By Swami Harshananda
Kṣirasamudra literally means ‘ocean of milk’.
The ksirasamudra is the one of seven oceans[1] in the universe described by the purāṇas . It surrounds the island called as Krauñcadvīpa.
It is said to have been formed by the profuse outflow of milk from the udder of the celestial cow Surabhi. Mahāviṣṇu is said to have made it his abode wherein he lies on the serpent Seṣa, which is floating on the ocean. Amṛta or ambrosia was produced by churning this ocean. According to another version, Śiva is said to have given this ocean of milk to Upamanyu, the young son of the sage Vyāghrapāda.
References[edit]
- ↑ Seven oceans are known as sapta-mahāsamudras.
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore