English
Neelkanth: Why Shiva Drank the Poison
Source: Bhagavata Purana, 8th Skandha, chapter 7
The gods and the demons agreed to churn the Ocean of Milk together to obtain amrit, the nectar of immortality. Mount Mandara was made the churning rod, and Vasuki, king of serpents, the rope.
The mountain was heavy and began to sink. Then Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise and held Mandara on his back. The churning began.
The gods on one side, the demons on the other. Both sides grew tired from pulling Vasuki, but the ocean was churned on. Everyone hoped the nectar would now appear.
But what came first was not nectar. From the depths of the ocean rose a terrible poison: Halahala. It was so fierce that its flames and fumes began to spread in every direction.
Above, below, everywhere, the poison spread. Its heat tormented all living beings. Neither the gods nor the demons could stop it. Those who had come for nectar now ran to save their lives.
No one seemed able to protect creation. Then the Prajapatis and the gods, terrified, rushed to Kailasa, where Lord Shiva sat with the Devi Bhavani.
They folded their hands and prayed, “O God of gods, O Self of all! This poison is burning the three worlds. Protect us. Only you can save us from this peril.” Shiva looked at the spreading poison, then turned to the Devi Bhavani…
Filled with compassion, Shiva said to the Devi, “Bhavani, see how much peril all these beings are in. They have come to me hoping to save their lives, and it is my duty to give them freedom from fear. It is the dharma of the capable to protect the suffering. Whoever protects living beings pleases Lord Hari. So I will drink this poison.”
The Devi Bhavani knew her lord's power. She gladly gave her consent.
Then Shiva gathered up that all-pervading Halahala into the palm of his hand and drank it. The poison before which gods and demons alike had been defeated, Shiva drank without any fear.
The poison showed its power, but only so far as to turn Shiva's throat blue. The Bhagavata says that blue mark became an ornament for the good one. Since then Shiva has been called Neelkanth, the blue-throated.
As he drank, a few drops fell from Shiva's palm. The story says they were taken up by scorpions, snakes, poisonous herbs and other venomous creatures.
By this deed of Shiva, the gods, the demons and all beings were blessed. Brahma, Vishnu and all praised Shiva. After this the churning went on. From that same ocean came Kamadhenu, Airavata, the Kaustubha gem and the Devi Lakshmi herself, and at last the nectar too appeared.
The Bhagavata also gives the essence of this episode: great souls are usually pained by the suffering of others, and take hardship on themselves to remove it. This is the highest worship.
What this story teaches
True greatness lies in taking others' poison upon oneself. Shiva teaches that not letting bitterness sink within, nor letting it reach others, is what it means to be Neelkanth.
It is believed that Shiva saved creation in the Pradosh period at dusk, which is why Shiva is worshipped at dusk on the Pradosh vrat. This story is also remembered on the night of Maha Shivratri.
You have read the story — now see your own chart
A free kundali with your dashas and planetary positions from your birth date, time and place. Your first 10 questions to the AI astrologer are free — no card needed.
Make my free kundali