Vishapaharanar Posture Of Shiva – Story Of Pallikonda Shiva - The Divine Savior Who Swallowed the Cosmic Poison
Pallikonda Shiva: The Reclining Lord of Surutapalli and the Story of Vishapaharanam
Among the many divine forms of Lord Shiva, the Vishapaharanar posture stands out as an extremely rare and spiritually significant depiction. Known popularly as Pallikonda Shiva, this unique form of Shiva reclining with his head on the lap of Goddess Parvati is worshipped at the Palli Kondeeswarar Temple in Suruttapalli, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the very few temples where Lord Shiva is seen in a resting, reclining posture — a form more commonly associated with Lord Vishnu.
This rare form has profound significance in the history of Hindu religious tradition, representing both Lord Shiva’s boundless compassion and the divine intervention that preserved cosmic balance during the Samudra Manthan — the churning of the Ocean of Milk.
The Story of Vishapaharanam – The Poison Episode
The episode of Vishapaharanam (visha = poison, apaharanam = removal) is an essential part of the Samudra Manthan narrative found in the Bhagavata Purana (Canto 8, Chapter 7), Mahabharata (Adi Parva), and other sacred texts.
When the Devas lost their power due to the curse of Sage Durvasa, their enemies, the Asuras, seized the opportunity to overpower them. To regain their strength, the Devas approached Lord Vishnu, who advised them to churn the Ksheera Sagara (Ocean of Milk) to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
Using the Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope, the Devas and Asuras began churning the ocean. However, before the nectar could emerge, the deadly poison Halahala surfaced. This poison was so potent that its fumes alone began destroying all beings, divine and mortal.
In desperation, both Devas and Asuras turned to Lord Shiva, the ultimate savior. Without hesitation, Shiva collected the Halahala poison and, in an act of unparalleled compassion, swallowed it to save creation. Seeing the poison descend down Shiva’s throat, Goddess Parvati quickly held his neck, preventing the poison from spreading to the rest of his body. Thus, the poison stayed in his throat, turning it blue. This act earned Lord Shiva the name Neelakantha, meaning "the Blue-Throated One."
"tam aiksata visam ghoram diptam alarka sannibham
gira grihitam kripayā bhutanam kaivalaya-pradah"
— Bhagavata Purana 8.7.36Translation: Lord Shiva, who grants liberation to all beings, saw the terrible, blazing poison and, out of compassion for all living beings, held it in his throat.
The Reclining Shiva – Pallikonda Eswarar
After consuming the poison, Lord Shiva, accompanied by Goddess Parvati, began his return journey to Mount Kailasa. On the way, he stopped to rest at a serene location — Suruttapalli. It was here that Shiva reclined with his head resting on Parvati's lap, fatigued from the effects of the poison. This unusual posture, rarely seen in Shiva temples, is venerated as Pallikonda Shiva (Palli = bed, Konda = reclined or lying down).
This act of resting is not simply a moment of physical repose but a symbolic gesture showing that even the greatest among the gods accepts rest and rejuvenation. It also depicts the divine bond of trust and love between Shiva and Parvati, where the cosmic Lord finds comfort in the lap of the Universal Mother.
The temple at Suruttapalli is the only one known where Lord Shiva is enshrined in this Anantha Shayana-like posture, similar to the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu. It is also said that many other gods and sages gathered around the resting Shiva, anxious for his wellbeing, creating a rare scene in iconography.
Spiritual Significance and Benefits of Worship
Worshipping Lord Shiva in his Vishapaharanar form is believed to bring relief from mental and physical toxins, both literally and symbolically. Just as Shiva absorbed the cosmic poison to protect the universe, he is invoked to remove negativity, illness, and spiritual obstacles from devotees’ lives.
This form also highlights Shiva’s role as the Supreme Protector, who goes to any extent for the welfare of the cosmos — even risking himself. His act teaches selflessness, courage, and the importance of timely action in the service of Dharma.
Moreover, devotees believe that praying at Suruttapalli brings peace, longevity, and protection from sudden dangers and unknown afflictions. The Ekadasi day associated with the churning of the ocean is celebrated with great fervor at the temple.
Final Thoughts
The form of Vishapaharanar or Pallikonda Shiva is a powerful reminder of Lord Shiva’s endless grace and his readiness to act for the welfare of all beings. The temple at Suruttapalli stands not just as an architectural marvel but also as a spiritual beacon reminding humanity of divine compassion, protection, and the eternal balance maintained by the Trimurti — with Lord Shiva at the heart of cosmic preservation and transformation.
The Neelakantha episode, enshrined in the scriptures, is not just a tale of divine intervention, but a living symbol of hope, sacrifice, and dharmic action. In an age where imbalance threatens personal and global harmony, meditating upon this form of Shiva — reclining after saving the universe — offers both solace and strength.