In Hindu mythology, Vasuki is the cosmic serpent used as the churning rope in the ocean of milk.
The gods and asuras join forces to churn the ocean in search of amrita, the nectar of immortality. Mount Mandara serves as the churning rod, while Vasuki coils around the mountain and is pulled from opposite sides.
The churning produces numerous treasures and beings, including Lakshmi in many accounts. It also releases the deadly poison halahala, which Shiva contains to protect the worlds. The episode is known as Samudra Manthana and appears in several Puranic traditions.
Vasuki is sometimes confused with Shesha, the serpent associated with Vishnu’s cosmic resting place. Both are important naga figures, but Vasuki’s defining role here is as the churning rope.