Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 17
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
मेघश्याम: कनकपरिधि: कर्णविद्योतविद्यु- न्मूर्ध्नि भ्राजद्विलुलितकच: स्रग्धरो रक्तनेत्र: । जैत्रैर्दोर्भिर्जगदभयदैर्दन्दशूकं गृहीत्वा मथ्नन् मथ्ना प्रतिगिरिरिवाशोभताथो धृताद्रि: ॥ १७ ॥
megha-śyāmaḥ kanaka-paridhiḥ karṇa-vidyota-vidyun mūrdhni bhrājad-vilulita-kacaḥ srag-dharo rakta-netraḥ jaitrair dorbhir jagad-abhaya-dair dandaśūkaṁ gṛhītvā mathnan mathnā pratigirir ivāśobhatātho dhṛtādriḥ
The Lord appeared like a blackish cloud. He was dressed with yellow garments, His earrings shone on His ears like lightning, and His hair spread over His shoulders. He wore a garland of flowers, and His eyes were pinkish. With His strong, glorious arms, which award fearlessness throughout the universe, He took hold of Vāsuki and began churning the ocean, using Mandara Mountain as a churning rod. When engaged in this way, the Lord appeared like a beautifully situated mountain named Indranīla.
FAQs
In this verse, Śukadeva describes Śiva powerfully taking hold of Vāsuki and participating in the churning, appearing radiant and granting fearlessness to the world.
Śiva seized the serpent used as the churning rope, supporting the devas and asuras in the cosmic task and stabilizing the process with his victorious, protective strength.
It highlights the devotional ideal of protecting others—steadying a difficult situation and reducing fear through courage, service, and spiritual responsibility.