Ksheera Sagara Madhanam
Ksheera Sagara Madhanam is a fascinating story in Srimad Bhagavata by Vyasa Maharshi (Ashtama Skanda). The story has many implications from different angles (spiritual, philosophical, management etc.).
Once Indra and other Devas lost their charm, lustre, strength and freshness due to Maharshi Durvasa’s curse. In contrast, the power of the Asuras increased. They attacked the Devas and killed them in large numbers. A spell of gloom loomed over the world. Then, the Devas, along with Brahma went to the abode of Lord Vishnu and extolled Him with Vedic hymns.
The Lord said, “The present time is favourable to the Asuras. You have to wait until time turns in your favour. Hence, now you make peace with them. Even mutual enemies have to come together to achieve important objectives. Henceforth, both you and Asuras work to get Amrit (elixir), the immortal drink, by churning the Ksheera Sagar (Milky Ocean). You agree to whatever terms the Asuras propose”.
The Devas then approached Bali, the king of the Asuras, and conveyed Lord Vishnu’s instructions. Both the groups had agreed to put together all their energies to obtain Amrit (elixir). They lifted the Mandara mountain from its base and started taking it to the sea to use it as a churning rod. Because of its heavy weight, they dropped it on the way and became helpless.
Then Sri Hari appeared there, lifted the mountain, and put it on Garuda, who unloaded it on the seashore.
Lord Vishnu in Kurma Avatar
They wound Vasuki, the lord of the serpents, around the Mandara mountain as churning rope and began churning with all their might. Then the mountain began to sink in the water because of its sheer weight, as it was not supported by anything under.
The omnipotent Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a divine tortoise (Kurma Avatara) of huge proportions, entered into the water and jacked up the mountain. The churning resumed.
The Lord strengthened the resolve of all in many ways by this manifestation of Kurma – above the mountain by pressing it down, underneath, supporting it as tortoise, in the hearts of Devas and Asuras as strength, and in Vasuki as anaesthesia (to make it insensitive to pain).
After fierce churning, emerged the virulent poison Halahala (also called Kalakuta garala). When it started spreading everywhere with its fatal fumes, all of them ran to Kailasa to seek the protection of Lord Siva. The Lord was extremely pained to see their miserable plight.
He told His consort Sati, “O Bhavani! I have to give shelter to these harassed by garala. Affording protection for the weak and the suffering is the only object and justification of lordship. So, I am going to drink the poison to save all the beings”. Goddess agreed to his drinking.
(In the Telugu translation of Bhagavatam Potana Mahakavi gives a beautiful explanation of why She is permitted to drink the poison:
She knows that it is poison, and it is Her husband who is going to drink it. Yet, she permitted it because it would benefit the people. She must have so much confidence in Her ‘Maangalyam’. She is ‘Sarva Mangala’ and the presiding goddess of ‘Maangalyam’ worn by all married women. In Hindu marriage tradition, the bride first does puja to Gauri Devi for a long-lasting marriage).
Then, Mahadev collected the spreading poison in his palms and drank it with a heart full of love and compassion for all the beings. Because of the destructive power of the poison, His throat became blue.
Nilakanta
Lord Siva got another name ‘Nilakanta’, (click here for all names of Lord Siva) indicating His zeal for the welfare of the world. A small portion of the poison which happened to fall from Siva’s hand while drinking, was appropriated by serpents, scorpions, poisonous plants, and other poisonous creatures.
Devas and Asuras continued churning and various objects emerged from the ocean.
Kamadhenu
First came the ‘Kamadhenu‘, the heavenly cow that bestows all wishes. The Rishis appropriated that cow would be useful for Agnihotra and other Vedic Yajnas.
Ucchaisravas
Then came the horse known as ‘Ucchaisravas’ and it was taken by the Asura king Bali.
Airavata
Next came ‘Airavata’, the white four-tusked elephant and it was taken by Indra. Kaustubha, a gem of Padmaraga, became an ornament of Sri Hari’s neck.
Parijata
Next came the celestial tree Parijata, which can fulfil the wishes of those who approach it. Then came the beautiful Apsaras.
Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi
Next happened an important event – the emergence of Rama (Lakshmi Devi) with the brilliance of lightning. She then put around the neck of Sri Hari the most attractive garland made of choice fresh lotuses. Mahavishnu, the father of the worlds, assigned His bosom, the most sublime of regions, as the residence of Sri Devi, the Mother of the universe and the source of all power, glory, and prosperity (Aiswaryam).
Casting Her benign glance from Her residence there on all Her children in the three worlds, She brought about their progress and prosperity.
Next came Varuni, in the form of a beautiful girl. The Asuras took possession of her. After further churning, there emerged Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is noted for initiating Ayurveda, and who is entitled to a share in the sacrificial offerings. A man with a unique and astounding form, he carried the pot of Amrit.
Seeing him, the Asuras, who entertained desire for all things, suddenly snatched the pot from him. The Devas, in great distress, took refuge in Sri Hari.
Meanwhile, a quarrel started among the Asuras. Each one of them wanted to have the Amrit first and not share it with others. Forgetting mutual friendship, they behaved like enemies. Then, appeared Mahavishnu in the form of a wonderful woman ‘Mohini’. Her extraordinary beauty mesmerised the asuras.
They requested Mohini to divide the Amrit among them in a just way and avoid subsequent disputes. Mohini told them that she would distribute the Amrit if they abided by her actions, irrespective of whether they considered them right or wrong. The Asuras agreed to the condition and handed over the Amrit bhanda (pot) to her.
The Lord thought that it was unwise to confer immortality on the naturally depraved Asuras. Hence, Mohini made different seating arrangements for the Devas and Asuras and assigned seats to them. Then she distributed Amrit among the Devas. The Asuras’ lustful attachment to her prevented them from making any adverse remarks.
After the Devas had finished drinking the Amrit, the Lord assumed His real form and appeared before them. Thus, ended the wonderful story of Ksheera Sagara Mathanam.
This story has many implications and interpretations.
We will examine some of them here.
As Lord Vishnu advised the Devas, when the time is not favourable, we have to wait until the time turns in our favour. To achieve important objectives, even enemies have to join hands. The Lord also suggested that Devas agree to whatever terms the Asuras propose since conciliatory methods are more successful than those of confrontation. These are great lessons in ‘strategic management’.
When we undertake any major project, we will undergo many obstacles. First, the Mandara mountain sank. Then the ferocious Kalakuta poison emerged. Those obstacles should not deter us from our efforts to achieve the ultimate goal. Like Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva, great people help us overcome those problems without expecting anything in return.
In any major project, we may get small benefits on the way, but they should not deter us from achieving the final objective. While advising Devas to start Ksheera Sagara Mathanam, Sri Hari told them, “Many objects will come out of the ocean when churned. You should not have any attraction for, or desire to possess them. Nor should you feel angry if you are prevented from possessing them”. This is another lesson.
Service becomes fruitful
Devas and Asuras joined hands on a common point and worked very hard with the same motive, plan, and objective. When they achieved the goal, the evil Asuras wanted to have the Amrit for themselves only and snatched the pot from Dhanvantari. Because of their greed and adharma, the Asuras were deprived of the results of their efforts. Greed is not good.
Vyasa Maharshi says that by devotion to the Lord and saranagati (seeking His refuge), the Devas achieved the result. The Asuras failed because they had no faith in Him. Whatever service or sacrifice men perform with their life, wealth, work, mind, and words for the sake of themselves and their dear ones will be in vain. But all that becomes immensely fruitful if the service is done to Him.
Goddess Lakshmi chose Lord Vishnu because He possessed everlasting virtues (Dharma). Among the four Purusharthas, Lord Vishnu represents Dharma (Ramo vigrahavan Dharmah) and Lakshmi represents Artha. Through Artha, one can fulfil his desires (Kama). Artha and Kama should always be controlled by Dharma. That is the meaning of Goddess Lakshmi always stays with Lord Vishnu.
Ravana tried to separate Lakshmi (Sita) and Vishnu (Rama). He wanted to have Kama without Dharma. Hence, he was destroyed. Similarly, if people want to earn wealth without Dharma (e.g., through corruption, crime, fraud etc.) it will bring disaster to them. Only wealth acquired by dharmic means stays and brings happiness.
In the story of Kuchela in Bhagavata, he always worshipped Krishna with utmost devotion (bhakti). When he visited Krishna, he forgot to ask Him anything. But he was blessed with enormous wealth without asking for it.
Kanakadhara Stotram
In Kanakadhara Stotram, in almost all Slokas, Sri Adi Sankaracharya prays to Goddess Lakshmi to grant wealth to the poor Brahmin lady.
From the story of Ksheera Sagara Madhanam, Lakshmi Devi got some names like
- Ksheera Samudraraja Tanaya (daughter of King of Milky Ocean),
- Ksheerodbhava (born out of the Milky Ocean),
- Ksheerabhdhi Kanyaka (daughter of King of Milky Ocean),
- Chandra Sahodari (sister of Moon).
Sri Adi Sankaracharya uses the names
- Makaralaya Kanyaka (daughter of the ocean),
- Sagara Sambhava,
- Somamruta Sodari, and
- Amrutabhdhi Putri,
in Kanakadhara Stotram. The emergence of Mahalakshmi from the ocean is a wonderful episode in Ksheera Sagara Madhanam.
May Goddess Lakshmi shower Her gracious glances on the whole world and bring happiness to all.
