Vishpaan by Shiv Jee

5-Shiv's Vishpaan

Once there was a great war between Devtaa and Asur. Asur defeated Devtaa and started troubling the universe. Devtaa went to Vishnu for help. Vishnu suggested that "at present I cannot do anything, but in the meantime you extend your friendship with Asur with this plan" and He suggested a plan to them.

Devtaa got convinced and went to Asur, extended friendship and convinced them for the plan. The plan was to churn Ksheer Saagar (celestial ocean of milk) and extract Amrit (nectar) from it. On asking that what Asur will get out of this, Devtaa convinced them that they would also get Amrit.

So when they churned the Ksheer Saagar, they made Mandaraachal Parvat as the churning rod, Vaasuki Naag as the churning rope, and kept the Parvat on the back of a tortoise (Vishnu's Avataar). The churning began and the things began to come out. Devtaa, Asur, Rishi Muni started to take them. The first thing was the Halaahal Vish (poison) to came out of the ocean.

Nobody was ready to take that Vish. It was very strong and lots of poisonous gases were coming out of it. It started burning the universe. Then Vishnu suggested Devtaa to pray Shiv Jee to drink that Vish. Shiv Jee drank it for the good of the universe. He did not gulp it, he just retained it in his throat, because of that Vish his throat became blue. Since then his one name was Neelkanth (blue throated). (see also Bhaagvat Puraan, 8/4)

This incident is believed to have occurred at the Pradosh Kaal (the time period just before sunset) on Pradosh days (thirteenth day of each fortnight of the month). That is why people observe fast on that day and worship Shiv Jee. Rudra Abhishek is also performed in large temples on this day.