The story of Mandara Mountain is rooted in the Hindu legend of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the Ocean of Milk), where it served as the churning rod to extract the Amrita (nectar of immortality).
The gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) used the giant serpent Vasuki as the rope, pulling it in turns.
To prevent the mountain from sinking, Lord Vishnu took the form of a tortoise (Kurma avatar) and supported the mountain on his back.
After the churning, the mountain was placed in its current location, and faint impressions of Vasuki's scales are said to be visible on it.
The process of Samudra Manthan
- The gods desired the nectar of immortality, but they couldn't get it by themselves. The great ocean was to be churned to produce it, and the gods needed a mountain as a churning rod.
- They used Mount Mandara, and the serpent king Vasuki offered to be the rope.
- As the churning began, the mountain, a massive granite hill, started to sink into the ocean.
- Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a giant tortoise and supported the mountain on his back, allowing the churning to continue.
- After immense effort, the ocean produced a series of things, including a deadly poison (which Lord Shiva drank) and the treasure of the gods, finally ending with the Amrita.
- The demons snatched the pot of nectar, but Lord Vishnu created an enchanting female form, Mohini, to trick them and distribute the nectar to the gods. The mountain was then left in its current place.
Other stories and significance
- According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu defeated a demon named Madhu and placed the Mandara Mountain on top of him.
- The mountain is sometimes referred to as Mandara Parvat, and it is believed that the conch shell used at the start of the Mahabharata war was obtained from a nearby pond.
- The mountain is also a sacred site for Jains, who believe that the 12th Tirthankara, Vasupujya, attained Nirvana at its peak.
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