MANTHAN

Recent posts about Hindu Gods on this site gave me the idea for this post. Samudra Manthan as an mythological event has not been given due importance by sociologists, artists, film-makers the other intellectuals. This mythological lore includes every human emotion and could be a theme for social revolution or a blockbuster epic , etc etc.

Samudra Manthan the myth

The deities went to Lord Vishnu and sought his help after being defeated by the demons,. Lord Vishnu instructed them to collect all the medicinal herbs, and put them in the Ksheersagar, so that after the churning of the ocean ambrosia could be retrieved which would make the deities immortal. Lord Vishnu also advised them to use the Mandar mountain as a Churner and the serpent--Sheshnag as a rope for churning the ocean. 

The deities then reached an agreement with the demons according to which both the groups were supposed to unitedly churn the ocean. The great Mandar mountain was uprooted and placed on the back of the tortoise--the embodiment of Lord Vishnu. Sheshnag coiled around that mountain and both the ends were held by the demons and the deities respectively. The deities intelligently chose the tail-end, while the demons in their foolishness chose the mouth-end. The vemon spilled by Sheshnag destroyed the power and strength off the demons.

When the process of Churning began, the first thing to emerge from the sea-bed was Kaamdhenu--the holy cow. The deities claimed the ownership of this divine cow. Subsequently, Vaaruni (intoxicating drink) emerged from the sea-bed, which was claimed by the ignorant demons. During the process of ocean-churning, various kinds of things emerged out from the ocean--Parijat, sixty crore apsaras, the moon and the Kaalkut (poison), which were distributed among the demons and the deities. Lord Mahadev drank the Kaalkut when he saw that there was no taker for it.

The churning of ocean also resulted into the manifestation of ambrosia-pot, Uchchaishrava (horse) and Eravat (elephant). Ultimately, goddess Laxmi manifested herself, seated on a lotus. The deities eulogised her by chanting the mantras of Sri Sukta. The deities were desirous of having goddess Laxmi on their side, so were the demons, but Lord Brahma instructed Vishnu to accept her as his consort. The demons became furious and snatched the ambrosia-pot from the hands of Sage Dhanvantari. Lord Vishnu then disguised himself as the most enchanting woman and fooled the demons into giving back the ambrosia-pot.

Lord Vishnu gave the pot to the deities who became immortal after drinking ambrosia. A tremendous battle was fought between the demons and the deities. The demons were defeated in this battle and fled to the netherworld to protect their lives. The deities eulogised Lord Vishnu and returned to heaven.

The above text has been taken from the Padam Purana. There are(four) photographs accompanying this post and these can be viewed at my zone.
The photographs are of the sculptor from Thailand (airport). 

Symbolism of Samudra Manthan

* the good had literally lost out
* the good and bad both wanted the riches that could not be achieved by the power of one group alone
* the good had able leadership and which could save them.
* the use of strategic intelligence played a crucial role in the survival of good
* the good and bad forces came together
* both laboured together to improve their lot
* poor choice and lust led to downfall of the bad
* the bad could finally be eliminated
In today’s perspective

* At this point of time in our evolution the good and bad forces are poised for a showdown.
* The very survival of human race may hinge on some good sense and a revolutionary technology.
* This can only be achieved by the united efforts of the whole human race.
* A manthan (soul searching) by each of us is of utmost importance.
* Those responsible for guiding this nation have a far greater responsibility for they must prove their genuine desire to improve the lot of their fellow men.
* The honorable members of both the houses need to come together as the deities and demons did for the Samudra Manthan and decide fairly and without bias upon the important issues facing the country.
* Who is good and who is bad will be decided by the perception of the public that will be communicated in the next elections.

Tags: social obligation, myth, introspection, political responsibility

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