(Astika Parva continued)
Sauti said, "O ascetic, about this time the two sisters saw approaching
near, that steed of complacent appearance named Uchchaihsravas who was
worshipped by the gods, that gem of steeds, who arose at the churning of
the Ocean for nectar. Divine, graceful, perpetually young, creation's
master-piece, and of irresistible vigour, it was blest with every
auspicious mark."
Saunaka asked, "Why did the gods churn the Ocean for nectar, and under
what circumstances and when as you say, did that best of steeds so
powerful and resplendent spring?"
Sauti said, "There is a mountain named Meru, of blazing appearance, and
looking like a heap of effulgence. The rays of the Sun falling on its
peaks of golden lustre are dispersed by them. Decked with gold and
exceedingly beautiful, that mountain is the haunt of the gods and the
Gandharvas. It is immeasurable and unapproachable by men of manifold sins.
Dreadful beasts of prey wander over its breasts, and it is illuminated by
many divine life-giving herbs. It stands kissing the heavens by its height
and is the first of mountains. Ordinary people cannot even think of
ascending it. It is graced with trees and streams, and resounds with the
charming melody of winged choirs. Once the celestials sat on its begemmed
peak in conclave. They who had practised penances and observed excellent
vows for amrita now seemed to be eager seekers after amrita (celestial
ambrosia). Seeing the celestial assembly in anxious mood Narayana said to
Brahman, 'Do thou churn the Ocean with the gods and the Asuras. By doing
so, amrita will be obtained as also all drugs and gems. O ye gods, churn
the Ocean, ye will discover amrita.'"
So ends the seventeenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.