Snakes in Mythology

Save the Snakes

Snakes in Indian Mythology

1.      There is a myth in religious scriptures like “Mahabharata”, “Puranas”       etc. that There was a “Rishi” (saint) called “Kashyap” in “Saptarshi” (a group of seven Rishis) who had a wife named “Katu”.They gave birth to the Snake Community who were named “Anant”, “Vasuki”, “Takshak”, “Karkotak”, “Padma”, “Mahapadma”, “Shankh” and “Kulik”. These are known as “Ashth Naag” i.e. Eight Cobras.Similarly names of “Nav Naag” i.e. Nine Cobras are “Anant”, “Vasuki”, “Shesh”, “Vadmanabhash”, “Kalamb”, “Shankhpal”, “Dhrutrashtra”, “Takshak” and “Kaliy”.

2.      “Anant”, “Vasuki”, “Shesh” of the Cobra family were friendly towards “Arya” (Humanbeings living in Asia Region) and therefore they were adopted by the Lord “Vishnu” and Lord “Shankar”. Due to their adoption of Cobra Lord “Shankar” was fondly named “Naagfal Bhushan” and Lord “Vishnu” was fondly named “Anant Shayan”. “Takshak”, “Karkotak” and “Kaliy” were firm enemies of “Devta” (God) and “Manushya” (Humans) and therefore the “Aryans” haven’t adopted them.

3.      There is a depiction of the slaying of “Vrutra” (also known as “Ahin” i.e. Cobra) by the Lord of the Lords “Indra” in a chapter of the “Rigveda”. It is said in the said Chapter that “Indra was forced to kill “Vrutrasur” because it blocked the clouds from raining and the ritual of “Naag Puja” l.e. worship of the Lord “Naag” (Cobra) started due to this.

4.      In “Jataka” Stories of the Buddhist Cult, there are many descriptions of the Kings and the Leading Persons of the “Naag” (Cobra) Tribe. The lord “Buddha” was given the first bath of his life after his birth by two “Naag” called “Nandi” and “Upnandi”. A Cobra called “Muchlind” gave protection by keeping his hood over the head of Lord “Buddha” after he was enlightened.

·          A “Teerthankar” (Saint) of the Jaina Sect was being harassed by a Devil called “Kamanth” by making rain constantly fall on the head of the Saint. This saint was also given protection by a Cobra called “Padmanaag”. The place lately was named “Ahirchhatra”

·         Thus Sects like “Buddhism” and “Jainism” also give importance to the Snakes and its worship. History Volumes notes that there were famous place of “Naag” (Cobra) worship.

5.    It is noted in the historical religious Scriptures that legendry persons like “Kush” the Son of Lord Raam”, “Meghnaad” the Son of king of Lanka “Raavan”, King Yahu, Ugrasen, Arjun, etc. got married to the Females from “Naag Tribe”. Thus it is indicated that the Tribe “Naag” was not merely a reptile but it was an intellectual Human Being.

6.    “Dani Swami” of Pune has expressed his views on this issue. “Naag Puja” (Cobra Worship) is considered to be a very ancient worship out of most of the worships. “Naag” is believed to be a symbol of fear. “Shesh Naag” is believed to be the “Guru” of the human Kind. The “Naag” (Snake) has the power of running without having legs. It is able to survive on water and the land too. It has powers of revitalizing by peeling off its old Skin and getting younger again. It is symbol of spiritual beauty and sex.