Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 41
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
श्रीशुक उवाच एवमामन्त्र्य भगवान्भवानीं विश्वभावन: । तद् विषं जग्धुमारेभे प्रभावज्ञान्वमोदत ॥ ४१ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca evam āmantrya bhagavān bhavānīṁ viśva-bhāvanaḥ tad viṣaṁ jagdhum ārebhe prabhāva-jñānvamodata
श्रीशुक उवाच—एवम् आमन्त्र्य भगवान् विश्वभावनः भवानीं, तत् विषं जग्धुम् आरभे; तस्य प्रभावं जानन्ती भवानी अनुमोदत॥
FAQs
To protect all beings when the deadly Hālāhala poison arose from the churning of the ocean; as viśva-bhāvanaḥ, he acted for the welfare of the universe and began to swallow it.
It says he was prabhāva-jñaḥ—fully aware of his divine potency—and therefore remained composed and even smiled as he undertook the act.
Serve the greater good with steadiness: when responsibility brings “poison” (stress, criticism, difficulty), act with clarity, faith, and inner composure rather than panic.