Adhyaya 12

Skanda recounts the renewed churning of the Ocean of Milk by the Kāśyapeya hosts—devas and asuras joined in the undertaking. At first fatigue and disorder arise: the churners weaken, Vāsuki is tormented, and Mount Mandara will not stand firm. With Viṣṇu’s consent, Pradyumna enters the gods, the asuras, and the serpent-king to infuse strength, while Aniruddha steadies Mandara like a second mountain. The churning resumes with greater force; by Nārāyaṇa’s anubhāva all are freed from exhaustion, and the pulling becomes balanced and harmonious. Many treasures then emerge: medicinal essences, the Moon, Kāmadhenu (Havirdhānī), the white divine horse, Airāvata, the Pārijāta tree, the Kaustubha gem, apsarases, Surā, the Śārṅga bow, and the Pāñcajanya conch. Appropriations follow: the asuras seize Vāruṇī and the horse; Indra takes Airāvata with Hari’s assent; the gem, bow, and conch go to Viṣṇu; and Kāmadhenu is bestowed upon ascetics. Śrī herself then manifests, dazzling the three worlds; none can approach her radiance, and the ocean seats her, calling her “my daughter.” Though the churning continues, nectar does not appear until the compassionate Lord personally churns in playful grace, praised by Brahmā and the sages; then Dhanvantari arises bearing the pot of amṛta and carries it toward Śrī.