gajendra_pith_story3

The Devtas and Danavs get together to churn the ocean for ‘amrut’ – the nectar of immortality. Using the serpent Vasuki as a rope and Mount Mandrachal as the churning-rod, they churned out 14 precious items from the ocean, each of which is claimed by either the Devtas or the Danavs. The seven-trunked white elephant, Airavat, is claimed by Lord Indra. Airavat is seen as a symbol of auspiciousness, wealth and power.