A powerful and lethal poison which arose during the churning of the cosmic sea. But Shiva drank the poison, turning his throat blue and saving all of creation! |
The conch belonging to Vishnu the Preserver, representing all five elements. Vishnu heralds creation of a new universe by blowing this conch! |
These are powerful earrings which bestow invincibility and protection from harm, stolen at times by asuras. As the mother of the devas, Aditi's earrings represent cosmic nurturing, abundance and divine protection. |
This umbrella, belonging to the god of water and rta (cosmic order), is believed to shleter and protect its protector even from Indra's lightning! It symbolizes authority and protection from dharma, also believed to control water. |
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