Ponderings

Halahal is also called Kālakūta. Owing to the curse of Durvasa, the Devas were subjected to symptoms of old age, and to produce amṛta (nectar) as remedy for this unfortunate development, the churning of Kşīrā-bdhi (ocean of milk) was started. Vasuki, the snake, was used as cord to rotate mount Mandara, which was used as the churning rod. When the churning became very intense, the mortal poison Kālakūta emerged out of Vasuki’s mouth. (Another view is held that Kālakūța rose out of the milk-sea). On the emergence of the deadly poison the asuras ran off in great fear, the Devas got bewildered, Bali and Sugrīva too got frightened and without exhibiting his fright Vişnu covered his face; on the whole it appeared as though the entire world would be reduced to ashes. At this critical moment, Siva, reputed for his daring, put all the Kālakūța into his mouth. Frightened at it Parvati held Śiva’s throat by her hands so that the poison did not enter his stomach. At the same time Mahāvişnu covered with his hands Śiva’s m