3 - Manifestation of Vishnu as a Tortoise

Agni said:

1. Ishall describe unto you (now) about the manifestation (of Vishnu) as a tortoise, by hearing which one's sins will be destroyed. In days of yore the celestial gods were defeated by the demons in a battle between them. 

2. On account of the curse of sage Durvāsas,¹ the celestials were deprived of all their prosperity. Then they praised Vishnu who was (reclining) in the milky ocean and said, “Protect us from the demons”. 

1. Name of an irascible sage, son of Sage Atri and Anasuyå. Once he met a Vidyadhara maid with a garland. He took that garland and presented it to Indra. Indra put it on his elephant, which in turn threw it on the ground and trampled upon it. Enraged at this the sage cursed him that he would lose all his fortune. See VI.P. I. ix. 1 ff.; P. Index II. p. 106. 

3. Hari said to Brahma and others, “You make a treaty of peace with the demons for churning the ocean for securing ambrosia. 

4. In the interest of an important work even the enemiesshould be sought for union. I will make you get the ambrosia and not the demons. 

5. Making the (Mount) Mandara as the churning rod and (the serpent) Vasuki as the rope, you vigilantly churn the milky ocean with my help". 

6. Concluding an agreement with the demons as suggested by Vishnu; (the celestials) came to the milky ocean. The celestials began to churn the ocean (from that side) where the tail of the serpent was. 

7. The celestials who were afflicted by the sighs of the serpent, were comforted by Hari (Vishnu). As the ocean was being churned the mountain being unsupported entered into the water. 

8. Then Viņņu assumed the form of a tortoise and supported the (Mount) Mandara. From the milky ocean which was being churned, first came out the poison known as Halahala. 

9. That poison being retained by Hara (Siva) in his neck, Siva became known to be) Nilakantha (blue-necked). Then the goddess Våruņi (The female energy of the celestial god  Varuņa), the Parijata (tree) and the Kaustubha (gem) came out of the ocean. 

10. Then came out the celestial) kine and the nymphs. Then came out Lakshmi, who became the consort of Hari (Vishnu). Beholding her and adoring her all the celestials regained their lost prosperity. 

11. Then Dhanvantari, (a form of Vishnu) and founder of the (science of) Ayurveda rose up holding a water-pot full of ambrosia. 

12. Taking the ambrosia from his hands the demons Jambha and others having given half of it to the celestials went away with the other half. Then Vishnu assumed the form of beautiful damsel. 

13. Having seen that beautiful form, the demons became fascinated and said, "O fair-faced one! Be our wife, take this ambrosia and make us drink it." 

14-15. Hari (Vishnu) said, “Let it be so", and took it from them and made the celestials drink it. As Rähu assumed the form of the Moon and drank a portion, he was detected by the Sun and the Moon and was brought to the notice of (Vishnu). His head was severed by his enemy Hari (Vishnu). That severed head of Rähu then said to Hari, the bestower of gifts (by whose grace) it had attained immortality. 

16. “When the intoxicated Råhu would seize the Sun and the Moon, may the charities made on that occasion be imperishable." 

17. Vishnu in the company of all the immortals said, "Be it so' and cast off his female form. He was then requested by Hara toshow that form (again). 

18. (Lord) Hari (Vishnu)showed the feminine form to Rudra (Siva). Sambhu (Siva) being captivated by the illusory power, renouncing Gauri (Pårvati) sought that feminine form. 

19. Becoming nude and behaving like a mad man, he held the damsel by her hair.she got herself freed and ran away. He too followed her. 

20. Wherever the seminal fluid of Hara dropped, there came into being sacred places of lingas and gold. 

21. Then knowing her as illusory, Hara (Siva) assumed his original form. Then Hari (Vishnu) told Śiva, "O Rudra (Siva) My illusory power has been conquered by you. 

22-23. There is no other male on the earth besides you, who is capable of conquering this illusory power of mine." Then the demons, who had not got the ambrosia were defeated by the celestials in battle. The celestials got back to their celestial home. One who reads this account goes to the celestial region.