Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 17
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
मेघश्याम: कनकपरिधि: कर्णविद्योतविद्यु- न्मूर्ध्नि भ्राजद्विलुलितकच: स्रग्धरो रक्तनेत्र: । जैत्रैर्दोर्भिर्जगदभयदैर्दन्दशूकं गृहीत्वा मथ्नन् मथ्ना प्रतिगिरिरिवाशोभताथो धृताद्रि: ॥ १७ ॥
megha-śyāmaḥ kanaka-paridhiḥ karṇa-vidyota-vidyun mūrdhni bhrājad-vilulita-kacaḥ srag-dharo rakta-netraḥ jaitrair dorbhir jagad-abhaya-dair dandaśūkaṁ gṛhītvā mathnan mathnā pratigirir ivāśobhatātho dhṛtādriḥ
主は黒雲のように青黒く現れ、黄金のような黄衣をまとい、耳の飾りは稲妻のごとく輝き、髪は肩に乱れ広がっていた。花鬘を掛け、眼は淡紅。宇宙に無畏を授ける勝利の強腕でヴァースキをつかみ、マンダラ山を攪拌棒として海をかき回し始めた。その御姿は、端正にそびえるインドラニーラの山のように美しかった。
FAQs
In this verse, Śukadeva describes Śiva powerfully taking hold of Vāsuki and participating in the churning, appearing radiant and granting fearlessness to the world.
Śiva seized the serpent used as the churning rope, supporting the devas and asuras in the cosmic task and stabilizing the process with his victorious, protective strength.
It highlights the devotional ideal of protecting others—steadying a difficult situation and reducing fear through courage, service, and spiritual responsibility.