"Soota said, 'O Rishi (Shaunaka), about this time the two sisters (Kadru and Vinata) saw approaching near, that horse of satisfactory appearance named Uchchaihshravas who was worshipped by Devas, that gem of horses, who arose at the churning of the Ocean for ambrosia (Amrita in Sanskrit). Divine, graceful, always young, creation's master-piece, and of irresistible strength, it (the horse Uchchaihshravas) was blessed with every auspicious mark.'
"Shaunaka asked, 'Why did Devas churn the Ocean for ambrosia (Amrita in Sanskrit), and under what circumstances and when as you say, did that best of horses so powerful and majestic spring?'
"Soota said, 'There is a mountain named Meru, of blazing appearance, and looking like a heap of brightness. The rays of the Sun (Surya) falling on its peaks of golden shine are scattered by them. Decked with gold and exceedingly beautiful, that (Meru) mountain is the territory of Devas and Gandharvas. It (Meru mountain) is immeasurable and unapproachable by men of numerous sins. Dreadful animals of prey wander over its (Meru mountain's) chests, and it is illuminated by many divine life-giving herbs. It (Meru mountain) stands kissing the heavens by its height and is the first of mountains. Ordinary people cannot even think of ascending it. It is graced with trees and streams, and resounds with the charming melody of winged singers (i.e. birds).
"Once Devas sat on its gem-studded peak--in meeting. They who had practised Tapas and observed excellent vows (Sankalpa in Sanskrit) for amrita now seemed to be eager seekers after amrita (divine ambrosia). Seeing the divine assembly (of Devas) in anxious mood (Lord) Narayana said to Brahman, 'You do churn the Ocean with Devas and the Asuras. By doing so, amrita will be obtained and also all drugs and gems. O you Devas, chum the Ocean, you will discover amrita.'"
So ends the seventeenth section in the Aastika Parva of the Aadi Parva.
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