The Churning of the Ocean and the Birth of the Maruts

As the travellers continued toward Mithila, Vishvamitra told Ram and Lakshman why the place they had reached was called Vishala. Its history began with the churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Long ago, the devas and asuras both wanted amrita, the drink associated with freedom from age and death. Neither side could obtain it alone. They agreed to work together, using Mount Mandara as the churning staff and the great serpent Vasuki as the rope.

The labour was immense. When the mountain could not remain steady, divine help supported it. As the ocean turned, the first result was not treasure but deadly poison. Shiva received the poison so it would not spread through the worlds.

Then wonders emerged: celestial beings, animals, medicines, jewels, and Lakshmi, who chose Vishnu. At last Dhanvantari appeared carrying the vessel of amrita.

Cooperation ended in mistrust. Both sides wanted the result. Vishnu took the captivating form of Mohini to distribute the amrita to the devas. An asura named Rahu disguised himself and sat among them, but the Sun and Moon recognized him. Vishnu stopped him just as the nectar touched his mouth.

The devas prevailed, and Indra again held authority in heaven. But victory did not end every grievance.