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
Nagpakita ang Panginoon na tila maitim na ulap; nakasuot ng dilaw na kasuotan; ang mga hikaw ay kumikislap na parang kidlat; ang buhok ay nakalatag sa balikat; may suot na garland ng bulaklak at mapulang-rosas ang mga mata. Sa Kanyang malalakas at maluwalhating bisig na nagbibigay ng kawalang-takot sa sanlibutan, hinawakan Niya si Vāsuki at sinimulang kiskisin ang dagat, gamit ang Bundok Mandara bilang pamalo; sa gayon Siya’y nagningning na parang bundok Indranīla.
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.