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
समुद्र के मथे जाते समय सबसे पहले अत्यन्त भयंकर ‘हालाहल’ नामक विष प्रकट हुआ। उससे मछलियाँ, मगर, सर्प और कच्छप व्याकुल हो उठे; समुद्र अत्यन्त क्षुब्ध हो गया और तिमि, जलहाथी, ग्राह तथा तिमिङ्गिल जैसे विशाल जलचर भी ऊपर आ गए।
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.