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THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN.
SKANDIIA VIII. CHAP. 5-12.
In the fight with the Asuras, the Devas lost their lives. They
fell down and did not rise up again. By the curse of Durvasas,
Indra and the three Lokas became shorn of Sri or Lakshmi (wife of
Vishnu in Vaikuntha: Preservative energy). Consequently there were
no performances such as Yajna. (Durvasas once saw Indra on the
elephant Airavata. He gave him the garland of his own neck.
Indra proud of his own Sri or wealth, placed the garland on the head
of the elephant. The elephant threw it down and tore it to pieces
with his feet. Durvasas got angry and cursed Indra that he and his
Triloki were to lose Sri. Indra did not know what to do and the Devas
all went over to the seat of Brahma on the top of Meru. Brahma, saw
the Lokapalas lifeless and lustreless, as it were, the Lokas beset with
evils and the Asuras full of life and energy. He meditated on
Parama Purasha with concentrated mind and then addressed the
Devas thus.
"Purusha has resort to Rajas, Satva and Tamas respectively for
Creation, Preservation and Dissolution. This is just the time for
Preservation. For the good of all beings, He shall now be possessed
of Satva. So let us take the shelter of the guide of the universe.
He shall now befriend the Devas and do what is best for us."
The Devas with Brahma then went to Ajita. Brahma prayed
to Him as the Preservative aspect of Virat Purusha. Vishnu appear-
ed before the Devas and addressed them thus:
"The Asuras favored by Sukra are now victorious. Make
peace with them so long as you are not strong yourselves. Lose no
time in churning the Milk Ocean for Amrita in concert with the
Asuras. By drinking Amrita even dead persons become immortal.
Throw all creepers and herbs into that ocean. Make Mandara moun-
tain the churning rod and make Vasuki the rope. Then with my
help, churn the ocean with all diligence. The Asuras shall have all
the trouble to themselves, while you shall reap the fruits. If the
Asuras ask for any concession, you had better approve of that. Do
not be afraid of any poison that may arise. Have neither greed nor
anger nor desire in respect of the things that will arise."
So saying Vishnu disappeared. The Devas went to the Asura
King Bali and Indra explained to him what Vishnu had said about
the churning. The Asuras approved of the plan and made friends
22
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