Shiva Purana — Satarudra Samhita, Shloka 4
Vṛṣeśākhya-Śivāvatāra and the Initiation of the Kṣīrasāgara-Manthana
Churning of the Milk Ocean
आसञ्छुचिस्मितास्सर्वे केनेदं मन्थनं भवेत् । स्वकार्यसिद्धये तस्य ब्रह्मन्निति सुरासुराः
āsañchucismitāssarve kenedaṃ manthanaṃ bhavet | svakāryasiddhaye tasya brahmanniti surāsurāḥ
सब लोग पवित्र, मंद मुस्कान के साथ बैठ गए और बोले—“हे ब्रह्मन्! यह मंथन किसके द्वारा होगा? बताइए, ताकि उसके कार्य की सिद्धि हो,” ऐसा देवों और असुरों ने कहा।
Devas and Asuras (addressing Brahma)
Tattva Level: pashu
Cosmic Event: Samudra-manthana planning council
FAQs
It highlights that even mighty powers (devas and asuras) require right guidance and proper agency to accomplish a cosmic task—suggesting that success depends on alignment with divine order, ultimately under the Lord’s governance.
The verse reflects dependence on a higher coordinating intelligence; in Shaiva understanding, such coordination culminates in Pati (Shiva) as the supreme controller, whom devotees approach in Saguna forms (including the Linga) for the fulfillment of dharmic aims.
A practical takeaway is sankalpa with humility—begin actions after invoking Shiva through the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and seeking right guidance, rather than relying solely on personal power.