Significance of Churning the ocean
Churning the ocean is a multifaceted concept in Vaishnavism and Puranic texts, symbolizing both a mythological event and an allegorical process. It involves gods and demons collaborating to extract nectar and other treasures from the ocean, demonstrating unity and effort for a common goal. This event, rich in spiritual significance, serves as a metaphor for the extraction of essential truths and highlights the divine effort for the benefit of all beings, ultimately representing both sacrifice and the pursuit of immortality.
Synonyms: Agitation of the sea, Tumultuous waves, Turbulent waters, Agitating the water
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Churning the ocean'
Churning the ocean in Hinduism symbolizes teamwork between gods and demons to obtain ambrosia and spiritual truths, representing divine effort, collaboration, and the extraction of valuable treasures amidst challenges, including the emergence of poison.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The divine act initiated by the Devas and Asuras to bring back the Moon-god Soma and obtain nectar and jewels.[1] (2) The act performed by Devas and Asuras to extract valuable substances from the Ocean through a rigorous process.[2] (3) The process undertaken by the groups of Suras and Asuras to extract Nectar (Amrita) for the benefit of both groups.[3]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A mythological event where gods and demons worked together to extract ambrosia from the ocean.[4] (2) A cosmic event where the ocean is rotated to extract nectar, involving various deities and forces.[5] (3) The action taken by the gods and demons to extract nectar from the ocean by using Vasuki as a cord around the mountain Mandara.[6]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A significant mythological event where gods and demons jointly churn the Milky Ocean to obtain nectar.[7] (2) The gods and the demons churned the Milky Ocean to extract treasures such as Lakshmi and the Moon.[8]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The act performed by the celestials and demons to obtain ambrosia, representing a joint effort to achieve a common goal.[9]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) An event orchestrated by Devas and Asuras to extract valuable items from the ocean; however, it resulted in the emergence of Kalakuta, a dangerous poison.[10]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A cosmic event involving Devas and Asuras aimed at obtaining the nectar of immortality from the ocean of Milk.[11]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The act of mixing the ocean waters to retrieve valuable items, which in this context demonstrates the Lord’s power.[12] (2) An allusion to a traditional mythological event that produced various treasures, here suggested to render past spiritual attainments as less significant compared to the Lord's essence.[13] (3) The act by the Lord of stirring the ocean to create ambrosia, representing His efforts and divine work for the benefit of others.[14] (4) A metaphorical act performed by the Lord to obtain ambrosia for the Devas, symbolizing effort and sacrifice for the benefit of others.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A significant event referenced in the context, where deities and demons collaborated to extract treasures from the ocean.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An allegorical reference to the process of extracting essential spiritual truths from a larger body of knowledge.[17]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) A pivotal action in the narrative that symbolizes teamwork and struggle between gods and demons to obtain divine treasures.[18]