Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 1
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
श्रीशुक उवाच ते नागराजमामन्त्र्य फलभागेन वासुकिम् । परिवीय गिरौ तस्मिन् नेत्रमब्धिं मुदान्विता: । आरेभिरे सुरा यत्ता अमृतार्थे कुरूद्वह ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca te nāga-rājam āmantrya phala-bhāgena vāsukim parivīya girau tasmin netram abdhiṁ mudānvitāḥ ārebhire surā yattā amṛtārthe kurūdvaha
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O best of the Kurus, Mahārāja Parīkṣit, the demigods and demons summoned Vāsuki, king of the serpents, requesting him to come and promising to give him a share of the nectar. They coiled Vāsuki around Mandara Mountain as a churning rope, and with great pleasure they endeavored to produce nectar by churning the Ocean of Milk.
FAQs
This verse states that the devas invited Vāsuki with the promise of a share in the reward, wound him around the mountain, and began churning the ocean to obtain amṛta (nectar).
Because Vāsuki was needed as the churning rope; the devas secured his cooperation by promising him a portion of the benefit, showing that even great tasks require willing participation.
It highlights purposeful teamwork: align people with a meaningful goal, share credit fairly, and then begin the work with focus and enthusiasm.