The 14 Ratnas of Samudra Manthan
On May 16, 2025The story of Samudra Manthan is familiar to most Hindus. The gods and demons came together to churn the Milky Ocean for Amrit, the divine elixir of immortality. The gods managed to trick the demons with the help of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel. Mohini ensured that the demons did not get to drink the nectar. The only demon who managed to drink a couple of drops was Svarbhanu, who disguised himself as a god and sat among the other gods. However, the Sun and Moon saw through his disguise, and Vishnu beheaded Svarbhanu with his Sudarshana Chakra. As Svarbhanu had become immortal, he did not die, and the two parts of his body turned into Rahu (head) and Ketu (torso). During the churning of the Milky Ocean, many other wondrous treasures or Ratnas also emerged from the ocean.
In this article, we shall learn about the 14 Ratnas that emerged from the Milky Ocean.
According to the Vishnu Purana, Sage Durvasa cursed the gods to lose all their wealth. The gods rushed to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu told them to churn the Milky Ocean with the help of the demons. Churning the ocean would produce Amrit (divine nectar). By drinking the nectar, the gods could become immortals. The Gods told the demon king Bali about the nectar and gained the support of the demons to churn the ocean. Vasuki Naga was the churning rope. Mandarachal mountain was the churning rod. From this churning, 14 Ratnas emerged, including the pot of Amrit. These 14 ratnas/treasures arose from the ocean in pairs such as Lakshmi- Alakshmi, Halahala-Amrit, etc.
The 14 Ratnas of Samudra Manthan.
Halahala (Poison)
When the Milky Ocean was churned, the first thing to emerge was a deadly poison. Its name was Halahala or Kalakuta.The toxic fumes produced by the poison threatened to destroy the entire Universe. Due to the poison, even the gods and goddesses suffered burns. Everyone turned to Lord Shiva for help. Out of compassion, Shiva swallowed the poison. He held it in his throat, so his throat turned blue, and he got the name Neelkantha, or the Blue-throated One.
Horse (Uchchaishrava)
Next to emerge was a white, seven-headed horse with wings. It was called Ucchaishrava. It was the fastest horse in the Universe. It was indeed the king of all horses. Bali, the king of the demons, took the horse. Later, Indra became its owner. However, the demon Tarakasura snatched it from Indra. After the defeat of Tarakasura, Indra got the horse back.
Airavata (elephant)
The third Ratna was the winged white elephant, Airavata, which had 4 tusks. Lord Indra got it when the Ratnas were distributed among the gods and the demons. Born from the ocean, Airavata was the king of white elephants. Airavata’s other names are Ardha-Matanga (elephant of the clouds), Naga-malla (the fighting elephant), and Arkasodara (brother of the Sun). Airavata stands at the entrance to Indra’s palace. He is one reason why Earth gets the water it needs. It is said that Airavata sucks up water from the watery underworld with his and sprays it into the clouds. Indra creates rain from the clouds, connecting the waters of the sky with those of the underworld.
Kaustubh Mani (gem)
Kaustubh Mani was a Ratna that emerged during the churning. The gem adorned Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most precious gems in the Universe. It signifies wealth, prosperity, and divine attributes like strength, protection, and enlightenment. It can bestow invincibility, fortune, and luxuries on the wearer. After emerging from the ocean, the gem flew towards Vishnu and rested on his chest. It became his most prized possession. The jewel enhanced his glory, and protected him from harm. Kaustubh also accompanied Vishnu in his various incarnations. Kaliya once stole it from Vishnu when he was sleeping. He hid it in his hood and used its power to terrorize others. But after Krishna subdued him, he gave it to Krishna.
Kamadhenu (cow)
Kamadhenu, the wish-granting cow, emerged during the churning. It had divine powers and was given to the 7 great sages or Saptarishi, keeping public welfare in mind. She is also called Surabhi. Kamadhenu was under the ownership of either Sage Jamadagni or Vashishta. Kings who coveted the divine cow and tried to steal her from the sages often suffered dire consequences. Kamadhenu provided milk and milk products for her master's oblations. She could also produce fierce warriors to defend him. It is said that she dwells in the sage's hermitage as well as Goloka, the realm of cows, and Patala, the netherworld.
Kalpavriksha (tree)
This tree is also known as Kalpadrum or Kalpataru. The tree is also said to be the Milky Way or the birthplace of the star Sirius. Lord Indra received the tree and planted it in his heavenly abode. The Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana refer to the Parijat tree as Kalpavriksha. The Kalpavriksha originated along with Kamadhenu, the divine cow. Kalpavriksha is the tree of life. This mystical tree signifies the power of Mantras associated with Goddess Sarasvati. It also symbolizes abundance and wish- fulfillment.
Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the Milky Ocean during the churning. Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu and the Goddess of abundance and prosperity. She is one of the Tridevis, or three supreme goddesses, along with Saraswati and Parvati. She emerged from the ocean in a red and gold saree and seated on a large lotus. She chose Vishnu as her master after her emergence. After a long separation, Lakshmi reunited with Vishnu. With her return, the gods got back their wealth, and Devaloka regained its earlier splendor. Lakshmi bestows both material and spiritual wealth. When Lakshmi gets angry, it makes us unable to perform good work. We will also experience hunger, lack of willpower, mental peace, and energy, and poverty. Life will feel meaningless.
Apsaras
Apsaras are celestial maidens who live in Devaloka, the abode of the gods. They are highly accomplished in music and dance. After emerging from the Milky Ocean, they chose the Gandharvas (celestial musicians in Indra’s court) as their companions. Indra, who suffered from insecurity regarding his power, often sent the beautiful Apsaras to disturb the tapasya (penance) of sages or asuras to ensure that they did not become too powerful.
Parijat (tree)
Parijat or Harsingar (meaning ‘ornament of the Gods) is a tree that came out of the Milky Ocean. It is also called Night Jasmine or Queen of the Night. The tree has beautiful flowers, white, with a tinge of orange at the stalk. They are used in the worship of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The leaves and stems are also used to cure diseases. Goddess Lakshmi loves Parijat flowers. The Parijat tree blooms at night. Its flowers fall on the ground by themselves. So, it is the only flower that people can offer to the gods after picking them from the ground. One should not pluck its flowers. The flower can remind us of our past lives. The Parijat tree has many medicinal properties. According to Hindu mythology, Indra took the tree to his abode and planted it in his garden. He gifted it to his wife, Indrani. Since then, the tree is described as Tree of the Universe and its flowers as the jewels of the gods.
Varuni Devi
During the churning, Varuni Devi, the Goddess of wine, emerged from the ocean. Varuni Devi is the wife or consort of Varuna, who is associated with the sea and water bodies. She represents prosperity, abundance, and enjoyment. She has associations with sacrificial gatherings and divine experiences. Varuni (Goddess of wine) and Dhanvantri (God of medicine and Ayurveda) arose together from the ocean. They represent the same principle in two forms - Sattva and Rajas. Varuni was accepted by the Asuras due to Vishnu’s grace, but the gods (especially Indra) also loved her as she could give them rapid energy and change, useful in wars. Many gods and goddesses would drink liquor before they did battle. In Matsya Purana, Varuni is the Shakti (power) of Varuna who rules the night sky and the ocean. With Varuni’s help, we can learn discernment by getting access to our past, present, and future through dreams or psychedelic experiences.
Conch
It was during the Samudra Manthan that the first conch shell or Shankh appeared. Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, has 8 auspicious jewels. One of them is Shankh. In ancient times, the Conch’s sound meant the beginning of a war. Vishnu has a special conch called Panchajanya. The Skanda Purana says that it emerged during Samudra Manthan. It represents the 5 elements, the sound of creation, divine power, and cosmic harmony. It is also a divine weapon. It is mandatory to blow a conch during Lakshmi-Vishnu Pooja. The sound of the Conch can repel negative energy and evil spirits.
Sharanga Bow
Sharanga was one of two divine bows created by Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods. Vishnu used this bow when he incarnated as Parashurama, Rama and Krishna avatars. Before he returned to Vaikuntha, Vishnu, as Krishna, left the bow with Varuna, the God of the ocean.
Chandra (Moon)
Chandra or the Moon god emerged during Samudra Manthan. The Moon God Chandra adorns the matted locks of Lord Shiva. His father-in-law, Daksha cursed him for not being a good husband. As a result, Chandra lost his powers and his body began to wither. He prayed to Shiva and Shiva wore him in his hair to reduce the intensity of the curse. The Moon still waxes and wanes due to the curse.
Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari is an avatar of Vishnu. He is the physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda. He founded Ayurveda for public welfare and shared the knowledge with sages and physicians.
Amrit/Nectar
Towards the end of the churning, a pot of nectar emerged from the ocean. Dhanvantari held the pot in his hand. The gods and demons fought over the distribution of the nectar. Vishnu, as Mohini, distributed the nectar to the gods. Svarbhanu, a demon, drank the Amrit by deceit. Vishnu cut off his head with his discus. The two parts of his body became Rahu and Ketu.
Halahala (Poison)
When the Milky Ocean was churned, the first thing to emerge was a deadly poison. Its name was Halahala or Kalakuta.The toxic fumes produced by the poison threatened to destroy the entire Universe. Due to the poison, even the gods and goddesses suffered burns. Everyone turned to Lord Shiva for help. Out of compassion, Shiva swallowed the poison. He held it in his throat, so his throat turned blue, and he got the name Neelkantha, or the Blue-throated One.
Horse (Uchchaishrava)
Next to emerge was a white, seven-headed horse with wings. It was called Ucchaishrava. It was the fastest horse in the Universe. It was indeed the king of all horses. Bali, the king of the demons, took the horse. Later, Indra became its owner. However, the demon Tarakasura snatched it from Indra. After the defeat of Tarakasura, Indra got the horse back.
Airavata (elephant)
The third Ratna was the winged white elephant, Airavata, which had 4 tusks. Lord Indra got it when the Ratnas were distributed among the gods and the demons. Born from the ocean, Airavata was the king of white elephants. Airavata’s other names are Ardha-Matanga (elephant of the clouds), Naga-malla (the fighting elephant), and Arkasodara (brother of the Sun). Airavata stands at the entrance to Indra’s palace. He is one reason why Earth gets the water it needs. It is said that Airavata sucks up water from the watery underworld with his and sprays it into the clouds. Indra creates rain from the clouds, connecting the waters of the sky with those of the underworld.
Kaustubh Mani (gem)
Kaustubh Mani was a Ratna that emerged during the churning. The gem adorned Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most precious gems in the Universe. It signifies wealth, prosperity, and divine attributes like strength, protection, and enlightenment. It can bestow invincibility, fortune, and luxuries on the wearer. After emerging from the ocean, the gem flew towards Vishnu and rested on his chest. It became his most prized possession. The jewel enhanced his glory, and protected him from harm. Kaustubh also accompanied Vishnu in his various incarnations. Kaliya once stole it from Vishnu when he was sleeping. He hid it in his hood and used its power to terrorize others. But after Krishna subdued him, he gave it to Krishna.
Kamadhenu (cow)
Kamadhenu, the wish-granting cow, emerged during the churning. It had divine powers and was given to the 7 great sages or Saptarishi, keeping public welfare in mind. She is also called Surabhi. Kamadhenu was under the ownership of either Sage Jamadagni or Vashishta. Kings who coveted the divine cow and tried to steal her from the sages often suffered dire consequences. Kamadhenu provided milk and milk products for her master's oblations. She could also produce fierce warriors to defend him. It is said that she dwells in the sage's hermitage as well as Goloka, the realm of cows, and Patala, the netherworld.
Kalpavriksha (tree)
This tree is also known as Kalpadrum or Kalpataru. The tree is also said to be the Milky Way or the birthplace of the star Sirius. Lord Indra received the tree and planted it in his heavenly abode. The Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana refer to the Parijat tree as Kalpavriksha. The Kalpavriksha originated along with Kamadhenu, the divine cow. Kalpavriksha is the tree of life. This mystical tree signifies the power of Mantras associated with Goddess Sarasvati. It also symbolizes abundance and wish- fulfillment.
Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the Milky Ocean during the churning. Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu and the Goddess of abundance and prosperity. She is one of the Tridevis, or three supreme goddesses, along with Saraswati and Parvati. She emerged from the ocean in a red and gold saree and seated on a large lotus. She chose Vishnu as her master after her emergence. After a long separation, Lakshmi reunited with Vishnu. With her return, the gods got back their wealth, and Devaloka regained its earlier splendor. Lakshmi bestows both material and spiritual wealth. When Lakshmi gets angry, it makes us unable to perform good work. We will also experience hunger, lack of willpower, mental peace, and energy, and poverty. Life will feel meaningless.
Apsaras
Apsaras are celestial maidens who live in Devaloka, the abode of the gods. They are highly accomplished in music and dance. After emerging from the Milky Ocean, they chose the Gandharvas (celestial musicians in Indra’s court) as their companions. Indra, who suffered from insecurity regarding his power, often sent the beautiful Apsaras to disturb the tapasya (penance) of sages or asuras to ensure that they did not become too powerful.
Parijat (tree)
Parijat or Harsingar (meaning ‘ornament of the Gods) is a tree that came out of the Milky Ocean. It is also called Night Jasmine or Queen of the Night. The tree has beautiful flowers, white, with a tinge of orange at the stalk. They are used in the worship of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The leaves and stems are also used to cure diseases. Goddess Lakshmi loves Parijat flowers. The Parijat tree blooms at night. Its flowers fall on the ground by themselves. So, it is the only flower that people can offer to the gods after picking them from the ground. One should not pluck its flowers. The flower can remind us of our past lives. The Parijat tree has many medicinal properties. According to Hindu mythology, Indra took the tree to his abode and planted it in his garden. He gifted it to his wife, Indrani. Since then, the tree is described as Tree of the Universe and its flowers as the jewels of the gods.
Varuni Devi
During the churning, Varuni Devi, the Goddess of wine, emerged from the ocean. Varuni Devi is the wife or consort of Varuna, who is associated with the sea and water bodies. She represents prosperity, abundance, and enjoyment. She has associations with sacrificial gatherings and divine experiences. Varuni (Goddess of wine) and Dhanvantri (God of medicine and Ayurveda) arose together from the ocean. They represent the same principle in two forms - Sattva and Rajas. Varuni was accepted by the Asuras due to Vishnu’s grace, but the gods (especially Indra) also loved her as she could give them rapid energy and change, useful in wars. Many gods and goddesses would drink liquor before they did battle. In Matsya Purana, Varuni is the Shakti (power) of Varuna who rules the night sky and the ocean. With Varuni’s help, we can learn discernment by getting access to our past, present, and future through dreams or psychedelic experiences.
Conch
It was during the Samudra Manthan that the first conch shell or Shankh appeared. Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, has 8 auspicious jewels. One of them is Shankh. In ancient times, the Conch’s sound meant the beginning of a war. Vishnu has a special conch called Panchajanya. The Skanda Purana says that it emerged during Samudra Manthan. It represents the 5 elements, the sound of creation, divine power, and cosmic harmony. It is also a divine weapon. It is mandatory to blow a conch during Lakshmi-Vishnu Pooja. The sound of the Conch can repel negative energy and evil spirits.
Sharanga Bow
Sharanga was one of two divine bows created by Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods. Vishnu used this bow when he incarnated as Parashurama, Rama and Krishna avatars. Before he returned to Vaikuntha, Vishnu, as Krishna, left the bow with Varuna, the God of the ocean.
Chandra (Moon)
Chandra or the Moon god emerged during Samudra Manthan. The Moon God Chandra adorns the matted locks of Lord Shiva. His father-in-law, Daksha cursed him for not being a good husband. As a result, Chandra lost his powers and his body began to wither. He prayed to Shiva and Shiva wore him in his hair to reduce the intensity of the curse. The Moon still waxes and wanes due to the curse.
Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari is an avatar of Vishnu. He is the physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda. He founded Ayurveda for public welfare and shared the knowledge with sages and physicians.
Amrit/Nectar
Towards the end of the churning, a pot of nectar emerged from the ocean. Dhanvantari held the pot in his hand. The gods and demons fought over the distribution of the nectar. Vishnu, as Mohini, distributed the nectar to the gods. Svarbhanu, a demon, drank the Amrit by deceit. Vishnu cut off his head with his discus. The two parts of his body became Rahu and Ketu.