Table of Contents vil
The Diplomatic Logic of the Snake and the Mouse 225
The Demigods and Demons Uproot Mandara Mountain 234
The Lord Transports Mandara Mountain 237
CHAPTER SEVEN
Lord Siva Saves the Universe
by Drinking Poison 241
Chapter Summary 241
Demons Must Always Disagree with Demigods 243
The Appearance of Kirma, the Tortoise Incarnation 248
The Supreme Lord, Ajita, Churns the Milk Ocean 255
The Demigods Offer Prayers to Lord Siva 260
Inimitable Lord Siva Reduces and Drinks the Poison 278
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Churning of the Milk Ocean 285
Chapter Summary 285
The Appearance of Laksmidevi, the Goddess of Fortune 292
Laksmidevi Chooses a Husband 302
Dhanvantari Appears, with a Jug of Nectar 312
The First Concern of a Nondevotee 317
The Mohini Incarnation 321
Appendixes 323
The Author 325
References 327
Glossary 329
Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide 335
Index of Sanskrit Verses 337
General Index 347
