According to Hindu mythology, there is a true story of how Lord Shiva earned the title of “Neelkanth,” which means “the blue-throated one.” During a great battle between the Devas (the gods) and the Asuras (the demons), they used the churning of the ocean of milk to extract the elixir of immortality. However, during the process, a deadly poison known as Halahala also emerged. The Devas and the Asuras were terrified of the poison and begged Lord Shiva to help them. Lord Shiva, in his benevolence, consumed the poison, but before it could reach his stomach, his wife, Parvati, quickly held his throat to stop it from entering. As a result, the poison turned Lord Shiva’s throat blue, earning him the name “Neelkanth.” The story of Lord Shiva’s selflessness in consuming the deadly poison to protect the universe and his divine consort, Parvati, is a testament to his strength and devotion. The blue throat serves as a reminder of Lord Shiva’s willingness to take on even the most dangerous of tasks to ensure the safety of all.
