The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) | MahaKumbh 2025

Story

Children, have you ever wondered why Bhagwan Shiva is known as Neelkhanth, the one with blue throat? Well, the answer to this question lies in an adventurous tale from the Bhagavatam, where the selfless act of Bhagwan Shiva justified his position as Mahadev, God of all Gods. In this story, we will also learn about the role of the Samudra Manthan episode in the history of the Kumbh Mela. 

Let's walk through the story.

Once, both Gods  (Devas)  and demons (Asuras) desired to be the most powerful in the universe. They went to Bhagwan Vishnu to know the secret of eternal power. Bhagwan Vishnu suggested that both the gods and the demons work together to churn the Kshir Sagar, Ocean of Milk to bring out the Amrit the magical potion, which grants power and immortality. 

This churning process was called "Samudra Manthan."

To churn the ocean, a churning rod and a strong rope were needed. Mount Mandara, a huge mountain, was chosen as the churning rod. The Powerful snake Vasuki, became the rope. Bhagwan Vishnu took the form (Avatar) of a giant turtle, known as Kurma to support the mountain on his back.

With everything ready, the gods and demons began the churning. The gods held the tail of Vasuki, and the demons held its head. As they churned, many amazing things came out from the ocean, the divine cow Kamadhenu, which granted all wishes and Kalpvriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree. Then appeared the precious gem Kaustubha, and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. 

More and more valuable things were coming out in the process of churning when at one point, a terrible poison called Halahala came out. The poison was so dangerous that it could destroy the entire universe.

The gods and demons were worried. They prayed to Bhagwan Shiva for help. Showing infinite compassion, Bhagwan Shiva took the responsibility to save the universe and swallowed the poison. The poison turned his throat blue, giving him the name "Neelkanth”.

The churning continued, and finally, the magical pot of Amrit emerged. For 12 days, the gods and demons fought for this pot of nectar, the Amrit Kumbh. During this struggle, four drops of nectar fell at four different places. These places are today's Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is organized at these four locations in rotation. Millions of people participate in the event, take a holy dip in the sacred rivers flowing there, and pray for salvation (moksha).

Through his wisdom and cleverness, Bhagwan Vishnu distributed the Amrit among the Devas. The Deva drank the Amrit and became immortal and most powerful. The demons were left empty-handed. This victory of the gods ensured peace and harmony in the universe.

This story leaves a remarkable message about being selfless and compassionate like Bhagwan Shiva, as true greatness belongs to those who put others above themselves.