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
निर्मथ्यमानादुदधेः अग्रतः महोल्बणं हालहलाह्वं विषम् अभूत् । तस्मात् सम्भ्रान्तमीनोन्मकराहिकच्छपात्, तिमिद्विपग्राहतिमिङ्गिलाकुलात् समुद्रः क्षोभितोऽभवत्, महाजलचराः अपि उपरि समुत्थिताः ॥
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.