“In Hindu mythology, the concept of Nagas, or serpent deities, holds a prominent place, intertwining symbolism, folklore, and spirituality. These serpents are revered for their unique attributes and roles within the Hindu pantheon. From the majestic Adishesha, who cradles the universe upon his hoods, to the formidable Vasuki, often seen adorning Lord Shiva, and the protective Manasa Devi, the goddess of snakebites and fertility, these Naga figures possess diverse qualities and stories that captivate the imagination. Astika, the advocate for the serpent race during the Nag Panchami celebrations, and Kaliya, the serpent vanquished by Lord Krishna, add further layers to this rich tapestry of serpent-related legends. Join us as we delve into the narratives and symbolism surrounding these five main Nagas in Hinduism, exploring their roles and significance within the intricate fabric of Hindu mythology.
Adishesha
Adishesha also called as Sheshanaga is the king of nagas. Puranas mention Adishesha as the one who holds all planets and universe on his hoods and sings glories of Lord Vishnu. He is often depicted resting on Shesha. It is said that Shesha supports Kurma and when Kurma moved, Shesha yawned and the gaping of its jaws caused earthquakes. Shesha in Sanskrit implies ‘remainder’ – meaning when the world is destroyed at the end of Kalpa, Shesha remains as he is. As per Mahabharata, Shesha was born to sage Kashyap and his wife Kadru. Kadru gave birth to thousand snakes of which Shesha was the eldest.
Vasuki
The snake that we see around the neck of Lord Shiva is Vasuki. It is believed that Shiva blessed Vasuki and wore him as an ornament. He is considered as the king of nagas and has a gem called Nagamani on his head. He is also mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata. The popular legend in Hinduism in which Vasuki is a part was the ‘Samudra Manthan’, the churning of the ocean of milk. In the legend, devas and Rakshasas were engaged in the churning of the sea in search of nectar to be immortal. Vasuki allowed the devas and rakshasas to use him as a rope to extract the ambrosia of immortality.
Manasa Devi
Mansa Devi is a Hindu goddess of snakes worshipped mainly for the prevention and cure of snakebite and for fertility and prosperity. She is the sister of Vasuki and wife of sage Jaratkaru. She is depicted as a goddess sitting on a lotus, covered with or standing upon snakes. Sometimes she is also seen with a child on her lap.
Astika
Astika was the son of Jaratkaru and serpent goddess Manasa. According to Mahabharata, Astika saved the life of a serpent Takshaka, the king of snakes, during the Sarpa Satra. The snake sacrifice was organised to avenge the death of his father Parikshit due to snake bite of Takshaka. Astika convinced the king to end the victimisation of the serpent race. The day is said to be Shukla Paksha Panchami in the Hindu month of Shravan and since then the day is celebrated as Nag Panchami.
Kaliya
Kaliya was a poisonous snake living in the Yamuna river in Vrindavan. The water boiled and bubbled with poison for four leagues and no human or birds could go near the river. Kaliya was the resident of Ramanaka Dwipa but moved to Vrindavan by the fear of Garuda, the enemy of serpents. Garuda was cursed by a yogi he could not enter Vrindavan. Once when Krishna with his friends were playing on the banks of the river and accidentally the ball fell in the river. Krishna jumped in the river and Kaliya rose up with his hundred and ten hoods vomiting poison. After a tiff with the snake, Krishna rose up from the bottom dancing on the head of Kaliya. The incident is remembered as the ‘Kalinga Nartana’ in South India.
In the tapestry of Hindu mythology, the Nagas stand as enigmatic and compelling figures, weaving together the threads of cosmic symbolism, devotion, and ancient storytelling. From Adishesha’s cosmic support to Vasuki’s pivotal role in the churning of the ocean, Manasa Devi’s protective embrace, Astika’s plea for serpentine harmony, and Krishna’s dance atop Kaliya’s hoods, these serpent deities offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of divinity. Their stories remind us of the intricate interplay between humans, gods, and the natural world, showcasing the power of belief, courage, and compassion. As we contemplate these narratives, we find that the Naga deities continue to slither through the realms of faith, inspiring awe and reverence in the hearts of those who explore the captivating world of Hindu mythology.
