The Pauranic-story of the churning of the Milky-Ocean by both the gods and the demons for the purpose of getting out of it the Nectar is very famous. Two of the products that came up during the churning process were the Winged-horse, mighty and powerful, called the Ucchahi-shravas, and the White-elephant, Airavata. Both of them were presented to the King of the gods, Indra. Altogether, it is described that thirteen such tempting objects of might and glory presented themselves during the churning.

Asvanam, among horses; viddhi, know; mam, Me; to be the horse named Uccaihsravas; amrta-udbhavam, born of nectar-born when (the sea was) churned (by the gods) for nectar. Airavata, the son of Iravati, gajendranam, among the Lordly elephants; ‘know Me to be so’ remains understood. And naranam, among men; know Me as the naradhipam, King of men.