1114 An abstract Translation from the Pudma Pooran. [No. 131. 



bring hither the mountain Mundara for a piston and the serpent Vasookee 

 or a rope." The deities and giants flew to the mountain and removed 

 it from its foundations, but were unable to convey it to the shore of the 

 ocean. Then came Vishnoo to their assistance, and transported it to the 

 centre of the milky sea, when he assumed the form of a Coormava, (or 

 Tortoise,) plunged under the sinking mountain, and supported it on his 

 back. Then the serpent Vasookee was twisted round the mountain for a 

 rope, and the giants holding the head while deotas held the tail, they be- 

 gan to churn the milky ocean.* 



It came to pass, that the venom of the serpent issued out of his mouth 

 like a flame of fire, and the deotas and giants suspended their labour for 

 fear of it. Then Roodra (Seva) spoke to them, exhorting them to fear 

 nothing, and after offering up a prayer to the almighty Vishnoo, he swal- 

 lowed the poison. The churning was resumed, and the following things 

 were produced from the froth of the ocean. 1st A woman named Jaistoo- 

 devee or poverty, who on appearing asked, " Where am I to reside ?" The 

 deotas answered, " Go where people are ever quarrelling, and sleep in the 

 morning and evening time." 2d. Another female named Varoonee then ap- 

 peared, of exceeding beauty. Andeshaha, (the 1000-mouthed serpent,) im- 

 mediaty carried her off to Naga-locum. 3d. The ocean brought forth the 

 Apsaras, or celestial choiristers, named Remba, Woorvase, Manake, &c. who 

 were ordered to repair to Swerga-locum to entertain the deotas with dan- 

 cing and singing. 4th. A white Elephant called Iravatum. 5th. A Horse 

 called Oocheestravas. 6th. A physician called Dunwantry. 7th. The 

 flowery tree Parijatum or Kulpa Vrkookshan. 8th. A wishing Cow named 

 Kamadanoo, who gave to her possessor whatever he wished. The latter 

 six articles were appropriated by Indra on the eleventh day of the moon. 

 On the morning of the twelfth day, Stremaha Lutchoomy, the goddess of 

 plenty and good fortune, arose from the ocean. Her appearance was hailed 

 with acclamation by the Host of Heaven. The angels struck their sitars, 

 the Apsaras danced and sang, and the deotas poured flowers on her head, 

 and a flood of light like moon-beams irradiated her person. The goddess 

 enquired in what way she could serve them. Indra answered, " Oh, god- 

 dess dwell ever in the bosom of Vishnoo and exert your influence to pre- 

 serve us from all evil and distress, and bestow on us the riches and abun- 

 dance of the three worlds." The goddess intimated her acquiescence. 

 Then Vishnoo rose from the ocean and accepted her for his spouse. The 

 ninth and last product of the ocean was the amrootum, (or nectar.) The 

 deotas and asoors began to quarrel about its possession, when Vishnoo 



* Churning in India is universal^' performed by twirling the churn staff backwards and forwards 

 with a rope. 



