Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 12
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
उपर्यगेन्द्रं गिरिराडिवान्य आक्रम्य हस्तेन सहस्रबाहु: । तस्थौ दिवि ब्रह्मभवेन्द्रमुख्यै- रभिष्टुवद्भि: सुमनोऽभिवृष्ट: ॥ १२ ॥
upary agendraṁ giri-rāḍ ivānya ākramya hastena sahasra-bāhuḥ tasthau divi brahma-bhavendra-mukhyair abhiṣṭuvadbhiḥ sumano-’bhivṛṣṭaḥ
Manifesting Himself with thousands of hands, the Lord then appeared on the summit of Mandara Mountain, like another great mountain, and held Mandara Mountain with one hand. In the upper planetary systems, Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, along with Indra, King of heaven, and other demigods, offered prayers to the Lord and showered flowers upon Him.
To balance Mandara Mountain while it was being pulled from both sides, the Lord Himself appeared on its summit like another great mountain. Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and King Indra then expanded themselves and showered flowers on the Lord.
FAQs
In this verse (8.7.12), Lord Viṣṇu, described as thousand-armed, rises above Mandara and firmly holds/presses it with His hand, showing that the churning succeeds only by His direct support.
Because Viṣṇu’s intervention stabilized Mandara Mountain and protected the entire endeavor; seeing His effortless supremacy, the chief devas glorified Him and honored Him with showers of flowers.
It teaches that great efforts become fruitful when grounded in divine shelter—do your duty sincerely, but rely on God’s support rather than pride in personal strength.