In Hindu mythology, Vasuki served as the churning rope during the churning of the ocean of milk.
The gods and asuras sought amrita, the nectar of immortality, by churning the cosmic ocean. Mount Mandara served as the churning rod, while Vasuki, the serpent king, was wrapped around it and pulled from opposite ends. The tortoise avatar Kurma supported the mountain beneath the ocean.
The effort produced many treasures and beings, including the deadly poison halahala. Shiva drank the poison to protect the cosmos, and his throat became blue in the familiar Nilakantha story. Eventually, amrita emerged, leading to further conflict between the gods and asuras.
Vasuki is distinct from Ananta or Shesha, who is associated with Vishnu’s cosmic couch. Kaliya is another serpent subdued by Krishna in the Yamuna.