Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 18
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
निर्मथ्यमानादुदधेरभूद्विषं महोल्बणं हालहलाह्वमग्रत: । सम्भ्रान्तमीनोन्मकराहिकच्छपात् तिमिद्विपग्राहतिमिङ्गिलाकुलात् ॥ १८ ॥
nirmathyamānād udadher abhūd viṣaṁ maholbaṇaṁ hālahalāhvam agrataḥ sambhrānta-mīnonmakarāhi-kacchapāt timi-dvipa-grāha-timiṅgilākulāt
The fish, sharks, tortoises and snakes were most agitated and perturbed. The entire ocean became turbulent, and even the large aquatic animals like whales, water elephants, crocodiles and timiṅgila fish [large whales that can swallow small whales] came to the surface. While the ocean was being churned in this way, it first produced a fiercely dangerous poison called hālahala.
FAQs
In Bhagavatam 8.7.18, Śukadeva explains that when the ocean was churned, a terrifying poison named Hālahala arose first from the violently agitated sea.
This verse indicates that the churning initially produced a dangerous, unwanted result—Hālahala—showing that great endeavors may first bring hardship before auspicious outcomes like nectar appear.
The shloka reminds seekers that early difficulties can precede higher rewards; steadiness, faith, and taking shelter of the Lord and His devotees helps one endure the “poison first” phase of life’s churnings.