The story of Basuki Naga and Shiva

The story of Basuki Naga and Shiva is a well-known Hindu myth. Basuki Naga, also known as Vasuki, is a serpent king and a devotee of Lord Shiva. The story goes that once there was a great cosmic churning of the ocean, known as the Samudra Manthan, to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita).

Both the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) participated in this churning. To help churn the ocean, they used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the serpent, as the churning rope. Vasuki agreed to this task, and he wrapped himself around Mount Mandara, with his head held by Lord Vishnu and his tail held by the Asuras.

However, as the churning progressed, the mountain started sinking into the ocean due to its weight. To prevent this disaster, Lord Vishnu took the form of a tortoise (Kurma) and supported the mountain on his back.

During the churning, various celestial and divine objects emerged from the ocean, including the moon, the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu, the divine horse Ucchaishravas, and the goddess Lakshmi.

Finally, Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, emerged from the ocean holding a pot of the nectar of immortality. The Devas and Asuras began to quarrel over it, as the nectar would grant them unparalleled power and immortality. To prevent the Asuras from obtaining the nectar, Lord Vishnu took on the form of a beautiful enchantress named Mohini and distracted the Asuras.

While the Asuras were distracted, the Devas managed to obtain the nectar and become immortal. However, a few drops of the nectar fell to the earth, and it is believed that these drops gave rise to sacred places.

The story of Basuki Naga and Shiva highlights the importance of cooperation between divine and cosmic forces in the Hindu mythology, as well as the interplay between gods, creatures, and the pursuit of eternal life.