Difference between revisions of "Samudra Manthana (समुद्रमन्थनम्)"

From Dharmawiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== रामायणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Ramayana ==
 
== रामायणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Ramayana ==
In the Balakanda (Sarga 45) of the Ramayana, the legend of churning the milky ocean is narrated to Rama and Lakshmana by Maharshi Vishvamitra when they reach the city named Vishala. Maharshi Vishvamitra narrates how halahala, the lethal poison as well as Amrta, emerged from the churning of the ocean. He also describes how Shiva contained the poison and how Vishnu helped the churning in His incarnation as Kurma (tortoise).<ref>Ramayana, Balakanda, [http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga45/bala_45_frame.htm Sarga 45].</ref> It is said that,
+
In the Balakanda (Sarga 45) of the Ramayana, the legend of churning the milky ocean is narrated to Rama and Lakshmana by Maharshi Vishvamitra when they reach the city named Vishala. Maharshi Vishvamitra narrates how halahala, the lethal poison as well as Amrta, emerged from the churning of the ocean. He also describes how Shiva contained the poison and how Vishnu helped the churning in His incarnation as Kurma (tortoise).<ref>Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda, [http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga45/bala_45_frame.htm Sarga 45].</ref> It is said that,<blockquote>पूर्वम् कृत युगे राम दितेः पुत्रा महाबलाः | अदितेः च महाभागा वीर्यवन्तः सुधार्मिकाः || १-४५-१५
 
 
पूर्वम् कृत युगे राम दितेः पुत्रा महाबलाः | अदितेः च महाभागा वीर्यवन्तः सुधार्मिकाः || १-४५-१५
 
  
 
ततः तेषाम् नरव्याघ्रः बुद्धिः आसीत् महात्मनाम् | अमरा विर्जराः चैव कथम् स्यामो निरामयाः || १-४५-१६
 
ततः तेषाम् नरव्याघ्रः बुद्धिः आसीत् महात्मनाम् | अमरा विर्जराः चैव कथम् स्यामो निरामयाः || १-४५-१६
Line 10: Line 8:
 
तेषाम् चिंतयताम् तत्र बुद्धिः आसीत् विपश्चिताम् | क्षीर उद मथनम् कृत्वा रसम् प्राप्स्याम तत्र वै || १-४५-१७
 
तेषाम् चिंतयताम् तत्र बुद्धिः आसीत् विपश्चिताम् | क्षीर उद मथनम् कृत्वा रसम् प्राप्स्याम तत्र वै || १-४५-१७
  
ततो निश्चित्य मथनम् योक्त्रम् कृत्वा च वासुकिम् | मन्थानम् मन्दरम् कृत्वा ममन्थुर् अमित ओजसः || १-४५-१८
+
ततो निश्चित्य मथनम् योक्त्रम् कृत्वा च वासुकिम् | मन्थानम् मन्दरम् कृत्वा ममन्थुर् अमित ओजसः || १-४५-१८<ref name=":0">Ramayana, Balakanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AA%E0%A5%AB Sarga 45].</ref>
 +
 
 +
''pūrvam kr̥ta yuge rāma diteḥ putrā mahābalāḥ | aditeḥ ca mahābhāgā vīryavantaḥ sudhārmikāḥ || 1-45-15''
 +
 
 +
''tataḥ teṣām naravyāghraḥ buddhiḥ āsīt mahātmanām | amarā virjarāḥ caiva katham syāmo nirāmayāḥ || 1-45-16''
 +
 
 +
''teṣām ciṁtayatām tatra buddhiḥ āsīt vipaścitām | kṣīra uda mathanam kr̥tvā rasam prāpsyāma tatra vai || 1-45-17''
  
Once in Krita era, oh, Rama, the sons of Lady Diti were extremely energetic, whereas the sons of her younger sister Lady Aditi were vigorous and highly righteous. Oh, tigerly-man, Rama, then those great-souls speculated as to 'how we can thrive without ageing, illness, and likewise without death.' A thought occurred to those masterminds who were thinking on that matter clueing them up, 'we indeed can get elixir of life by churning the Milky Ocean. Deciding upon to churn the Milky Ocean then made Vasuki, Thousand-headed King of Snakes, as the churning rope and Mt. Mandara as stirrer, and those brothers whose energy is unlimited have started churning the Milky Ocean thoroughly.  
+
''tato niścitya mathanam yoktram kr̥tvā ca vāsukim | manthānam mandaram kr̥tvā mamanthur amita ojasaḥ || 1-45-18''</blockquote>Meaning: Formerly in Krta yuga, oh, Rama, the highly powerful sons of Diti as well as those of Aditi, possessed of prowess, and virtuous and pious - both great beings - Oh foremost of men (Rama), fell to reflecting, - 'how we can thrive without ageing, illness, and likewise without death.' And as they reflected, it struck them, - 'by churning the ocean of milk, we must obtain amrta.' Deciding upon churning the Milky Ocean, those ones of immeasurable energy making Vasuki, Thousand-headed King of Snakes, the cord and Mt. Mandara as the stick, began churning deep.<ref name=":1">Manmatha Nath Dutt (1891), The Ramayana - [https://archive.org/details/Valmiki_Ramayana_English_Prose_Translation_7_volumes_by_Manmatha_Nath_Dutt_1891_to_1894/page/n7 Balakandam], Calcutta.</ref>
  
 
=== हालाहलमहाविषम् ॥ The Poison Halahala ===
 
=== हालाहलमहाविषम् ॥ The Poison Halahala ===
अथ वर्ष सहस्रेण योक्त्र सर्प शिरांसि च | वमन्तो अति विषम् तत्र ददंशुर् दशनैः शिलाः || १-४५-१९
+
It is during this incident of churning the ocean that the poison halahala is spit out by the Serpent Vasuki. It is said that, <blockquote>अथ वर्ष सहस्रेण योक्त्र सर्प शिरांसि च | वमन्तो अति विषम् तत्र ददंशुर् दशनैः शिलाः || १-४५-१९
  
 
उत्पपाताम् अग्नि संकाशम् हालाहल महाविषम् | तेन दग्धम् जगत् सर्वम् स देव असुर मानुषम् || १-४५-२०
 
उत्पपाताम् अग्नि संकाशम् हालाहल महाविषम् | तेन दग्धम् जगत् सर्वम् स देव असुर मानुषम् || १-४५-२०
Line 21: Line 25:
 
अथ देवा महादेवम् शंकरम् शरणार्थ्तिनः | जग्मुः पशुपतिम् रुद्रम् त्राहि त्राहि इति तुष्टुवुः || १-४५-२१
 
अथ देवा महादेवम् शंकरम् शरणार्थ्तिनः | जग्मुः पशुपतिम् रुद्रम् त्राहि त्राहि इति तुष्टुवुः || १-४५-२१
  
एवम् उक्{]तः ततो देवैः देवेश्वरः प्रभुः | प्रादुर् आसीत् ततो अत्र एव शंख चक्र धरो हरिः || १-४५-२२
+
देवतानाम् भयम् दृष्ट्वा श्रुत्वा वाक्यम् तु शारङ्गिणः || १-४५-२५
 +
 
 +
हालाहलम् विषम् घोरम् संजग्राह अमृत उपमम् | देवान् विसृज्य देवेशो जगाम भगवान् हरः॥ १-४५-२६
 +
 
 +
ततो देव असुराः सर्वे मनथू रघुनन्दन।<ref name=":0" />
  
उवाच एनम् स्मितम् कृत्वा रुद्रम् शूलधरम् हरिः | दैवतैः मध्यमानो तु तत् पूर्वम् समुपस्थितम् || -४५-२३
+
''atha varṣa sahasreṇa yoktra sarpa śirāṁsi ca | vamanto ati viṣam tatra dadaṁśur daśanaiḥ śilāḥ || 1-45-19''
  
तत् त्वदीयम् सुरश्रेष्ठः सुराणाम् अग्रतो हि यत् | अग्र पूजामि इह स्थित्वा गृहाण इदम् विषम् प्रभो || -४५-२४
+
''utpapātām agni saṁkāśam hālāhala mahāviṣam | tena dagdham jagat sarvam sa deva asura mānuṣam || 1-45-20''
  
इति उक्त्वा च सुरश्रेष्ठः तत्र एव अंतर्धीयत | देवतानाम् भयम् दृष्ट्वा श्रुत्वा वाक्यम् तु शारङ्गिणः || -४५-२५
+
''atha devā mahādevam śaṁkaram śaraṇārthtinaḥ | jagmuḥ paśupatim rudram trāhi trāhi iti tuṣṭuvuḥ || 1-45-21''
  
हालाहलम् विषम् घोरम् संजग्राह अमृत उपमम् | देवान् विसृज्य देवेशो जगाम भगवान् हरः॥ १-४५-२६
+
''devatānām bhayam dr̥ṣṭvā śrutvā vākyam tu śāraṅgiṇaḥ || 1-45-25''
  
ततो देव असुराः सर्वे मनथू रघुनन्दन।
+
''hālāhalam viṣam ghoram saṁjagrāha amr̥ta upamam | devān visr̥jya deveśo jagāma bhagavān haraḥ॥ 1-45-26''
  
After a thousand years, the Thousand-headed serpent Vaasuki, which is being used as churning rope, is incapacitated to bear the friction of churning and fanged the cliffs of Mt. Mandara. Thereby a great lot of venom is disgorged from the heads of that serpent Vaasuki, which venom on melting the rocks of Mt. Mandara became the holocaustic poison called haalahala. A lethal poison similar to inferno known as haalahala has started to fulminate therefrom, by which whole universe of gods, non-gods and humans is burnt down. The gods seeking shelter then approached Rudra, the Cardinal God, Endower of Solace, and who husbands all the created animals inclusive of human-animals, namely Shiva, and they prayed to him saying 'save, save us.' And on observing the scare of gods and also on paying heed to the words of the Wielder of Bow called shaara~Nga, namely Vishnu, god Shiva gulped that lethal poison, haalahala , as if it is ambrosia. The god of gods Hara then left for his abode Kailash parting with other gods, and oh, Rama, the joy of Raghu's dynasty, the gods and non-gods have continued to churn the Milky Ocean.  
+
''tato deva asurāḥ sarve manathū raghunandana।''</blockquote>Meaning: After a thousand years had gone by, the Thousand-headed serpent Vasuki, serving as the churning cord, began to vomit virulent venom and to bite at the cliffs with its fangs. Thereby, there came out a lot of powerful poison like fire and in consequence, the entire universe with celestials, and Asuras, and men, began to burn. Thereupon, intending to seek refuge, they appeared before the mighty deity, Shankara or Pashupati or Rudra, praying to him saying 'save us, save us.' Witnessing the dismay of the celestials, and hearing also the words of Sharngin (Vishnu), Shiva gulped that lethal poison, halahala, as if it were nectar. And then leaving the deities, the worshipful Hara went away.<ref name=":1" />
  
 
=== कूर्मावतारः ॥ Kurma Avatara ===
 
=== कूर्मावतारः ॥ Kurma Avatara ===
प्रविवेश अथ पातालम् मन्थानः पर्वतोत्तमः॥ १-४५-२७
+
The Kurma incarnation of Lord Vishnu also took place to facilitate the churning of the milky ocean.It is said that,<blockquote>प्रविवेश अथ पातालं मन्थानः पर्वतोत्तमः॥ १-४५-२७
 +
 
 +
ततो देवाः स गन्धर्वाः तुष्टुवुः मधुसूदनम्। त्वं गतिः सर्व भूतानां विशेषेण दिवौकसाम्॥ १-४५-२८
 +
 
 +
पालय अस्मान् महाबाहो गिरिम् उद्धर्तुम् अर्हसि । इति श्रुत्वा हृषीकेशः कामठं रूपमास्थितः॥ १-४५-२९
 +
 
 +
पर्वतं पृष्टतः कृत्वा शिश्ये तत्र उदधौ हरिः। पर्वताग्रं तु लोकात्मा हस्तेन आक्रम्य केशवः॥ १-४५-३०
 +
 
 +
देवानां मध्यतः स्थित्वा ममन्थ पुरुषोत्तमः।<ref name=":0" />
  
ततो देवाः स गन्धर्वाः तुष्टुवुः मधुसूदनम्। त्वम् गतिः सर्व भूतानाम् विशेषेण दिवौकसाम्॥ १-४५-२८
+
''praviveśa atha pātālaṁ manthānaḥ parvatottamaḥ॥ 1-45-27''
  
पालय अस्मान् महाबाहो गिरिम् उद्धर्तुम् अर्‌हसि। इति श्रुत्वा हृषीकेशः कामठम् रूपम् आस्थितः॥ १-४५-२९
+
''tato devāḥ sa gandharvāḥ tuṣṭuvuḥ madhusūdanam। tvaṁ gatiḥ sarva bhūtānāṁ viśeṣeṇa divaukasām॥ 1-45-28''
  
पर्वतम् पृष्टतः कृत्वा शिश्ये तत्र उदधौ हरिः। पर्वत अग्रम् तु लोकात्मा हस्तेन आक्रम्य केशवः॥ १-४५-३०
+
''pālaya asmān mahābāho girim uddhartum arhasi । iti śrutvā hr̥ṣīkeśaḥ kāmaṭhaṁ rūpamāsthitaḥ॥ 1-45-29''
  
देवानाम् मध्यतः स्थित्वा ममन्थ पुरुषोत्तमः।
+
''parvataṁ pr̥ṣṭataḥ kr̥tvā śiśye tatra udadhau hariḥ। parvatāgraṁ tu lokātmā hastena ākramya keśavaḥ॥ 1-45-30''
  
Now the loftiest mountain that is being used as stirrer, namely Mt. Mandara, has caved into the netherworld, thereby the gods along with gandharva-s have prayed to Madhusuudana, the other name of Vishnu. You alone are the recourse to all beings, especially to the dwellers in heavens, oh ambidextrous god Vishnu, you safeguard us, it will be apt of you elevate the mountain.' So prayed gods to Vishnu. Hearing the prayer of gods Vishnu, Hrisheekesha, the controller of senses, adopting the form a tortoise and positioning the stirring Mt. Mandara on that tortoiseshell, he lay recumbent at the bottom of Milky Ocean as a base to the stirrer. Keshava then reached out his hand and grasped the mountaintop as he is the Cosmic-Soul, and thus staying amid gods that Supreme Person Vishnu participated in churning the ocean by holding the stirring mountain upright.  
+
''devānāṁ madhyataḥ sthitvā mamantha puruṣottamaḥ।''</blockquote>Meaning: Then, as the celestials resumed the churning, that foremost of mountains serving as stirrer, caved into the subterranean regions. Thereupon the deities along with gandharva-s prayed to the slayer of Madhu, saying, 'You alone are the recourse to all beings, especially to the celestials. Oh mighty armed one, protect us and recover the mountain.' Having heard this, Hrshikesha (or Hari), assuming the form of a tortoise, stood in the ocean, supporting the mountain on his back; and that atman of all, Keshava, Purushottama, taking hold of the top of the hill by his hand, began to churn the ocean, stationed in the midst of the celestials.<ref name=":1" />
  
 
=== रत्नावतरणम् ॥ Jewels Surface ===
 
=== रत्नावतरणम् ॥ Jewels Surface ===
अथ वर्ष सहस्रेण आयुर्वेदमयः पुमान्॥ १-४५-३१
+
As the churning progressed, many jewels emerged out of the ocean. Regarding this, it is said,<blockquote>अथ वर्षसहस्रेण आयुर्वेदमयः पुमान्॥ १-४५-३१
 +
 
 +
उदतिष्ठत् सुधर्मात्मा स दण्ड सकमण्डलुः। पूर्वं धन्वन्तरिर्नाम अप्सराः च सुवर्चसः॥ १-४५-३२
 +
 
 +
षष्टिः कोट्योऽभवंस्तासाम् अप्सराणाम् सुवर्चसाम्। असन्ख्येयाः तु काकुत्स्थ याः तासाम् परिचारिकाः॥ १-४५-३४
 +
 
 +
वरुणस्य ततः कन्या वारुणी रघुनन्दन। उत्पपात महाभागा मार्गमाणा परिग्रहम्॥ १-४५-३६
  
उदतिष्ठत् सुधर्मात्मा स दण्ड स कमण्दुलुः। पूर्वम् धन्वन्तरिर् नाम अप्सराः च सु वर्चसः॥ १-४५-३२
+
दितेः पुत्रा न तां राम जगृहुर्वरुणात्मजाम्। अदितेः तु सुता वीर जगृहुः ताम् अनिन्दिताम्॥ १-४५-३७
  
अप्सु निर्मथनात् एव रसात् तस्मात् वर स्त्रियः। उत्पेतुः मनुज श्रेष्ठ तस्मात् अप्सरसो अभवन्॥ १-४५-३३
+
असुराः तेन दैतेयाः सुराः तेन अदितेः सुताः। हृष्टाः प्रमुदिताः च आसन् वारुणीग्रहणात् सुराः॥ १-४५-३८
  
षष्टिः कोट्यो अभवन् तासाम् अप्सराणाम् सुवर्चसाम्। असन्ख्येयाः तु काकुत्स्थ याः तासाम् परिचारिकाः॥ १-४५-३४
+
उच्चैःश्रवा हयश्रेष्ठो मणिरत्नं च कौस्तुभम्। उदतिष्ठन् नरश्रेष्ठ तथैव अमृतम् उत्तमम्॥ १-४५-३९<ref name=":0" />
  
न ताः स्म प्रतिगृह्णन्ति सर्वे ते देव दानवाः। अप्रतिग्रहणात् एव ता वै साधारणाः स्मृताः॥ १-४५-३५
+
''atha varṣasahasreṇa āyurvedamayaḥ pumān॥ 1-45-31''
  
वरुणस्य ततः कन्या वारुणी रघुनन्दन। उत्पपात महाभागा मार्गमाणा परिग्रहम्॥ १-४५-३६
+
''udatiṣṭhat sudharmātmā sa daṇḍa sakamaṇḍaluḥ। pūrvaṁ dhanvantarirnāma apsarāḥ ca suvarcasaḥ॥ 1-45-32''
 +
 
 +
''ṣaṣṭiḥ koṭyo'bhavaṁstāsām apsarāṇām suvarcasām। asankhyeyāḥ tu kākutstha yāḥ tāsām paricārikāḥ॥ 1-45-34''
  
दितेः पुत्रा न ताम् राम जगृहुर् वरुण आत्मजाम्। अदितेः तु सुता वीर जगृहुः ताम् अनिन्दिताम्॥ १-४५-३७
+
''varuṇasya tataḥ kanyā vāruṇī raghunandana। utpapāta mahābhāgā mārgamāṇā parigraham॥ 1-45-36''
  
असुराः तेन दैतेयाः सुराः तेन अदितेः सुताः। हृष्टाः प्रमुदिताः च आसन् वारुणी ग्रहणात् सुराः॥ १-४५-३८
+
''diteḥ putrā na tāṁ rāma jagr̥hurvaruṇātmajām। aditeḥ tu sutā vīra jagr̥huḥ tām aninditām॥ 1-45-37''
  
उच्चैःश्रवा हय श्रेष्ठो मणि रत्नम् च कौस्तुभम्। उदतिष्ठन् नरश्रेष्ठ तथैव अमृतम् उत्तमम्॥ १-४५-३९
+
''asurāḥ tena daiteyāḥ surāḥ tena aditeḥ sutāḥ। hr̥ṣṭāḥ pramuditāḥ ca āsan vāruṇīgrahaṇāt surāḥ॥ 1-45-38''
  
After a thousand years of churning, then a male personality, an epitome of Life Sciences, namely '''aayur veda''' , a highly righteous soul, named Dhanvantari, has firstly surfaced with his arm-rest-stick and with his handy water-vessel, and then the remarkably elegant Apsara-s, angelic damsels, have emerged next to him from the Milky Ocean. Oh, descendent of Raghu, then the heaven-sent damsel Vaaruni came up from Milky Ocean searching for her espousal, who is the daughter of Varuna, the Rain-god, and who incidentally is the presiding deity of hard liquors and also called as sura. Then a best horse called Ucchaishravaa has emerged, oh, Rama, the best among men, and then a gem of a jewel, called Kaustubha, and like that amrita, the Supreme ambrosial elixir of gods, have also emerged.  
+
''uccaiḥśravā hayaśreṣṭho maṇiratnaṁ ca kaustubham। udatiṣṭhan naraśreṣṭha tathaiva amr̥tam uttamam॥ 1-45-39''</blockquote>Meaning: After a thousand years of churning had rolled on, there arose a male being, an embodiment of Ayurveda, highly righteous, named Dhanvantari with a stick in his hands and a Kamandalu. And there arose also, from the cream of the churning waters, the magnificent shining Apsaras. There sprang 60 kotis of shining Apsaras. And Oh Kakutstha, the female attendants of those were innumerable. And then, Oh descendent of Raghu, arose the eminently pious daughter of Varuna, Varuni, who came looking for acceptance. And Diti's sons, O Rama, did not accept the daughter of Varuna, - and Aditi's sons, Oh brave one, accepted that one of blameless limbs. And hence Diti's sons go by the name of Asuras; and Aditi's by that of Suras. And the celestials became exceeding glad on having accepted Varuni. Oh foremost of men, next arose Ucchaishrava - best of horses, and also Kaustubha; and next the excellent amrta.<ref name=":1" />
  
 
=== मोहिनी ॥ Mohini ===
 
=== मोहिनी ॥ Mohini ===
अथ तस्य कृते राम महान् आसीत् कुल क्षयः। अदितेः तु ततः पुत्रा दितेः पुत्रान् असूदयन्॥ १-४५-४०
+
As the amrta emerged as a result of the churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Mohini for the protection and disbursement of the amrta. It is said that,<blockquote>अथ तस्य कृते राम महान् आसीत् कुलक्षयः। अदितेः तु ततः पुत्रा दितेः पुत्रान् असूदयन्॥ १-४५-४०
 +
 
 +
एकताम् अगमन् सर्वे असुरा राक्षसैः सह। युद्धम् आसीन् महाघोरं वीरत्रैलोक्यमोहनम्॥ १-४५-४१
 +
 
 +
यदा क्षयं गतं सर्वं तदा विष्णुः महाबलः। अमृतं सः अहरत् तूर्णं मायाम् आस्थाय मोहिनीम्॥ १-४५-४२
 +
 
 +
ये गता अभिमुखं विष्णुम् अक्षरं पुरुषोत्तमम्। संपिष्टाः ते तदा युद्धे विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना॥ १-४५-४३
 +
 
 +
अदितेः आत्मजा वीरा दितेः पुत्रान् निजघ्‌निरे। अस्मिन् घोरे महायुद्धे दैतेयादित्यायोः भृशम्॥ १-४५-४४
 +
 
 +
निहत्य दिति पुत्रांश्च राज्यं प्राप्य पुरन्दरः। शशास मुदितो लोकान् सर्षिसन्घान् सचारणान्॥ १-४५-४५<ref name=":0" />
 +
 
 +
''atha tasya kr̥te rāma mahān āsīt kulakṣayaḥ। aditeḥ tu tataḥ putrā diteḥ putrān asūdayan॥ 1-45-40''
  
एकताम् अगमन् सर्वे असुरा राक्शसैः सह। युद्धम् आसीत् महाघोरम् वीर त्रैलोक्य मोहनम्॥ १-४५-४१
+
''ekatām agaman sarve asurā rākṣasaiḥ saha। yuddham āsīn mahāghoraṁ vīratrailokyamohanam॥ 1-45-41''
  
यदा क्शयम् गतम् सर्वम् तदा विष्णुः महाबलः। अमृतम् सः अहरत् तूर्णम् मायाम् आस्थाय मोहिनीम्॥ १-४५-४२
+
''yadā kṣayaṁ gataṁ sarvaṁ tadā viṣṇuḥ mahābalaḥ। amr̥taṁ saḥ aharat tūrṇaṁ māyām āsthāya mohinīm॥ 1-45-42''
  
ये गता अभिमुखम् विष्णुम् अक्शरम् पुरुषोत्तमम्। संपिष्टाः ते तदा युद्धे बिष्णुना प्रभ विष्णुना॥ १-४५-४३
+
''ye gatā abhimukhaṁ viṣṇum akṣaraṁ puruṣottamam। saṁpiṣṭāḥ te tadā yuddhe viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā॥ 1-45-43''
  
अदितेः आत्मजा वीरा दितेः पुत्रान् निजघ्‌निरे। अस्मिन् घोरे महायुद्धे दैतेया अदित्यायोः भृशम्॥ १-४५-४४
+
''aditeḥ ātmajā vīrā diteḥ putrān nijagh‌nire। asmin ghore mahāyuddhe daiteyādityāyoḥ bhr̥śam॥ 1-45-44''
  
निहत्य दिति पुत्रान् तु राज्यम् प्राप्य पुरन्दरः। शशास मुदितो लोकान् स ऋषि सन्घान् स चारणान्॥ १-४५-४५
+
''nihatya diti putrāṁśca rājyaṁ prāpya purandaraḥ। śaśāsa mudito lokān sarṣisanghān sacāraṇān॥ 1-45-45''</blockquote>Meaning: Tremendous was the carnage for the possession of the amrta; Aditi's and Diti's son fought together. All the asura-s assembled to one side and Oh brave one, mighty was the battle that was fought, striking terror into the three worlds. And when a great havoc had been committed, the highly powerful Vishnu, assuming a captivating form of Mohini speedily stole away the amrta. And whoever confronted that Eternal and Supreme being, Vishnu (in that war), were crushed in conflict by Vishnu in a different form. And in that exceedingly dreadful battle between the sons of Diti and Aditi, Aditi's heroic sons eliminated the sons of Diti. Having eliminated the sons of Diti and regaining their kingdom of Svarga, Purandara (Indra), happily began to rule the worlds, containing sages and charanas.<ref name=":1" /> And thus, Vishvamitra concluded his narration about the Samudra Manthana.
  
Owing to the dispute regarding the possession of that ambrosia, oh, Rama, then there chanced a rampant ethnic havoc, and then the sons of Aditi have havocked the sons of Diti. All the asura-s and demons have come to one side against sura-s, and there occurred a very gruesome war which was perplexing to all the triad of universe viz., ethereal, real and surreal spheres. When everything is wading into annihilation then that omnicompetent Vishnu swiftly impounded Amrita, the Divine Elixir, by assuming his illusory power of Mohini. Whoever confronted that Eternal and Supreme Person, namely Vishnu, in that war, then Vishnu whose blaze is threefold as manifest in the sun, fire and lightning, has pulverised him. On eliminating the demonic sons of Diti and on acquiring kingdom of heaven, that eliminator of enemy cities, namely Indra, happily ruled the worlds that are inclusive of sages and caarana-s." Thus Vishvamitra continued his narration about Vishaala city and its emergence.
+
== महाभारते समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Mahabharata ==
 +
Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Adhyaya 141, after verse 8 (Uma Shankara Samvada - Nilakantha)<ref>Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.</ref>
  
In Krta yuga, the sons of Diti (Asuras) and Aditi (Suras) speculated on how to thrive without ageing, illness, and likewise without death. They thought of getting amrta by churning the Milky Ocean and began by making Vasuki, the thousand-headed King of Snakes, as the churning rope and Mount Mandara as the stirrer. After a thousand years, Vasuki, unable to bear the friction of churning, let out the poisonous venom of halahala. The deities seeking shelter then approached Rudra who gulped that lethal poison as if it was amrta. The Suras and Asuras then continued to churn the Ocean. Now, the loftiest mountain being used as stirrer, caved into the netherworld. The deities along with gandharvas then prayed to Vishnu who adopted the form of a tortoise and positioning Mandara on the tortoiseshell, lay recumbent at the bottom of the Ocean as a base to the stirrer. After a thousand years of churning, Dhanvantari first surfaced followed by the Apsaras, Varuni, Ucchaishrava, Kaustubha, etc. and the amrta. Owing to the dispute regarding the possession of the amrta, a very gruesome war occured. Vishnu then swiftly impounded the amrta by assuming the form of Mohini.
+
== भागवतपुराणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Bhagavata Purana ==
  
This story is narrated to Rama and Lakshmana by Vishvamitra and appears in the Balakanda (Sarga 45) of the Ramayana.
+
== विष्णुपुराणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Vishnu Purana ==
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Latest revision as of 17:18, 3 February 2022

ToBeEdited.png
This article needs editing.

Add and improvise the content from reliable sources.

Samudra Manthana (Samskrit: समुद्रमन्थनम्) refers to the legend of churning the milky ocean.

रामायणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Ramayana

In the Balakanda (Sarga 45) of the Ramayana, the legend of churning the milky ocean is narrated to Rama and Lakshmana by Maharshi Vishvamitra when they reach the city named Vishala. Maharshi Vishvamitra narrates how halahala, the lethal poison as well as Amrta, emerged from the churning of the ocean. He also describes how Shiva contained the poison and how Vishnu helped the churning in His incarnation as Kurma (tortoise).[1] It is said that,

पूर्वम् कृत युगे राम दितेः पुत्रा महाबलाः | अदितेः च महाभागा वीर्यवन्तः सुधार्मिकाः || १-४५-१५

ततः तेषाम् नरव्याघ्रः बुद्धिः आसीत् महात्मनाम् | अमरा विर्जराः चैव कथम् स्यामो निरामयाः || १-४५-१६

तेषाम् चिंतयताम् तत्र बुद्धिः आसीत् विपश्चिताम् | क्षीर उद मथनम् कृत्वा रसम् प्राप्स्याम तत्र वै || १-४५-१७

ततो निश्चित्य मथनम् योक्त्रम् कृत्वा च वासुकिम् | मन्थानम् मन्दरम् कृत्वा ममन्थुर् अमित ओजसः || १-४५-१८[2]

pūrvam kr̥ta yuge rāma diteḥ putrā mahābalāḥ | aditeḥ ca mahābhāgā vīryavantaḥ sudhārmikāḥ || 1-45-15

tataḥ teṣām naravyāghraḥ buddhiḥ āsīt mahātmanām | amarā virjarāḥ caiva katham syāmo nirāmayāḥ || 1-45-16

teṣām ciṁtayatām tatra buddhiḥ āsīt vipaścitām | kṣīra uda mathanam kr̥tvā rasam prāpsyāma tatra vai || 1-45-17

tato niścitya mathanam yoktram kr̥tvā ca vāsukim | manthānam mandaram kr̥tvā mamanthur amita ojasaḥ || 1-45-18

Meaning: Formerly in Krta yuga, oh, Rama, the highly powerful sons of Diti as well as those of Aditi, possessed of prowess, and virtuous and pious - both great beings - Oh foremost of men (Rama), fell to reflecting, - 'how we can thrive without ageing, illness, and likewise without death.' And as they reflected, it struck them, - 'by churning the ocean of milk, we must obtain amrta.' Deciding upon churning the Milky Ocean, those ones of immeasurable energy making Vasuki, Thousand-headed King of Snakes, the cord and Mt. Mandara as the stick, began churning deep.[3]

हालाहलमहाविषम् ॥ The Poison Halahala

It is during this incident of churning the ocean that the poison halahala is spit out by the Serpent Vasuki. It is said that,

अथ वर्ष सहस्रेण योक्त्र सर्प शिरांसि च | वमन्तो अति विषम् तत्र ददंशुर् दशनैः शिलाः || १-४५-१९

उत्पपाताम् अग्नि संकाशम् हालाहल महाविषम् | तेन दग्धम् जगत् सर्वम् स देव असुर मानुषम् || १-४५-२०

अथ देवा महादेवम् शंकरम् शरणार्थ्तिनः | जग्मुः पशुपतिम् रुद्रम् त्राहि त्राहि इति तुष्टुवुः || १-४५-२१

देवतानाम् भयम् दृष्ट्वा श्रुत्वा वाक्यम् तु शारङ्गिणः || १-४५-२५

हालाहलम् विषम् घोरम् संजग्राह अमृत उपमम् | देवान् विसृज्य देवेशो जगाम भगवान् हरः॥ १-४५-२६

ततो देव असुराः सर्वे मनथू रघुनन्दन।[2]

atha varṣa sahasreṇa yoktra sarpa śirāṁsi ca | vamanto ati viṣam tatra dadaṁśur daśanaiḥ śilāḥ || 1-45-19

utpapātām agni saṁkāśam hālāhala mahāviṣam | tena dagdham jagat sarvam sa deva asura mānuṣam || 1-45-20

atha devā mahādevam śaṁkaram śaraṇārthtinaḥ | jagmuḥ paśupatim rudram trāhi trāhi iti tuṣṭuvuḥ || 1-45-21

devatānām bhayam dr̥ṣṭvā śrutvā vākyam tu śāraṅgiṇaḥ || 1-45-25

hālāhalam viṣam ghoram saṁjagrāha amr̥ta upamam | devān visr̥jya deveśo jagāma bhagavān haraḥ॥ 1-45-26

tato deva asurāḥ sarve manathū raghunandana।

Meaning: After a thousand years had gone by, the Thousand-headed serpent Vasuki, serving as the churning cord, began to vomit virulent venom and to bite at the cliffs with its fangs. Thereby, there came out a lot of powerful poison like fire and in consequence, the entire universe with celestials, and Asuras, and men, began to burn. Thereupon, intending to seek refuge, they appeared before the mighty deity, Shankara or Pashupati or Rudra, praying to him saying 'save us, save us.' Witnessing the dismay of the celestials, and hearing also the words of Sharngin (Vishnu), Shiva gulped that lethal poison, halahala, as if it were nectar. And then leaving the deities, the worshipful Hara went away.[3]

कूर्मावतारः ॥ Kurma Avatara

The Kurma incarnation of Lord Vishnu also took place to facilitate the churning of the milky ocean.It is said that,

प्रविवेश अथ पातालं मन्थानः पर्वतोत्तमः॥ १-४५-२७

ततो देवाः स गन्धर्वाः तुष्टुवुः मधुसूदनम्। त्वं गतिः सर्व भूतानां विशेषेण दिवौकसाम्॥ १-४५-२८

पालय अस्मान् महाबाहो गिरिम् उद्धर्तुम् अर्हसि । इति श्रुत्वा हृषीकेशः कामठं रूपमास्थितः॥ १-४५-२९

पर्वतं पृष्टतः कृत्वा शिश्ये तत्र उदधौ हरिः। पर्वताग्रं तु लोकात्मा हस्तेन आक्रम्य केशवः॥ १-४५-३०

देवानां मध्यतः स्थित्वा ममन्थ पुरुषोत्तमः।[2]

praviveśa atha pātālaṁ manthānaḥ parvatottamaḥ॥ 1-45-27

tato devāḥ sa gandharvāḥ tuṣṭuvuḥ madhusūdanam। tvaṁ gatiḥ sarva bhūtānāṁ viśeṣeṇa divaukasām॥ 1-45-28

pālaya asmān mahābāho girim uddhartum arhasi । iti śrutvā hr̥ṣīkeśaḥ kāmaṭhaṁ rūpamāsthitaḥ॥ 1-45-29

parvataṁ pr̥ṣṭataḥ kr̥tvā śiśye tatra udadhau hariḥ। parvatāgraṁ tu lokātmā hastena ākramya keśavaḥ॥ 1-45-30

devānāṁ madhyataḥ sthitvā mamantha puruṣottamaḥ।

Meaning: Then, as the celestials resumed the churning, that foremost of mountains serving as stirrer, caved into the subterranean regions. Thereupon the deities along with gandharva-s prayed to the slayer of Madhu, saying, 'You alone are the recourse to all beings, especially to the celestials. Oh mighty armed one, protect us and recover the mountain.' Having heard this, Hrshikesha (or Hari), assuming the form of a tortoise, stood in the ocean, supporting the mountain on his back; and that atman of all, Keshava, Purushottama, taking hold of the top of the hill by his hand, began to churn the ocean, stationed in the midst of the celestials.[3]

रत्नावतरणम् ॥ Jewels Surface

As the churning progressed, many jewels emerged out of the ocean. Regarding this, it is said,

अथ वर्षसहस्रेण आयुर्वेदमयः पुमान्॥ १-४५-३१

उदतिष्ठत् सुधर्मात्मा स दण्ड सकमण्डलुः। पूर्वं धन्वन्तरिर्नाम अप्सराः च सुवर्चसः॥ १-४५-३२

षष्टिः कोट्योऽभवंस्तासाम् अप्सराणाम् सुवर्चसाम्। असन्ख्येयाः तु काकुत्स्थ याः तासाम् परिचारिकाः॥ १-४५-३४

वरुणस्य ततः कन्या वारुणी रघुनन्दन। उत्पपात महाभागा मार्गमाणा परिग्रहम्॥ १-४५-३६

दितेः पुत्रा न तां राम जगृहुर्वरुणात्मजाम्। अदितेः तु सुता वीर जगृहुः ताम् अनिन्दिताम्॥ १-४५-३७

असुराः तेन दैतेयाः सुराः तेन अदितेः सुताः। हृष्टाः प्रमुदिताः च आसन् वारुणीग्रहणात् सुराः॥ १-४५-३८

उच्चैःश्रवा हयश्रेष्ठो मणिरत्नं च कौस्तुभम्। उदतिष्ठन् नरश्रेष्ठ तथैव अमृतम् उत्तमम्॥ १-४५-३९[2]

atha varṣasahasreṇa āyurvedamayaḥ pumān॥ 1-45-31

udatiṣṭhat sudharmātmā sa daṇḍa sakamaṇḍaluḥ। pūrvaṁ dhanvantarirnāma apsarāḥ ca suvarcasaḥ॥ 1-45-32

ṣaṣṭiḥ koṭyo'bhavaṁstāsām apsarāṇām suvarcasām। asankhyeyāḥ tu kākutstha yāḥ tāsām paricārikāḥ॥ 1-45-34

varuṇasya tataḥ kanyā vāruṇī raghunandana। utpapāta mahābhāgā mārgamāṇā parigraham॥ 1-45-36

diteḥ putrā na tāṁ rāma jagr̥hurvaruṇātmajām। aditeḥ tu sutā vīra jagr̥huḥ tām aninditām॥ 1-45-37

asurāḥ tena daiteyāḥ surāḥ tena aditeḥ sutāḥ। hr̥ṣṭāḥ pramuditāḥ ca āsan vāruṇīgrahaṇāt surāḥ॥ 1-45-38

uccaiḥśravā hayaśreṣṭho maṇiratnaṁ ca kaustubham। udatiṣṭhan naraśreṣṭha tathaiva amr̥tam uttamam॥ 1-45-39

Meaning: After a thousand years of churning had rolled on, there arose a male being, an embodiment of Ayurveda, highly righteous, named Dhanvantari with a stick in his hands and a Kamandalu. And there arose also, from the cream of the churning waters, the magnificent shining Apsaras. There sprang 60 kotis of shining Apsaras. And Oh Kakutstha, the female attendants of those were innumerable. And then, Oh descendent of Raghu, arose the eminently pious daughter of Varuna, Varuni, who came looking for acceptance. And Diti's sons, O Rama, did not accept the daughter of Varuna, - and Aditi's sons, Oh brave one, accepted that one of blameless limbs. And hence Diti's sons go by the name of Asuras; and Aditi's by that of Suras. And the celestials became exceeding glad on having accepted Varuni. Oh foremost of men, next arose Ucchaishrava - best of horses, and also Kaustubha; and next the excellent amrta.[3]

मोहिनी ॥ Mohini

As the amrta emerged as a result of the churning of the ocean, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Mohini for the protection and disbursement of the amrta. It is said that,

अथ तस्य कृते राम महान् आसीत् कुलक्षयः। अदितेः तु ततः पुत्रा दितेः पुत्रान् असूदयन्॥ १-४५-४०

एकताम् अगमन् सर्वे असुरा राक्षसैः सह। युद्धम् आसीन् महाघोरं वीरत्रैलोक्यमोहनम्॥ १-४५-४१

यदा क्षयं गतं सर्वं तदा विष्णुः महाबलः। अमृतं सः अहरत् तूर्णं मायाम् आस्थाय मोहिनीम्॥ १-४५-४२

ये गता अभिमुखं विष्णुम् अक्षरं पुरुषोत्तमम्। संपिष्टाः ते तदा युद्धे विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना॥ १-४५-४३

अदितेः आत्मजा वीरा दितेः पुत्रान् निजघ्‌निरे। अस्मिन् घोरे महायुद्धे दैतेयादित्यायोः भृशम्॥ १-४५-४४

निहत्य दिति पुत्रांश्च राज्यं प्राप्य पुरन्दरः। शशास मुदितो लोकान् सर्षिसन्घान् सचारणान्॥ १-४५-४५[2]

atha tasya kr̥te rāma mahān āsīt kulakṣayaḥ। aditeḥ tu tataḥ putrā diteḥ putrān asūdayan॥ 1-45-40

ekatām agaman sarve asurā rākṣasaiḥ saha। yuddham āsīn mahāghoraṁ vīratrailokyamohanam॥ 1-45-41

yadā kṣayaṁ gataṁ sarvaṁ tadā viṣṇuḥ mahābalaḥ। amr̥taṁ saḥ aharat tūrṇaṁ māyām āsthāya mohinīm॥ 1-45-42

ye gatā abhimukhaṁ viṣṇum akṣaraṁ puruṣottamam। saṁpiṣṭāḥ te tadā yuddhe viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā॥ 1-45-43

aditeḥ ātmajā vīrā diteḥ putrān nijagh‌nire। asmin ghore mahāyuddhe daiteyādityāyoḥ bhr̥śam॥ 1-45-44

nihatya diti putrāṁśca rājyaṁ prāpya purandaraḥ। śaśāsa mudito lokān sarṣisanghān sacāraṇān॥ 1-45-45

Meaning: Tremendous was the carnage for the possession of the amrta; Aditi's and Diti's son fought together. All the asura-s assembled to one side and Oh brave one, mighty was the battle that was fought, striking terror into the three worlds. And when a great havoc had been committed, the highly powerful Vishnu, assuming a captivating form of Mohini speedily stole away the amrta. And whoever confronted that Eternal and Supreme being, Vishnu (in that war), were crushed in conflict by Vishnu in a different form. And in that exceedingly dreadful battle between the sons of Diti and Aditi, Aditi's heroic sons eliminated the sons of Diti. Having eliminated the sons of Diti and regaining their kingdom of Svarga, Purandara (Indra), happily began to rule the worlds, containing sages and charanas.[3] And thus, Vishvamitra concluded his narration about the Samudra Manthana.

महाभारते समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Mahabharata

Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Adhyaya 141, after verse 8 (Uma Shankara Samvada - Nilakantha)[4]

भागवतपुराणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Bhagavata Purana

विष्णुपुराणे समुद्रमन्थनम् ॥ Samudra Manthana in Vishnu Purana

References

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda, Sarga 45.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Ramayana, Balakanda, Sarga 45.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Manmatha Nath Dutt (1891), The Ramayana - Balakandam, Calcutta.
  4. Shastri, Ramnarayanadatta Pandey, Mahabharata Volume 6 (With Hindi Translation), Gorakhpur:Gita Press.