Hinduism's Primoridial Milky Ocean Between Cosmic Eras

THE HINDU BLOG

Vishnu and Lakshmi and the Great Snake, c. 1870.

Milky Ocean in Hinduism is a primordial Ocean of milk which exists between cosmic eras. Srihari Vishnu sleeps on Adi Shesha, the giant serpent, who floats on the Milky Ocean. This is a famous picture and symbolism associated with Hinduism. It must be noted that it is also believed that Vishnu resides in Vaikunta on the Milky Ocean. Milky Ocean symbolically means absolute truth – when one attains this there is bliss. It is an attempt to convey to common devotees what is waiting for them when they cross the materialistic world. In Sanskrit and many Indian languages milky ocean is known as Ksheera Sagara. The most famous incident associated with milky ocean is that of the churning of ocean or Samudra Manthan by Asuras and Devas to attain Amruta or elixir of life. [link]

The tortoise (Kurma) incarnation of Vishnu. Illustration to a 'Vishnu Avatara' series. ca. 1860-ca. 1870 (made)