Churning of milk ocean and its symbolism | Fusion - WeRIndia

According to Hindu Mythology, Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean of milk delivered many things. Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from it.

The churning was done by both gods and demons. Mountain Mandara was used as a churning rod and Vasuki, the serpent of Lord Shiva was tied as a rope around the mountain while churning the ocean.

The mountain signifies concentration and the serpent represents passion. One cannot achieve anything without concentration and passion. Kurma (the tortoise), one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu supported the mountain from the bottom. The mountain started to sink in the ocean at the time of churning. Then Lord Vishnu supported to keep it steady by taking the incarnation of Kurma. It symbolizes balance.

Here are some other things derived from the ocean and their significance:

• Goddess Lakshmi emerged while churning. She was gifted to Lord Vishnu. She is the goddess of fortune and wealth. It represents that all fortunes belong to God alone. Goddess Lakshmi also symbolizes knowledge and self-realization.
• Before getting Amrit, the elixir of life or immortality, gods and demons got Halahal, the poison. The poison is so powerful that could destroy the entire creation. Then gods requested Lord Shiva to help them. He consumed it to protect the world. The poison represents negative thoughts and forces. Lord Shiva, who gulped the poison, is the Supreme to help overcome negative forces. It also signifies that one has to bear the pain to get the fruit.
• Gods and demons churned the ocean of milk for Amrit, the elixir of life. It signifies liberation. Lord Vishnu distracted demons by taking the form of Mohini and distributed Amrit to only gods to avoid the destruction of demons. Mohini is the symbol of delusion, which led demons to deviate from their goal of getting the elixir of life.

Read about the remaining things in the next article.

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