Stories of Padma Purana: Part-II

**Story of the Samudra Manthan**

In the quest to obtain the ambrosia of immortality, the deities and demons united to churn the ocean, following Lord Vishnu's instructions. Using the Mandar mountain as a churner and Sheshnag as a rope, they commenced the churning. However, a critical decision arose when the venom spilled by Sheshnag threatened the demons. The deities wisely chose the tail-end of the serpent, while the foolish demons took the mouth-end, suffering the consequences of the venom's power.

As the churning continued, various treasures emerged from the ocean, including the divine cow Kamdhenu and intoxicating drink Varuni, claimed by the deities and demons, respectively. Lord Mahadeva consumed the deadly poison Kalkut to protect the world. Other treasures like the ambrosia-pot, Uchchaishrava (horse), and Airavat (elephant) also surfaced.

Finally, goddess Lakshmi manifested on a lotus. Both deities and demons desired her, but Lord Brahma advised Lord Vishnu to accept her as his consort. Vishnu, disguised as an enchanting woman, tricked the demons into returning the ambrosia-pot to the deities. After consuming the ambrosia, the deities became immortal, leading to a fierce battle in which the demons were defeated and fled to the netherworld.

In gratitude, the deities praised Lord Vishnu, and they returned to heaven, having secured the blessings of immortality and the presence of goddess Lakshmi by their side. 

**Story of Devi Sati**

Daksha Prajapati, in a grand yagya he organized, intentionally excluded Lord Shiva, considering him unworthy due to his unconventional appearance and habits. Sati, despite her husband's reluctance, attended the event and questioned Daksha's exclusion of Lord Shiva. Daksha's harsh criticism of Shiva's appearance and behavior deeply wounded Sati's heart, and unable to bear her husband's humiliation, she tragically sacrificed her life by immolating herself in the yagya's fire.

Upon learning of Sati's death, Lord Shiva was consumed by rage and dispatched his ganas (attendants) to avenge her death, causing chaos at the yagya site. The loss of Sati left Shiva in deep sorrow, and he withdrew from the world, his thoughts consumed by her memory.

Sage Narada eventually conveyed the news of Sati's rebirth as the daughter of Himvan and Mena, which brought immense joy to Lord Shiva. He eagerly sought to reunite with his beloved and eternal consort, Parvati. Their reunion marked the restoration of Lord Shiva's contentment and a return to his divine duties.

**Origin of Deities, Demons and Serpents**

Daksha Prajapati, after failing in his attempts to increase population through "sankalpa" (divine intention), resorted to copulative creation. He had sixty daughters from his wife Virini. Ten of these daughters were married to Dharma, and their names were Arundhati, Vasu, Jami, Lamba, Bhanu, Marutvati, Sankalpa, Muhurta, Sadhya, and Vishwa. Each of these daughters became the progenitors of various beings:

1. Vishwa gave birth to Vishwadeva.

2. Sadhya gave birth to Sadhya.

3. Marutvati gave birth to Marutvan.

4. Vasu had eight sons known as the Vasus, including Bhisma.

5. Bhanu had a son named Bhanu.

6. Muhurta begot deities associated with auspicious moments.

7. Lamba gave birth to Ghosh.

8. Jami had a daughter named Nagvithi.

9. Arundhati became the mother of all creatures.

The eight Vasus, including Bhisma, had their own descendants as well. The lineage continued with Dhruva, Soma, Dhar, Anil, Anal, Pratyush, and Prabhas, who fathered various offspring.

Additionally, there were eleven Rudras: Ajaikpad, Ahirbudhnya, Virupaksh, Raivat, Har, Bahuroop, Trayambak, Savitra, Jayant, Pinaki, and Aparajit. These Rudras were the lords of the Ganas and had a total of 84 crore progenies known as the Rudraganas.

Sage Kashyapa had thirteen wives, each giving birth to various beings:

1. Aditi, Diti, Danu, Arishta, Sursa, Surabhi, Vinta, Tamra, Krodhvasha, Ira, Kadru, Khasa, and Muni.

From Diti came Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, who had their own descendants. Prahlada, one of Hiranyakashipu's sons, had Virochan, the father of Bali.

Hiranyaksha also had four sons, and they collectively had 27 crore sons and grandsons.

Kashyapa begot a hundred sons from Danu, with Viprachitti being the most powerful among them. Viprachitti had fourteen sons from Sinhika, including Rahu (Sainhikeya) and others.

Kashyapa's six daughters from Tamra gave birth to various species of birds:

1. Shuki (Parrots and Owls).

2. Shyeni (Hawks).

3. Bhasi (Ospreys).

4. Gridhi (Vultures).

5. Sugridhi (Pigeons).

6. Shuchi (Cranes, Swans, and aquatic birds).

Vinita, another daughter of Kashyapa, was the mother of Garuda and Arun. Arun was the father of Sampati and Jatayu.

Sursa gave birth to one thousand snakes, and Kadru gave birth to one thousand cobras.

Surabhi, Kashyapa's wife, gave birth to cows, buffaloes, and beautiful women.

Muni, another of Kashyapa's wives, was the mother of celestial damsels known as apsaras.

Arishta gave birth to Kinnars and Gandharvas.

Ira was the mother of various vegetation, including grass, trees, creepers, and bushes.

Khasa gave birth to crore of Rakshashas (monsters) and Yakshas.

Kashyapa also had forty-nine Marudganas from Diti.

This extensive lineage outlines the diverse creation of entities, including deities, demons, serpents, birds, celestial beings, and more, reflecting the rich mythology of Hindu cosmology and ancestry.