Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 43
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
तस्यापि दर्शयामास स्ववीर्यं जलकल्मष: । यच्चकार गले नीलं तच्च साधोर्विभूषणम् ॥ ४३ ॥
tasyāpi darśayām āsa sva-vīryaṁ jala-kalmaṣaḥ yac cakāra gale nīlaṁ tac ca sādhor vibhūṣaṇam
As if in defamation, the poison born from the Ocean of Milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Śiva’s neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord.
FAQs
Because during the churning of the ocean, the hālāhala poison made his throat blue; the Bhagavatam describes this blue mark as an ornament of the saintly Lord.
This verse notes that the poison displayed its potency, yet when it colored the Lord’s throat blue, that very effect became an adornment rather than a defect.
The verse highlights selfless protection: a truly saintly person can transform hardship and toxicity into service and glory by bearing it for the welfare of others.