Chapter 17

“Sauti said, ‘O ascetic, about this time the two sisters saw approachingnear, that steed of complacent appearance named Uchchaihsravas who wasworshipped by the gods, that gem of steeds, who arose at the churning ofthe Ocean for nectar. Divine, graceful, perpetually young, creation’smaster-piece, and of irresistible vigour, it was blest with everyauspicious mark.’

“Saunaka asked, ‘Why did the gods churn the Ocean for nectar, and underwhat circumstances and when as you say, did that best of steeds sopowerful and resplendent spring?’

“Sauti said, ‘There is a mountain named Meru, of blazing appearance, andlooking like a heap of effulgence. The rays of the Sun falling on itspeaks of golden lustre are dispersed by them. Decked with gold andexceedingly beautiful, that mountain is the haunt of the gods and theGandharvas. It is immeasurable and unapproachable by men of manifoldsins. Dreadful beasts of prey wander over its breasts, and it isilluminated by many divine life-giving herbs. It stands kissing theheavens by its height and is the first of mountains. Ordinary peoplecannot even think of ascending it. It is graced with trees and streams,and resounds with the charming melody of winged choirs. Once thecelestials sat on its begemmed peak–in conclave. They who had practisedpenances and observed excellent vows for amrita now seemed to be eagerseekers alter amrita (celestial ambrosia). Seeing the celestial assemblyin anxious mood Nara-yana said to Brahman, ‘Do thou churn the Ocean withthe gods and the Asuras. By doing so, amrita will be obtained as also alldrugs and gems. O ye gods, chum the Ocean, ye will discover amrita.'”

So ends the seventeenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.