Chapter 25 Promise of Lord Vishnu
"I will not take this sacred tree from you without offering something in return. Why don't we discuss the terms?" Vishnu said, still smiling warmly as he held the sacred tree in his hand. His demeanor was calm and serene, as though the angry Hiranyaksha before him were no more than a mild inconvenience. A look of happiness and harmlessness.
"Ha! You want to negotiate terms?" Hiranyaksha retorted, his eyes flashing with fury. He opened his mouth wide and exhaled a blast of air like thunder, causing the very color of the world to shift. The ground trembled beneath him, and the roots of his teeth cracked as though an earthquake had struck deep underground. His fists clenched in rage.
He remembered it all too clearly. The last time someone had dared negotiate with him, it was Indra—and in the end, Indra had tricked him into discarding the Mandara Mountain. Now, Vishnu was here, trying the same thing. He truly thought Hiranyaksha was a fool.
Vishnu blinked, unfazed, his smile unwavering. "This Kalpavriksha is crucial for the balance of the universe," he said slowly. "As long as it is entrusted to the Devas, I will ensure it is shared fairly among you in my capacity as the protector of the Universe. The next treasure that emerges from the churning of the Kshira Sagara, however, will belong to the Asuras."
Hiranyaksha's expression darkened as he stared at Vishnu, suspicion and distrust in his eyes. He glanced down at the Milk Sea below, its surface rippling like sticky glue. It was clear that the churning was nearing its end—there wasn't much left to churn. Whatever emerged next would likely be the legendary Amrit, the nectar of immortality that could grant anyone who drinks it eternal life.
'Should he take a gamble?'
The Kalpavriksha was a valuable treasure, yes, but it paled in comparison to the Amrit. He and his brother, Hiranyakashipu, had worked tirelessly for strength and immortality. If he could obtain the Amrit, he would be invincible against the Devas for thousands of years, able to launch a full assault on Svarga. At that point, all the rare treasures and beautiful Apsaras in Svarga would be his.
As for the protector of the universe before him…
Hiranyaksha would never admit that he was afraid of Vishnu. His eyes narrowed with solemnity as he raised his hand and pointed directly at Vishnu, the protector of the world.
"Hmph! I can't trust the Devas," he said coldly. "I want you to make a promise right now—an oath that no Deva will dare disobey!"
"As you wish," Vishnu replied calmly. He gave a slight nod, raised his right hand, and turned toward Hiranyaksha with a smile.
"In the name of the protector of the universe," Vishnu began, "I vow to ensure a fair distribution for both the Devas and the Asuras. The Kalpavriksha before me will belong to the Devas..."
He paused for a moment, smiled, and then turned to address the assembled Devas.
"The next treasure to emerge from the Kshira Sagara will belong to the Asuras."
Vishnu's words echoed across the Kshira Sagara, spreading far and wide. Two beams of light appeared upon the surface, and the figures of Brahma and Shiva materialized, each nodding in acknowledgment of Vishnu's declaration, standing as witnesses to the oath.
Seeing this, Hiranyaksha felt a sense of reassurance. He exhaled deeply, slowly unclenching his fists. With Brahma and Shiva present, he knew that Vishnu's words carried weight—there was no way he could backtrack now.
On the other side, the Devas clasped their hands in reverence. After the Devas paid their respect and thanks to Vishnu, one by one, led by Surya, they tilted their heads and looked at Vishnu with expressions of grievance.
"Lord Vishnu, how can you help the Asuras?" they silently wondered. "What if the Amrit is taken by them?"
Vishnu smiled faintly but did not explain. He released his palm, and the wish-fulfilling tree descended slowly, bathed in golden light, finally landing before the Devas.
"King of Svarga, please accept this Kalpavriksha," Vishnu said with a smile.
Indra nodded, smiling as he clasped his hands and protected the tree before him. He then gave Vishnu a slight nod in gratitude.
Vishnu's smile widened as he transformed into golden light and disappeared with a soft whoosh.
Indra's face softened with emotion.
Sure enough, Vishnu remained as reliable as ever!
If he remembered correctly, the only treasures left in the Kshira Sagara were Halahala and Amrit—one of them granting instant death, and the other granting immortality.
"Halahala might be a blessing in disguise!" Indra thought, storing the wish-fulfilling tree away safely. His fingers instinctively grazed the surface of his divine armor.
The Sahasrakavacha, his divine armor, was tough yet emanated a gentle warmth that comforted his fingertips. He was prepared to use the first layer of his divine armor to absorb Halahala.
Hope began to blossom in Indra's heart. He turned around to reassure the worried Devas. Surya and the others were anxious, fearing that the next treasure from the Kshira Sagara would fall into the hands of the Asuras.
"Do not worry!" Indra said confidently. "Would the Lord Vishnu harm us? You are not pious enough to warrant that fear. The main event comes next!"
Surya's eyes brightened at his words. He turned slightly and asked quietly, "King Svarga, did Lord Vishnu say something to you?"
Indra shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. He moved toward Vasuki, the great serpent, and embraced its tail with both hands, feeling reassured and ready for what was to come.
When Surya witnessed this scene, a flash of realization swept across his mind, and the sun's rays flickered in his eyes.
"Lord Vishnu and the King must have shared something we don't know," Surya thought. "Do not worry!" he reassured the Devas.
Hearing Surya's words, the Devas finally relaxed and returned to their respective places.
In the distance, Garuda, who had been assisting the Devas by pulling the snake's tail, suddenly tilted his head. His eyes widened in confusion, a mix of unwillingness, grief, anger, and grievance washing over him.
"Did the Lord tell the King of Svarga something?" he wondered. "I am the Lord's mount—why didn't he tell me?"
"Why does the lord favor the King of Svarga more than me?!"
Garuda, his proud form momentarily hunched, drooped his wings in frustration, unable to understand the situation.
Before he could make sense of it, the Gandharvas around him began to move. They were already pulling Vasuki's snake tail, starting the effort to drag it. Garuda, though still troubled, had no choice but to channel his grief and anger into strength and assist in the task.
Rumble!
With the support of the spirit turtle, the colossal body of the serpent king, Vasuki, shifted once again, rubbing against Mount Mandara with a deep, resonating sound.
Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!
Steam billowed from the Sea, and bubbles erupted from its thick, sticky surface, bursting like a volcanic eruption.
"It's spinning so fast! It seems like everyone is putting in maximum effort!" Indra remarked, watching Mount Mandara spin like a gyroscope. He sighed and gripped Vasuki's serpent body, straining with all his might.
The Asuras were also fully engaged.
Rolling flames and venom spewed from the countless heads of Vasuki, forcing the Asuras to use their divine power to fend off the attacks while pulling with all their strength. In the distance, Hiranyaksha's voice rang out.
"It's the final moment!"
"The protector of the Devas, Vishnu, has promised that the next treasure will belong to the Asuras. The Amrit will be ours, and immortality is within our reach!"
"Quick! Faster!" Hiranyaksha commanded, turning to the Asuras behind him.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As the forces from both sides continued to churn, the vibrations beneath Mount Mandara grew louder, like the sound of countless planets exploding. The sky and the Patalaloka seemed to crack open, while the Sea of Milk surged with a massive wave.
Boom!
A colossal wave erupted in the Kshira Sagara, forming a swirling vortex.
Hiranyaksha released the serpent head he had been holding, took two eager steps forward, and gazed excitedly at the Sea. Raising his hands high, he shouted with triumph.
"It's here! Our treasure is emerging!"
---
Chapter 26 Halahala The Poison of Death
---
"It's coming out!" Hiranyaksha's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he gazed at the massive vortex in the Sea of Milk. At its center, the depths were dark and unfathomable, as if the vortex connected directly to the endless abyss beneath the sea.
Amrita! Could it be the Amrita?
Boom!
With a burst of energy, Hiranyaksha shot into the sky, soaring across the vast expanse of the ocean and heading straight for the swirling vortex. The Devas watched him intently, their curiosity piqued by what the vortex would reveal this time.
Indra, observing from a distance, narrowed his eyes.
Many of the Asuras, too, shot out from the Sea of Milk like meteors, racing toward the enormous vortex.
"I fear Halahala alone won't be enough to end Hiranyaksha," Indra mused, his thoughts shadowed with concern. "This Asura was meticulous when he sought blessings from Brahma. He enumerated nearly every living and non-living entity in existence, securing protection from harm by them. Poison was undoubtedly among the things he remembered."
His gaze darkened as he recalled the details. "The only thing he overlooked was the wild boar. That singular lapse has left a vulnerable thread in the otherwise impenetrable armor of his boon."
Indra glanced toward the Asura army in the distance. "Even if we can't strike him directly, the effects of Halahala should disrupt his forces. The potency of that poison may not kill him, but it will surely cause chaos among his ranks. That, at least, is a start."
Indra pondered the situation as Hiranyaksha reached the vortex. He leaned forward, peering into its depths.
Within the swirling vortex, blue-green light pulsed like an aurora—beautiful and mesmerizing, almost like a painting.
Swish!
Hiranyaksha, undeterred and filled with impatience, leaped into the vortex without hesitation.
Before beginning his rigorous penance, he had already devised a plan. His blessing was meant to ensure that nothing in the world could harm him.
He had made a comprehensive list, writing down nearly everything in the world, and had taken great care to memorize every item.
Whether it was Devas, Asuras, or humans; animals, plants, or toxins—everything in the world had been accounted been by nature or man. Nothing was missing from his list. Nothing in the world could kill him. The swirling vortex of the Kshira Sagara was, naturally, not an exception.
As Hiranyaksha leaped into the massive vortex, Puloman and other Asuras eagerly followed, preparing to dive in as well, their eyes fixed on the swirling depths.
Boom!
Suddenly, the vortex trembled violently, and a dense, blue-green poisonous fog erupted from it. The mist surged into the sky, spreading outward in all directions.
Puloman halted midair, his foot frozen in place as he cautiously observed the poisonous fog with suspicion.
Something was wrong. He took two steps back, and the other Asura generals followed suit, hesitating in uncertainty.
As the blue-green fog swirled around the battlefield, Puloman, Viprachitti, and Vajranga stood atop a craggy ridge, their expressions tense as they observed the devastating transformation of the Milky Sea below. The once-pristine waters had turned into a dark, rotting mass of pus, and the land itself was scorched and lifeless. The oppressive sight chilled even the hardened Asura generals.
Puloman, his fiery gaze flickering with uncertainty, broke the silence. "This... this is poison. A venom so potent it consumes not just life but the very essence of existence itself. Could it have killed the king?"
Viprachitti, his features marred with worry, clenched his fists. "The king... the king isn't dead, is he? Tell me this isn't his end!" His voice wavered, an unusual crack in the stoic general's demeanor.
Vajranga, ever the rational one, glanced at the others, his brow furrowed in thought. "I don't know," he admitted, his tone measured yet laced with unease. "But remember, the king possesses the boon of immortality. Such a blessing should shield him from this poisonous mist."
Puloman shook his head, frustration bubbling beneath his otherwise composed exterior. "Immortality does not mean invincibility, Viprachitti. If this poison can corrupt the sea and dissolve mountains into dust, then even the strongest boon might falter against its wrath!"
Viprachitti's voice rose, defiant against Puloman's grim reasoning. "Enough! Our king is not so easily killed! He has faced countless trials and risen above them all. This poison, no matter how vile, will not claim him!"
Vajranga raised a hand, motioning for silence. "Arguing won't change the outcome," he said firmly, his sharp gaze scanning the decayed landscape. "Our focus must remain on the task at hand. If the king is indeed caught within this vile mist, then we must find a way to aid him—or avenge him."
The three fell silent, their eyes locked on the choking haze swirling in the distance. A shared resolve began to form between them, their loyalty to their king outweighing their growing dread.
"If the king still stands, he will summon us," Puloman said at last, his voice steady but his heart heavy.
"And if he has fallen," Viprachitti added, his fists trembling, "then this poison will meet the full wrath of the Asuras."
Vajranga nodded, his piercing eyes narrowing as he stared into the abyss. "For now, we wait. But prepare for the worst, brothers. This poison is not the only thing that reeks of danger here."
...
Amidst the growing suspicions and fears of the Asuras, accompanied by deafening screams of pain, a massive figure suddenly emerged from the blue-green poisonous fog.
"It burns!! This... cursed poison! "It doesn't touch my flesh, but it feels as if my very soul is aflame!"
Hiranyaksha roared in agony as he staggered out of the fog. His body remained unharmed, but the golden armor and various accessories he wore had decayed completely. They were reduced to a black, brittle form, resembling dough corroded by aqua regia, crumbling away and falling to the ground in shattered pieces.
Hiranyaksha swallowed hard, his face filled with terror as he looked down at his intact body.
It was fine... but...
It hurt!
The poisonous fog couldn't harm him directly, but its touch sent waves of excruciating pain through him. How could something like this be released into the Milky Ocean? Where were his treasures?!
"King, the poisonous fog is spreading!" Vajranga shouted in alarm.
Hiranyaksha turned to see the fog rolling out, expanding rapidly in every direction. "Damn Vishnu! He lied to me! He lied!" His voice filled with rage as he swore, "I'll make you pay for this!"
Ignoring the need to repair his corrupted armor, he surged into the air, flying up with urgency.
Puloman, Viprachitti, and Vajranga rushed forward, their expressions a mix of awe, terror, and concern.
"Lord Hiranyaksha!" Puloman called, his voice cracking slightly. "You've survived! But this... this poison..."
Hiranyaksha swatted the air dismissively, though his movements were sluggish. "The Halahala won't claim me," he growled, his teeth gritted as he straightened his posture. "But its venom reaches where blades cannot. My strength is untouched, yet I feel its vile curse gnawing at the edges of my soul."
Viprachitti's fists clenched as he observed the remnants of Hiranyaksha's once-gleaming adornments scattered like dead leaves at his feet. "This poison..." he muttered, his voice thick with anger. "It's unlike anything we've ever faced. To strip even you of your regalia—it dares insult the might of the Asuras!"
Hiranyaksha shot him a withering glare, though the pain in his eyes softened its impact. "Enough whining," he snapped, his voice regaining some of its commanding force. "If the Devas think this Halahala will be their victory, they are gravely mistaken. Prepare yourselves. If this wretched poison is a test, then we shall conquer it!"
The fear was palpable. Hiranyaksha was forced to retreat. If they didn't leave now, they would likely perish without a trace.
"Retreat!" Hiranyaksha ordered, and the Asuras scrambled to pull back.
On the other side, the poisonous fog was also advancing toward the Devas.
The Devas, confused and unsure, stood frozen in place, uncertain of what to do.
Suddenly, a golden light flashed before them, condensing into a figure that materialized into the elegant form of Vishnu.
His face was solemn as he gazed at the spreading Hela Hela.
"This is Halahala, the poison of death," Vishnu said gravely. "Anything that touches Halahala will be destroyed—even the Devas will fall."
Upon hearing this, the Devas immediately became anxious. They had hoped for more time to enjoy themselves, and now they feared for their lives.
"What should we do? Lord Vishnu, please help us!" Varuna cried for help. "This Halahala spreads so quickly—if it continues, the entire world will be destroyed!"
"Please, Lord, think of a way!"
Suryadev spoke urgently, his hands clasped in prayer as he looked at Vishnu with pleading eyes. The other Devas were equally panicked, glancing at Vishnu with fear and concern etched on their faces.
Vishnu's gaze shifted to Indra.
"I don't know if I can withstand it," Indra said, stepping forward. His Sahasrakavacha shimmered, and a flash of thunder and lightning surged around him, its light a brilliant blue, wrapping around the armor like a protective aura.
"This armor shall have the power to absorb all toxins in the world," Indra declared, his voice steady and resolute.
As soon as the words left his lips, a divine brilliance began to emanate from the Sahasrakavacha. Slowly, the form of Lord Brahma, the Creator, manifested above the armor. His four faces radiated serenity and wisdom as his right hand extended toward the Sahasrakavacha.
"Let it be so," Brahma intoned, his voice reverberating with divine authority. A golden light poured forth, suffusing the armor with a radiant glow, as if the very essence of Brahma's boon had fused into its core.
Indra gazed upon the transformed armor with awe. "It is complete," he said quietly, though his tone carried the weight of accomplishment.
Nearby, Suryadev's eyes widened in astonishment as he watched the spectacle unfold. The resplendent glow of the armor left him momentarily speechless.
"Incredible," he finally murmured, his voice tinged with admiration. "The craftsmanship of the Sahasrakavacha now embodies the divine will of Brahma himself. Truly a treasure worthy of the King of Svarga!"
Vishnu, too, seemed impressed. He looked at the Sahasrakavacha with curiosity, nodding and smiling. "You can give it a try," he said, offering encouragement.
Hearing this, the Devas let out a collective sigh of relief. If the Lord Vishnu had given his approval, perhaps there was hope after all.
"The King of Svarga is indeed a visionary!" Vayu remarked with admiration.
"Yeah! This armor might solve the poison!" Agni sighed in relief.
As the Devas relaxed, Indra smiled slightly, then grasped the edges of his golden sun armor. With a gentle movement, he removed it, the armor glowing brightly as it floated in front of the gathered Devas.
"Now, which one of you will use this divine armor to absorb the Hala Hala?" Indra asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.
The Devas stared in confusion.
Their eyes widened in shock, and they gasped, taking a collective deep breath.
"Wait... if we don't have to get near Halahala, why are you asking us?" Vayu finally managed to say.
Indra cleared his throat, avoiding their gazes. He turned slightly to the side and spoke in a more subdued tone.
"You see, this armor was forged by me after years of dedicated practice. But my divine body is weaker than most, and I don't have the speed to keep up with how quickly Halahala spreads."
---
Chapter 27 Neelkantha
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"Which of you is going?" Indra blinked and glanced around at the Devas.
The poison of death, like Halahala, was no trivial matter. Even with the protection of divine armor, he wasn't eager to face it. It seemed much more sensible to stay behind and watch as an observer. The Devas stood silent, exchanging uneasy glances and avoiding Indra's gaze.
Then, Suryadev raised his hand slightly, his golden hair fluttering, and walked over to stand beside the King of Svarga.
Did Surya want to volunteer for the task?
Agni, the Deva of Fire, Vayu, the Deva of Wind, Soma, the Deva of Moon, and Varundev, all watched in stunned silence.
Surya stood tall beside Indra, his posture proud and dignified. He turned to face the others, his head held high.
"The King of Svarga is right," Surya said, his voice calm but serious. "It took immense divine power and effort from Big Brother to forge this divine armor. You must make your decision quickly."
The Devas stared at Surya in disbelief. What a bold move from Surya! Directly pulling out the sibling, little brother card.
"Eh!"
Suddenly, Varunadev, who had been silent until now, spoke up. He raised his index finger, gesturing thoughtfully, a look of sudden realization on his face.
"Speaking of speed, the fastest Deva among us is, of course, Vayu." Varuna's comment made Vayu look at him in shock.
This traitorous little brother!
"That's right! The Deva of Wind is our vanguard—fastest and strongest!" Agnidev, added with enthusiasm. "I would call him the fastest of us all!"
"Yes, that's it!" Soma agreed, nodding.
"Then it's settled. We'll send Vayu!" Surya declared, his tone final.
Vayu fell silent. He folded his hands, turned around, and looked at Lord Vishnu, his face filled with a pleading expression. Please, give me some help!
"Vayu, go ahead," Vishnu replied, his face still wearing that warm smile, as comforting as the spring breeze. "I believe you will be fine."
"Okay~" Vayu could only nod, his words escaping in a strained whisper as he clutched the divine armor. With great effort, he lifted it.
"Go, and we will sing hymns for you, waiting for your victory!" Indra exclaimed, clenching his fists and striking his chest with a thunderous sound.
No sooner had he spoken than Surya and the others immediately clasped their hands together and began singing without hesitation:
'O Vayu, soul-carrier of the universe,
You carry us from birth to death,
With each exhale, we are reborn,
In your breath, we are freed.
Grant us peace, freedom from all burdens,
And carry us to the realm of eternal bliss.'
…
Meanwhile, Indra called upon his divine power, transforming the air itself into a mṛidangam, a sacred drum, so he could play along with the hymns.
"I'm going!"
"Don't come back without success!"
"I'm going!"
"Don't you trust Lord Vishnu! He said you will be fine then you will be fine."
Listening to the hymns, Vayu gritted his teeth. He held the divine armor tightly and activated his divine power. The winds swirled beneath his feet, and in an instant, they transformed into a white horse-shaped divine chariot.
With a leap, he soared into the air, heading toward Halahala. As Vayu approached, the spreading blue-green poisonous mist billowed fiercely toward him. The white horse and divine chariot formed by his power began to disintegrate, corroded by the toxic haze. Halahala surged forward, and Vayu, startled, quickly raised the divine armor in defense.
The Sahasrakavacha shimmered brightly, releasing a devouring force. In an instant, the green and blue poisonous mist was absorbed, vanishing into the armor's depths.
The rolling Halahala immediately ceased its spread, instead pouring into the divine armor, one wave after another. Seeing this, Vayu exhaled in relief, feeling that the danger had been a false alarm.
"Huh~ The blessings for the King of Svarga's hard work are truly invaluable!"
"This divine armor is amazing," he continued, his tone thoughtful. "Once I return, I should encourage the King of Svarga to do more penance. If he grants this armor further blessings, the Svarga will surely be at peace, and the Devas will be able to live in comfort."
The Vayudeva's thoughts were genuine, his belief in the King's power unwavering.
He raised the Sahasrakavacha high, and the golden light flashed brightly. As the rolling Halahala continued its approach, the armor absorbed the poison relentlessly.
With each absorption, the expansion of Halahala slowed, inching to a near halt. Above the sea of milk, Brahma sat cross-legged upon a lotus, gazing into the distance. His eyes focused on the Halahala, now stopped in its tracks.
"It seems the limits of Sahasrakavacha have been reached. But it may be able to contain the poison to Kshira Sagara," Brahma said, nodding slightly in approval.
However, Shiva Mahadeva, watching the poison with indifferent eyes, suddenly spoke up.
"No! Not yet!" Shiva's voice was firm, his tone laden with urgency.
At this, Brahma blinked, a realization dawning on him. He lowered his gaze to the blue-green poisonous mist, his expression tense.
Boom!
Vayu, still holding the divine armor, continued absorbing the poisonous mist, when, suddenly, the Halahala began to churn violently. The blue mist began to contract, no longer spreading outward but pulling inward, toward the center.
Boom!
Endless streams of Halahala gathered in one place, and from it, a terrifying figure began to take shape.
The figure was horrifying: its body gleamed with a blinding light, four large fangs jutted from its mouth, black-brown hair covered its head, and blazing eyes glowed with malevolent energy. Its entire body was encased in a poisonous, bluish hue—undoubtedly a manifestation of the poison itself.
Hala Hala!
Vayu stared in shock at the figure before him. The moment their eyes locked, a sudden wave of pain and weakness surged through his body.
It hurts!
What's happening?
Vayu grimaced, confusion and pain flashing across his face.
Roar!
Halahala let out a low, menacing roar, and in an instant, appeared in front of Vayu. He raised his hand and threw a punch. Vayu quickly lifted the divine armor to defend himself.
Boom!
The full force of the Halahala's strike collided with the armor, sending Vayu hurtling backward. He crashed through the air, shooting toward the other Devas.
The protector of the world, Vishnu, frowned slightly, raised his hand, and transformed into a golden light, catching the rushing Vayu with ease.
"Fortunately, I didn't intervene!" Indra thought, his eyes widening in shock. He took a deep breath and reflected. "I never expected Halahala could turn into a demon!"
Indra hurried forward to assess Vayu's condition. Thankfully, the divine armor had protected him, and Vishnu had caught him in time. Vayu had only been sent flying back without serious harm.
"Lord, what kind of monster is that?" Suryadev asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Halahala," Vishnu replied calmly.
What?! The Devas were stunned. The poisonous fog could turn into a demon?
Their eyes turned toward the figure before them—Halahala's appearance was terrifying. His sharp fangs and fiery, intense gaze made the Devas recoil. The mere sight of him brought intense pain to their bodies, causing them to quickly avert their eyes.
"I am Halahala! I am the poison of death! I am the destroyer of worlds!" Halahala bellowed, his voice booming across the Svargas.
The sound of his roar reverberated through the entire Milky Ocean, causing the waters to churn violently. Even the great Mandala Mountain trembled as massive stone formations crumbled and fell.
No. You are not. I am the Destroyer.
A calm, authoritative voice cut through the chaos.
Suddenly, the sky darkened, and a massive hand descended from the Kailash. It stretched slowly and reached for Halahala.
Boom!
In an instant, Halahala was captured by Shiva's mighty hand, offering little resistance as it was consumed by his fiery nature. The poison flowed into Shiva's throat, not absorbed, but turning his neck a deep, foreboding blue-black. Parvati, alarmed by the impending danger, rushed to her husband's side. With both hands, she gripped his neck, desperately attempting to prevent the poison from reaching his stomach.
Despite her efforts, the poison began to take effect, and Shiva's throat glowed with a dark blue light. As the poison swirled within his neck, Shiva's expression remained calm and resolute, unaffected by the poison.
Parvati, filled with concern and awe, gazed at him with a mix of deep love and worry. Shiva, meeting her gaze, smiled gently, silently assuring her of his strength. He had now earned the epithets Viṣakaṇṭha, the one who held poison in his neck, and Nīlakaṇṭha, the one with the blue throat—symbols of his immense power and sacrifice in safeguarding the universe by ingesting the Halahala.
Without a word, Vishnu appeared beside them, his presence calm and serene. With a graceful movement, Vishnu raised his hand and lightly touched Shiva's neck, an unspoken understanding passing between them. The Devas, watching in awe, stood in reverence, witnessing the strength and selflessness of the god who bore the poison to protect the world.
"Lord Shiva! He endures the poison for the safety of all beings. His sacrifice shall never be forgotten!"
Indra's eyes gleamed with admiration, and he immediately spoke, his voice ringing with reverence.
"This poison may claim to have the power to destroy the worlds, but in front of Lord Shiva, it is as powerless as a drop of water before the Kshira Sagara."
...
The Devas echoed in unison, their voices rising in a chorus of praise.
Watching this scene, Brahma couldn't help but feel a twinge of awkwardness. While Shiva and Vishnu received all the praise for saving the world, he felt almost invisible in comparison.
"At least give me some recognition!" Brahma thought to himself, rolling his eyes. Feeling somewhat slighted, he raised his hand, cleared his throat, and spoke with a touch of irritation:
"Halahala who seeks to destroy the world, I curse…"
As Brahma continued his incantation, he focused on the poison of the Kshira Sagara.
