Editing Durvasa (section)

== Samudra Manthana ==
{{Main|Samudra Manthana}}
In [[Vishnu Purana]], [[Vayu Purana]], and the [[Padma Purana]], a curse that Durvasa laid upon [[Indra]] is described as the indirect reason for the [[Samudra Manthan]]a. The [[Srimad Bhagavata]] and [[Agni Purana]] also mention Durvasa's involvement in the episode, without going into detail. Other sources for this story, such as [[Ramayana]], [[Mahabharata]], [[Harivamsa]], and [[Matsya Purana]], do not mention Durvasa's involvement at all and ascribe the incident to other causes, such as the devas' and [[asuras]]' desire for immortality.<ref name="Horace Hayman Wilson 1840" />

According to a story in the Vishnu Purana, Durvasa, while wandering the earth in a state of ecstasy due to a vow he is observing, came by a ''Vidyadhari'' (nymph of the air) and demanded her heavenly wreath of flowers. The nymph respectfully gave the garland to the sage, whereupon he wore it on his brow. Resuming his wanderings, the Durvasa came across Indra riding his elephant, [[Airavata]], attended by the gods. Still, in his state of frenzy, Durvasa threw the garland at Indra, who caught it and placed it on Airavata's head. The elephant is irritated by the fragrance of the nectar in the flowers, so it threw the garland to the ground with its trunk.

Durvasa is enraged to see his gift treated so callously and cursed [[Indra]] that he would be cast down from his position of dominion over the [[Trailokya|three worlds]], just as the garland is cast down. Indra immediately begged Durvasa's forgiveness, but the sage refused to retract or soften his curse. Because of the curse, Indra and the devas were diminished in strength and stripped of their lustre. Seizing this opportunity, the [[asura]]s led by [[Mahabali|Bali]] waged war against the gods.<ref>Srimad Bhagavatam - translated by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabupada, Copyright(c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.</ref>

The gods were routed and turned to [[Brahma]] for help. Brahma directed them to seek refuge with [[Vishnu]]. Vishnu, in turn, advised them to call a truce with the asuras, and help them churn the [[ocean of milk]] to obtain the [[amrita]] (nectar of immortality), on the pretext of sharing it with them. Vishnu promised that only the devas would drink the nectar to regain their former power, so they could once again defeat the asuras. The devas took Vishnu's advice and called their truce with the asuras, and thus the gods and demons began planning their great enterprise.