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The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, c. 1825 (opaque w / c & gold on paper)
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The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, c. 1825 (opaque w / c & gold on paper)
5863973 The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, c.1825 (opaque w/c & gold on paper) by Indian School, (19th century); 18.2x37.5 cm; San Diego Museum of Art, USA; (add.info.: Court: Mysore
School: Southern Indian
State/Province: Karnataka
Manuscript/Book Title: Bhagavata Purana
In Hindu myths of creation, both Gods (Devas) and Demons (Asuras) were the firstborn children of the Lord of Generation. Their opposition was simply the dualism in the nature of things--day and night, good and evil, beauty and ugliness. In order to obtain immortality, which was not inherent in their nature, they needed to find a substance, soma, also known as amrita (immortality) in order to escape death. Normally at odds, often in conflicts that brought death to both and required special interventions to bring them back to life, they decided to co-operate for this one time only in an alchemy that would yield the ultimate prize, immortality. Only by pooling their strengths could the gods and the demons churn the great Ocean of Milk from which all substance issued, in hopes that soma would emerge.
They divided into two teams, the Devas on one side of Mount Mandara and the Asuras on the other. Mount Mandara plunged into the depths of the Ocean like a pillar and rested on the unmoving giant turtle Akupara. The Devas took the head of the serpent Vasuki, and the Asuras his tail. They wrapped the serpent around Mount Mandara, and pulled back and forth to create the friction that would stimulate the emergence of substance. From this difficult toil emerged the " Jewels" (Ratna) of the world--the Sun, the Moon (Shiva plucked a crescent from the moon and placed it in his hair); the Apsaras, lovely women of the waters; the White Horse; Krishna (for only a moment before resuming his place in Vishnus breast; ) the Nymph; the Elephant; the Physician; and the Cow of Desires. Only after exhausting effort did the liquid of immortality finally appear. The allies immediately reverted to their sectarian differences and vied to obtain it. Vishnu created a diversion, turning himself into a beautiful woman. The Demons were distracted and the Gods swallowed the soma, making themselves immortal.
In each of these pictorial renderings of the momentous story from different regions and times, the players can be found. The Gods are on the right--Brahma the Creator with his multiple heads, Vishnu with his blue body, Shiva with his ash-grey body and matted hair; and in two instances also Indra the King of the Gods with his crown. In the Mysore picture, Krishna also appears on the side of the Gods. The Demons vary from foreign looking men to fanciful beasts.); eSan Diego Museum of Art; Edwin Binney 3rd Collection; Indian, out of copyright
Media ID 23288530
© San Diego Museum of Art Edwin Binney 3rd Collection / Bridgeman Images
Churn Churning Creation Deities Gods Hindu Hinduism Milk
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, c. 1825" is a captivating print that depicts a significant moment in Hindu mythology. The artwork, created by the Indian School in the 19th century, showcases the intense collaboration between Gods and Demons to obtain immortality. In this mesmerizing piece, we witness two teams divided on either side of Mount Mandara. The Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) join forces for this unique endeavor. With Mount Mandara as their anchor and Vasuki, the serpent, as their tool, they engage in an arduous task of churning the great Ocean of Milk. As they pull back and forth with all their might, friction arises within the ocean's depths. This friction gives birth to various treasures such as radiant jewels like the Sun and Moon, enchanting Apsaras (water nymphs), Krishna briefly appearing before returning to Vishnu's embrace, a mystical White Horse, a divine Elephant, a skilled Physician, and even a Cow representing desires. However, amidst this extraordinary feat lies treachery. Once soma—the elixir of immortality—emerges from their laborious efforts; sectarian differences resurface among allies turned adversaries once again. To secure victory over immortality for themselves alone becomes their sole objective. Yet cleverly disguised as an alluring woman by Vishnu's intervention creates chaos amongst demons while Gods seize this opportunity to consume soma themselves—becoming immortal beings forevermore. This remarkable artwork beautifully captures both mythical characters and symbolic elements integral to this ancient tale across different regions and times. It serves as a visual testament to Hinduism's rich cultural heritage preserved at San Diego Museum of Art.
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