in the mythology of India, is a preparation of the amrita (q.v.) from the sea of milk, by turning the mountain Mahdar. There was produced in the preparation of the amrita a very fine but dangerous poison, which would have destroyed all things; therefore it was desirable to have it removed. Siva undertook to swallow it, but, fearing the effects of it, he did not allow it to enter his stomach, but left it in his neck. This it colored blue; wherefrom Siva has the name of Nilkunt (blue-neck).