The document discusses Hindu mythology regarding a battle between good and evil forces that exhausted all their resources. They were advised to explore the great ocean to find new resources. Both groups discovered wealth and resources, including nectar and venom. The venom threatened the universe, so Lord Shiva drank it to absorb its negative effects. In the month of Shravan, devotees bring Ganga water to relieve Lord Shiva of the venom's effects. However, the pilgrimage today has degenerated into frivolous celebrations and pollution, risking the loss of Indian culture and traditions. Deeper study is needed to identify causes and remedies.

1. 12 July 2019
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Who will consume this venom?
In Hindu mythology, once the forces of good (Sura) and evil (Asura) had a protracted battle. The
battle lasted so long that both the groups exhausted all their resources and valor. Completely
tired, wounded, frustrated and exhausted, they approached the savior Lord Vishnu. The Savior
advised them to go and explore the great ocean (of knowledge & wealth) to find new resources
and vigor to make a fresh beginning.
Following the advice, both the groups went to the great ocean and explored it extensively.
During their exploration mission, they discovered huge amount of wealth and resources that
included both nectar and venom.
The venom was discovered in the lunar month of Shravan, two months before the nectar,
which was discovered in the lunar month of Ashwin.
When the venom was extracted from the ocean, the whole universe was threatened by its
radiation. Sensing the apocalypse, Lord Vishnu requested the almighty Lord Shiva to absorb
the venom so that it does not harm anyone and the balance of the universe is maintained.
Obliging, Lord Shiva drank the entire venom and preserved it in his throat.
The legend goes, after consuming venom, the body of Lord Shiva started emitting radiation and
he was in great pain due to the negative energies. In Treta Yug, seeing his Lord in pain, his
staunch devotee Ravan, the Asur King of golden island of Lanka, brought the holy water of
Ganga and poured over his Lord's body. It released all the negative energies of poison, Lord
Shiva had consumed, from his body and relieved him of all pain.
The Hindu month of Shravan (or Savan as in film songs) shall start next week. This month is
traditionally known as month of Shiva, the Lord of Asceticism. During this month, the devotees
are advised to abstain from all material pursuits and pleasures, observe fast & abstinence, and
pray to the Lord for the welfare of the entire mankind, rising above the Self.
Following the legend, people walk hundreds of miles to bring sacred Ganga Jal to the
constituent of Shiva, resident in their locality in the form of a Shiva Linga. The purpose behind
undertaking this arduous journey is to commit oneself to the ideas of universality of the
human being, selflessness, devotion and surrender.
However, these days a journey on the highways from Haridwar & Rishikesh, used by millions of
devotees to bring Gangajal for offering to their respective local Shiva temples, during this
fortnight, does not evoke much positive feelings amongst people.
To some extent, it even raises a sense of disgust and derision towards traditions and cultures.
The holy annual event has largely been reduced to frivolous celebrations and hooliganism. The
devotees of Lord Shiva, who consumed venom to save the humanity, leave a long trail of
venomous pollution behind them.
In my view, a deeper study is needed urgently to identify the causes of this cultural
degeneration and to implement a remedial course. Else we risk losing our culture and
traditions; and trust me nothing much will be left of India, as we know it, if so were to happen.