Story

During the great cosmic event known as Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) worked together to obtain the nectar of immortality. As the ocean was churned, many divine and dangerous objects emerged. Among them appeared Halahala, a deadly poison capable of destroying the entire universe.

Neither the gods nor the demons were able to control the poison. Fear spread across the cosmos, and all beings prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. Out of compassion and responsibility, Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save creation. However, Goddess Parvati immediately held his throat to prevent the poison from spreading throughout his body.

As a result, the poison remained in Shiva’s throat, turning it blue. From that day, he became known as Neelkanth, the blue-throated one. This act symbolizes Shiva’s supreme sacrifice, self-control, and his role as the protector of the universe.