Before the nectar of immortality, the churning ocean gave up a poison that could destroy all three worlds. This is the story of Neelkanth, and why devotees offer him water and milk through Shravan.
Before the nectar, the ocean gave up poison. And one god stepped forward to drink it.
The Churning of the Ocean
The devas and asuras once churned the great ocean for amrita, the nectar of immortality. But before the nectar, the ocean gave up something else.
Halahala Rises
Halahala. A poison so fierce it began to burn all three worlds. Even the gods fled before it.
The Devas Turn to Kailash
The devas ran to Kailash. Only one being in creation could face what no one else could hold.
Shiva Drinks the Poison
Shiva gathered the poison in his palm and drank it. Not for reward. Only so the worlds could live.
Parvati's Touch
Parvati pressed his throat so the poison would go no further. It stayed there, and turned his throat a deep blue.
Neelkanth, the Blue-Throated One
That is why he is called Neelkanth. The one with the blue throat. The one who kept the world's pain so the world would not feel it.
Why We Offer Water and Milk
The poison burned like fire. So in the month of Shravan, devotees pour cool water and milk on the Shiva linga, to soothe the one who burned so we would not.
This is why Shravan belongs to Shiva. A whole month that is simply a thank you, from the world he saved.
