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
Alors que l’océan était baratté, il produisit d’abord un poison d’une dangerosité extrême, nommé hālahala. Poissons, requins, tortues et serpents furent pris de panique; la mer entière devint tumultueuse, et même de grandes créatures aquatiques—baleines, éléphants d’eau, crocodiles et timiṅgila—remontèrent à la surface.
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.