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, the devas and asuras summoned Vāsuki, king of serpents, promising him a share of the nectar. They coiled him around Mandara Mountain as the churning rope and, in great joy, began to churn the Ocean of Milk for amṛta.
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.