Samudra Manthan is one of the most powerful and symbolic event described in our puranas. The mandala of Samudra manthan can be used to understand or interpret many micro and macro events of our lives. Manthan is happening within and without olways.
Astamangalam emerges out of manthan. Lakshmi; Surabhi, parijata, Dhanvantri, kausthubha, Airavata, ucchaishrava, chandra. In addition, sharanga, varuni, Apsaras/gandharvas and halahala emerges too.
Garuda spilling the Amruta in spots becoming our sthalas for kumbh melas, where Amruthyu is sought by many seekers even today.
Shiva's form as Neelakanta as he drinks the halahala-lethal poison and holds it around his neck neither consuming it or spilling it outside is a powerful mandala.
Mohini the form of vishnu, an enchantress sways Asuras from their focus on Amruta.They get something but not the real deal due to their deluded state of minds.We can equate this to Asuric appropriations of our knowledge system.The glitz and glitter of false supremacy being Mohini
The churning is again a polarization of some sorts with Devas on one side and Asuras on the other end- Dharma versus Adharma. kurma is the anchor taking care that the balance is not tipped off ! Our Earth represents mandara parvat here.
The search and seeking for immortatility is ongoing. But the reasons for that search differs between an Asura and Deva. Devas want Amruthyu to escape the cycle of life and death. Asuras seek Amruthyu for wielding power and establishing themselves as supreme uno. Sounds familiar?!