When the gods found themselves repeatedly defeated by the Daityas, they turned to the supreme person, the lotus-eyed Lord, seeking his guidance. Seeing the gods in such an unprecedented state of distress, the Lord spoke to reassure them: “I will increase your power, O gods. Listen carefully to what must be done. Bring all the medicinal herbs, together with the Daityas, to the Milky Ocean.” He continued, “Use Mount Mandara as your churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as your rope. With me as your helper, churn the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality. But first, approach the Daityas amicably and propose this task as a joint effort—let all agree to share equally in the results. When the nectar arises from the churning, by drinking it you will become strong and immortal. Yet, do not worry—I will act so that your enemies, the Daityas, will not obtain the nectar. Though you may bear hardship, you, the gods, will not be deprived.” Thus instructed by the god of gods, the deities made a pact with the Asuras and set forth together to strive for the nectar. The gods, Asuras, and Danavas gathered all the potent medicinal herbs and cast them into the luminous Milky Ocean, its surface shining like autumn clouds. They set Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki as the rope, and began to churn vigorously, eager for the nectar. By Vishnu’s arrangement, the gods took their place at Vasuki’s tail, while the Daityas were stationed at his head. As the churning began, Vasuki’s fiery breath struck the Asuras, causing them to lose their luster and power, their brilliance destroyed. Meanwhile, the gods were refreshed by the cool winds from Vasuki’s exhalation at the tail and by gentle rain from the clouds. In the midst of the churning, the blessed Brahma, foremost among the knowers of Brahman, and mighty Mahadeva both took their seats upon Vishnu’s back. The lotus-born Brahma seized Mount Mandara with his arms, fastening it securely with a chain and holding it firmly. Hari himself, taking the form of a great tortoise, supported the mountain from beneath, standing steadfast in the ocean’s depths between the gods and Danavas. With another portion of his energy, Hari strengthened the gods as the churning continued. From the ocean first arose Surabhi, the wish-fulfilling cow, revered by the gods. Both the gods and the wise Danavas rejoiced at her appearance, gazing in astonishment, while the Siddhas in heaven wondered at this marvelous event. Next emerged the goddess Varuni, her eyes rolling with intoxication, staggering at every step. Clad in a single garment, her hair unbound, her bloodshot eyes fixed, she declared, “I am the goddess who grants strength; let the Danavas take me.” The gods, considering Varuni impure, rejected her, but the Daityas accepted her, and thus she became associated with them. From the churning then arose the Parijata, the divine and auspicious tree, radiant with beauty and noble qualities. Along with it appeared hosts of Apsaras—sixty million in number—who had been created before and were now shared by both gods and Danavas through their accumulated merit. After this, the moon emerged, pleasing to the gods. Shiva, adorned with matted locks, claimed the moon for himself, saying, “There is no doubt, I have taken the moon.” Brahma approved, and the moon became an ornament for Hara. Then, from the depths, arose terrifying poison—Kālakūṭa—which afflicted both gods and Danavas alike. Mahadeva, out of his own will, drank the poison, and thus became known as Nīlakaṇṭha, the blue-throated one. The remainder of the poison, drunk by the Nāgas, had also arisen from the Milky Ocean. Dhanvantari then appeared, clad in white garments, bearing a water-pot filled with nectar. At the sight of the king of physicians, the minds of all became tranquil. Afterwards, a divine horse and the mighty elephant Airāvata emerged, followed by a radiant and exceedingly beautiful figure standing upon a lotus. From the ocean, the goddess Śrī arose, holding a lotus in her hand. The great sages, filled with joy, praised her with the Śrī Sūkta. Gandharvas, led by Viśvāvasu and Mukhā, sang before her, while groups of Apsarases, headed by Ghṛtācī, danced in celebration. The sacred rivers, beginning with Gaṅgā, approached with their waters for the goddess’s bathing. The elephants of the directions, using golden vessels, bathed Śrī, the great sovereign of all worlds, and the ocean of milk itself offered her a garland of unfading lotuses. Viśvakarman adorned her with ornaments, garlands, garments, and jewels. Indra, his attendants, Vidyādharas, great serpents, Danavas, mighty Daityas, Rākṣasas, and Guhyakas all desired the maiden. Then Brahma spoke: “Vāsudeva, you alone should accept her, whom I have given. The gods and the Danavas have been forbidden by me here; I am pleased with you for your restraint.” Śrī, addressed by Brahma, was told, “O goddess, go to Keśava; having received the husband given by me, rejoice for endless ages.” Thus, the great churning of the ocean bestowed its wondrous treasures upon the worlds, guided by the wisdom and grace of the Lord.