The name of the terrible poison generated when the
gods and demons churn the Ocean of Milk in Hindu mythology.
The ocean is churned by gods and demons to make amrita, the
nectar of immortality.
However, their actions produce not only the amrita, but also
the halahala poison, which is the opposite of the amrita.
This is a life-threatening situation, since if the poison
isn't stopped, it will kill the planet.
Shiva, the deity, neutralizes the poison by holding it in
his neck without swallowing it.
Because the poison causes his neck to become blue, one of his nicknames is Nilakanth, which means "blue-throated [one]." Also see Tortoise avatar.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
