Samudra Manthan: Churning of the Ocean

In the familiar Puranic account, devas and asuras churn the ocean with Mount Mandara to obtain amrita. Many treasures and challenges emerge, including a dangerous poison that Shiva contains for the welfare of creation. Lakshmi appears, and the nectar leads to new conflict. The story is often read as an allegory of cooperation, ambition, sacrifice and discernment.

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