Why Shiva Drank Poison? – Will He Drink the Poison Again – Symbolism and the Story to save the Universe
Shiva drank the poison Halahala to save the universe from destruction. The poison had appeared during the Churning of Ocean (Samudra Manthan) to get Amrita (elixir of life). There is a hidden symbolism behind the story of saving the world. Will Shiva drink the poison of human greed that is destroying the world? Why Shiva Drank Poison? While the ocean of milk was being churned by the Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) using Snake Vasuki as rope, the first thing to appear was dark sticky foam. It was the dreaded poison Halahala, which had the power to destroy the universe. The poison started emitting fumes and soon started to spread in water and air. Lord Shiva soon realized that the poison had the power to destroy the cosmos and immediately gathered the poisonous foam in his hands and drank it to save the world. Goddess Parvati, got alarmed about the safety of her husband Lord Shiva, caught hold of his neck to avoid poison from entering His body. The poison remained