Dive into the epic tale of the ocean's churning, where gods and demons battle for immortality. Witness Vishnu's clever disguise and Shiva's sacrifice in this thrilling Ramayana excerpt. 

The Churning of the Ocean (Shlokas 1.45.1 - 1.45.30)

Rama's Astonishment (1.45.1 - 1.45.5)

After hearing Viswamitra's words, Rama and Lakshmana were filled with great astonishment. Rama addressed Viswamitra, saying:

"O Knower of Brahman (the ultimate reality), the story you've narrated about the descent of the sacred Ganga and the filling of the ocean is truly wonderful."

Rama and Lakshmana spent the entire night reflecting on Viswamitra's auspicious story. At dawn, after Viswamitra had completed his daily rituals, Rama spoke to him:

"O Great ascetic, the glorious night has passed as we listened to your supreme story. For us, pondering over your complete tale, the night seemed to last but a moment."

Crossing the Ganga (1.45.6 - 1.45.10)

Rama continued, "Let us cross the Ganga, the best of rivers, the holy river that flows in three directions. This boat of pious saints has come swiftly, knowing that you, O Venerable one, have arrived."

Hearing Rama's words, Viswamitra made arrangements to cross the river. The group included:

• Viswamitra himself

• A host of sages

• Rama and Lakshmana

Upon reaching the northern bank, they:

1. Paid homage to the sages encamped there

2. Beheld the city of Vishala

Viswamitra, the best of ascetics, along with Rama and Lakshmana, quickly proceeded towards the enchanting and splendid city of Vishala, which was comparable to heaven.

The Story of Vishala (1.45.11 - 1.45.14)

Rama, with folded palms, inquired of Viswamitra about the excellent city of Vishala:

"O Distinguished ascetic, which royal dynasty rules this city of Vishala? I'm very curious to know. May you prosper!"

Viswamitra, preeminent among ascetics, began to relate the ancient history of Vishala:

"O Rama, listen to the auspicious legend of Indra (the king of gods). Hear what happened in this country long ago."

The Churning Begins (1.45.15 - 1.45.20)

In the Krita Yuga (the first and most perfect of the four yugas), two groups of divine beings existed:

1. The sons of Diti, who were very strong

2. The sons of Aditi, who were spirited and righteous

These beings wondered how they could become free from:

• Old age

• Death

• Disease

To achieve this, they decided to churn the ocean of milk to obtain the nectar of immortality.

The churning process involved:

• Using the great snake Vasuki as a rope

• Using Mount Mandara as the churning rod

After a thousand years of churning:

• The snake's hoods vomited venom

• The snake's teeth bit the rocks of Mount Mandara

From this churning emerged Halahala, a virulent venom resembling fire. This venom scorched the entire universe, including:

• Gods

• Demons

• Mortals

Shiva Drinks the Poison (1.45.21 - 1.45.25)

The gods sought refuge in the great god Rudra (Shiva), crying, "Save us, save us!"

In response to their pleas:

1. Vishnu appeared, bearing his conch and discus

2. Vishnu spoke to Shiva, smiling: "O Chief of celestial beings, you were born earliest among the gods. Therefore, whatever is produced first from the churning should be offered to you. Considering this the first offering, O Lord, accept this venom."

3. After speaking, Vishnu vanished

4. Shiva, having heard Vishnu's words and seen the gods' fear, consumed the dreadful Halahala venom as if it were nectar

The Churning Continues (1.45.26 - 1.45.30)

After Shiva's departure, the gods and demons resumed churning. However, a problem arose:

• Mount Mandara sank into the netherworld (Patala)

To solve this issue:

1. The gods and celestial musicians invoked Vishnu again

2. They said: "O Mighty-armed one, you are the ultimate refuge for all beings, especially for the gods. Protect us, for you alone can lift the Mandara mountain."

3. Hearing this, Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise

4. In this form, Vishnu supported the mountain on his back in the ocean

5. The Supreme Being then stood amidst the gods, holding the mountain's peak with his hand

6. The churning of the ocean continued

The Emergence of Divine Beings and Objects (Shlokas 1.45.31 - 1.45.44)

The Emergence of Dhanvantari and Apsaras (1.45.31 - 1.45.34)

After a thousand years of churning, several divine beings emerged from the ocean:

1. Dhanvantari (the celestial physician) appeared, holding a staff and a water pot.

2. Apsaras (celestial nymphs known for their beauty and artistic skills) emerged.

The Apsaras were born from the essence produced by churning the waters. O Best among men (Rama), sixty crore highly lustrous Apsaras were produced, with countless attendants.

Neither the Devas (gods) nor the Danavas (demons) accepted the Apsaras in marriage. As a result, the Apsaras remained unmarried and were regarded as belonging to all.

The Appearance of Varuni (1.45.35 - 1.45.37)

Next, Varuni (the goddess of wine), daughter of Varuna (the god of waters), emerged, searching for a consort. The sons of Diti (demons) did not accept her, but the sons of Aditi (gods) did.

This acceptance of Varuni led to a significant distinction:

• The sons of Diti became known as Asuras (literally "without wine", implying those who abstain from intoxicants).

• The sons of Aditi became known as Suras (literally "with wine", implying those who partake in celebratory drinks).

The Devas (gods) were overjoyed at accepting Varuni, as it symbolized their connection to celebration and enjoyment.

The Emergence of Divine Objects (1.45.38)

The churning of the ocean continued to produce remarkable entities:

1. Ucchaishravas, the best of horses (a divine, white stallion)

2. Kaustubha, the best among jewels (a precious gem later worn by Vishnu)

3. The excellent nectar of immortality (amrita)

The Great Battle (1.45.39 - 1.45.42)

The appearance of these divine objects, especially the nectar of immortality, triggered a fierce conflict. A great battle ensued between the Devas and Daityas (demons) for the possession of the nectar. This conflict caused massive destruction to both races.

All the Asuras (demons), along with the Rakshasas (evil spirits), joined forces on one side. The battle that followed was so terrifying that it caused confusion in all three worlds (heaven, earth, and the underworld).

When the situation seemed dire, the mighty Vishnu intervened:

1. He assumed the form of Mohini, a captivating female form.

2. Using this illusory appearance, Vishnu cunningly stole away the nectar.

3. This act demonstrates Vishnu's role as a preserver, maintaining cosmic balance through his actions.

Those who dared to oppose Vishnu, the imperishable Supreme Being, in battle were crushed by his immense power.

The Defeat of the Demons (1.45.43 - 1.45.44)

In this great and terrible battle between the Daityas and Adityas (gods), the heroic sons of Aditi ultimately triumphed, defeating the sons of Diti.

Indra (also known as Purandara, the destroyer of cities), having vanquished the sons of Diti, claimed the kingdom of the three worlds. Pleased with his victory, he assumed his role as the king of the gods, ruling the worlds in the company of rishis (sages) and celestial singers.

Thus ends the Forty Fifth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.