A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.77

c5.77

“ The gods addressed the mighty Vishnu thus— ‘Conquered in battle by the evil demons, We fly to thee for succour, soul of all ; Pity, and by thy might deliver us !’ Hari, the lord, creator of the world, Thus by the gods implored, all graciously Replied—‘Your strength shall be restored, ye gods ; Only accomplish what I now command. Unite yourselves in peaceful combination With these your foes ; collect all plants and herbs Of diverse kinds from every quarter ; cast them Into the sea of milk ; take Mandara, The mountain, for a churning stick, and Vāsuki, The serpent, for a rope ; together churn The ocean to produce the beverage— Source of all strength and immortality— Then reckon on my aid ; I will take care Your foes shall share your toil, but not partake In its reward, or drink th’ immortal draught.’ Thus by the god of gods advised, the host United in alliance with the demons. Straightway they gathered various herbs and cast them Into the waters, then they took the mountain To serve as churning-staff, and next the snake To serve as cord, and in the ocean’s midst Hari himself, present in tortoise-form, Became a pivot for the churning-staff. Then did they churn the sea of milk ; and first Out of the waters rose the sacred Cow, God-worshipped Surabhi, eternal fountain Of milk and offerings of butter ; next, While holy Siddhas wondered at the sight, With eyes all rolling, Vārunī uprose, Goddess of wine. Then from the whirlpool sprang Fair Pārijāta, tree of Paradise, delight Of heavenly maidens, with its fragrant blossoms Perfuming the whole world. Th’ Apsarasas, Troop of celestial nymphs, matchless in grace, Perfect in loveliness, were next produced. Then from the sea uprose the cool-rayed moon, Which Mahā-deva seized ; terrific poison Next issued from the waters ; this the snake-gods Claimed as their own. Then, seated on a lotus, Beauty’s bright goddess, peerless Srī, arose Out of the waves ; and with her, robed in white, Came forth Dhanwantari, the gods’ physician.