"And, O Brahmana, out of the deep then came a tremendous roar, like unto the roar of the clouds at the universal dissolution. Various aquatic animals were crushed by the great mountain, and gave up their being in the salt-waters. And many dwellers of the lower regions and inhabitants of the world of Varuna were killed. From the revolving Mandara, large trees were torn up by the roots, and flying into the air like birds, they fell into the water. And the mutual friction of the trees produced a fire which surrounded the mountain. And the mountain looked like a mass of dark clouds charged with lightning. O Brahmana, the fire increased, and burnt the lions, elephants and other creatures that were on the mountain. And carcasses of no end of animals floated down the waters. Then Indra extinguished that fire by descending showers.
"O Brahmana, after the churning had gone on for sometime, the gums of various trees and herbs mixed with the waters of the Ocean. And the celestials attained immortality by properties of amrita, and with the liquid extract of gold. By degrees, the milky water of the agitated deep produced clarified butter by virtue of the gums and juices. But nectar did not rise even then. And the gods appeared before boon-granting Brahmā seated on his seat and said, 'Sir, we are spent, we have not strength left to churn further. Nectar hath not yet arisen. So that now we have no resource save Narayana.'
"Hearing them, Brahma said to Narayana, 'Lord, vouchsafe to grant the gods strength to churn afresh the deep.'
"And Narayana agreeing to grant their various prayers, said, 'O wise ones, I grant ye sufficient strength. Go, insert the mountain and churn the waters.'
"Re-equipped with strength, the gods began the churning again. After a while, the mild Moon of a thousand rays emerged from the ocean. Thereafter, Lakshmi dressed in white, and wine, the white steed, and then the celestial gem Kaustuva which graces the breast of Narayana. Lakshmi, wine, and the steed fleet as the mind, all came before the gods on high. Then arose the divine Dhanwantari himself with the white vessel of nectar in his hand. And seeing him, the
