After the death of Mata Sati in the infamous Daksha Yagna, Shiva showed no interest in the universe and went into cosmic sleep. As result there was total imbalance in the universe. Snake Vasuki who was cursed to live in the Patala Loka by Brahma came out to pay his last respects to Mata Sati and take care of her remains.
Bhagavan Vishnu saw this as an opportunity to bring back Shiva from his cosmic sleep.
Bhagavan Vishnu ordered Garuda, the nemesis of snakes, to attack Vasuki.
Garuda fights with Vasuki and thrashes
him on to the ground. Unable to bear the pain of the attack, Vasuki cries out
the name of Shiva.
Shiva wakes up from the cosmic sleep and comes to the rescue of Vasuki. Shiva attacks Garuda.
Vishnu then comes to help Garuda. Shiva was then forced to fight Vishnu. With Shiva back in vigor, the universe gained its balance. Darkness was replaced with light. Shiva soon realized the motive of Vishnu.
Shiva took up Vasuki and blessed him to adorn his neck.