Hubbry Logo
SheshaSheshaMain
Open search
Shesha
Community hub
Shesha
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Shesha
Shesha
Shesha
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Shesha
King of the Serpents[1]
Shesha
Idol of Shesha, Kathmandu
Other namesSheshanaga, Adishesha, Sankarshana
Ananta
AffiliationVaishnavism, Vishnu
AbodeVaikuntha
Kshira Sagara
Patala
Mantraom śeṣanāgāya vidmahe
anantāya ca dhīmahi
tanno nāgaḥ pracodayāt
Genealogy
Parents
SiblingsMany including Manasa, Vasuki, and Takshaka
ConsortNagalakshmi
ChildrenSulochana
Part of a series on
Vaishnavism
Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
Supreme deity
Vishnu / Krishna / Rama
Important deities
Dashavatara
Other forms
Consorts
Related
Holy scriptures
Puranas
Sampradayas
Others
Teachers—acharyas
Related traditions

Shesha (Sanskrit: शेष, romanised: Śeṣa, lit. 'Remainder'),[3] also known by his epithets Sheshanaga (Sanskrit: शेषनाग, romanised: Śeṣanāga, lit. 'The snake Shesha') and Adishesha (Sanskrit: आदिशेष, romanised: Ādiśeṣa, lit. 'First Shesha'), is a serpentine demigod (naga) and king of the serpents (Nagaraja), as well as a primordial being of creation in Hinduism. In the Puranas, Shesha is said to hold all the planets of the universe on his hoods and to constantly sing the glories of Vishnu from all his mouths. He is sometimes referred to as Ananta (Sanskrit: अनन्त, lit. 'Without end') or Ananta Shesha (Sanskrit: अनन्त शेष, romanised: Ananta Śeṣa, lit. 'Endless Śeṣa/Remainder').

The Narayana form of Vishnu is often depicted as resting on Shesha, accompanied by his consort Lakshmi. Shesha is considered as one of the two mounts of Vishnu alongside Garuda. He is said to have descended upon Earth in the following human forms or incarnations: Lakshmana, brother of Vishnu's incarnation Rama during the Treta Yuga, and according to some traditions, as Balarama, brother of Vishnu's incarnation Krishna during the Dvapara Yuga. According to the Mahabharata (Adi Parva), his father was Kashyapa and his mother Kadru, though in other accounts, he is usually a primordial being created by Vishnu.

His name means "he who remains", from the Sanskrit root śiṣ, because even as the world is destroyed at the end of each kalpa, Shesha remains as he is.

Form

[edit]
Narayana resting on Adhishesha, with his consort Lakshmi massaging his feet

Shesha is generally depicted with a massive form that floats coiled through space, or upon the Ocean of Milk, to form the bed upon which Vishnu lies. Sometimes, he is depicted as a five-headed or seven-headed or a ten-headed serpent; but more commonly as one thousand-headed, or five thousand-headed, or even as many as a one million-headed serpent; sometimes with each head wearing an ornate crown.[4][5]

Origin and legends

[edit]

According to the Mahabharata, Shesha was born to the sage Kashyapa and his wife Kadru. Kadru gave birth to a thousand snakes, of which Shesha was the eldest. After Shesha, Vasuki, Iravati and Takshaka were born, in that order. A lot of Shesha's brothers were cruel and were bent upon inflicting harm on others. They were even unkind to Garuda, who was Kashyapa's son through Vinata, sister of Kadru. (Kadru and Vinata were daughters of Daksha).

Shesha, disgusted by the cruel acts of his brothers, left his mother and kin, and took on austere penances. He lived on air and meditated in places including Gandhamadhana, Badrikashrama, Gokarna, Pushkara, and the Himalayas. His penances were so severe that his flesh, skin, and muscles dried up and merged with his frame. Brahma, convinced of Shesha's will, asked Shesha to request a boon. Shesha asked that he be able to keep his mind under control so that he could continue to perform ascetic penances. Brahma gladly accepted the request. Brahma then asked a favour of Shesha: to go beneath the precarious earth and stabilise it. Shesha agreed and went to the netherworld and stabilised Bhumi with his hood. He is believed to support her even today, thus making Patala his perennial residence.[6]

Vishnu and Shesha

[edit]

Shesha is usually depicted as floating in the ocean of the changing world, forming the bed of a primordial form of Vishnu, i.e. Narayana, Vāsudeva or in later Puranic Vaishnavism, Mahavishnu.

In the Bhagavata Purana, Shesha is named Sankarshana, the tamasic energy of Narayana himself, and is said to live deep within the inner layers of Patala, where there are many serpents with gems on their heads and where he reigns as its ruler. He is said to have existed before the creation of the universe. When the universe is towards its end, he creates the 11 Rudras from the serpents to destroy the universe for a new one to be created.

Sankarshana is also one of the four vyuhas, or primitive forms of Vishnu, the other three being Vasudeva, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.

In Gaudiya accounts, Sankarshana expands himself as Garbhodakshayi-Vishnu in the beginning of the universe to create Brahma. In other words, Sankarshana is believed to be Narayana himself.

In the first few chapters of the Puranas, it is also said that Sankarshana preached the Bhagavata to the Four Kumaras, who in turn passed on this message. At some point, the message was passed to sage Maitreya, who in turn preached it to Vidura.

Marriage

[edit]

According to legends, Shesha is married to Nagalakshmi. As per the Garga Samhita, she is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the Kshira Sagara.[7][8]

Avatars

[edit]
As Lakshmana, Shesha accompanied his lord in his Rama avatar.
As Balarama, Shesha accompanied Vishnu in his Krishna Avatar.

Shesha is believed to have taken six incarnations on earth. During the Satya Yuga, he came down in his original form to form a seat for Vishnu's avatar of Narasimha, who had incarnated to slay the impious Hiranyakashipu.

During the Treta Yuga, Shesha took birth as Lakshmana, as Vishnu's (as Rama) brother. Lakshmana is a very prominent character in the Ramayana, along with Hanuman and Sita. His consort, Nagalakshmi was born as Urmila, the sister of Sita.[9][10]

During Dvapara Yuga, he is a stated to have incarnated as Balarama again as a brother to Vishnu (as Krishna). This is often disputed by the original line-ups of the Dasavatara, where Balarama is also considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu. His consort was born as Revati, the daughter of King Kakudmi.[11][12]

During the Kali Yuga, according to Sri Vaishnava tradition, he was born as Patanjali, Ramanuja, and Manavala Mamunigal.[13] He was not accompanied by God during the Kali Yuga. Instead, he incarnated alone to spread devotion among the people, being a peaceful incarnation.

Sri Vaishnavism also states that Balarama is an incarnation of both Vishnu and Shesha. In the Bhagavad Gita, in the middle of the battlefield Kurukshetra, Krishna, explaining his omnipresence, says: "Of Nāgas, I am Ananta" indicating the importance of Shesha.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism states that Shesha incarnated as Nityananda, a friend and associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is described as an incarnation of Krishna. According to the texts and scriptures of the Gaudiya Sampradaya, the appearance of Nityananda Prabhu was very similar to Balarama (incarnation of Shesha).[citation needed]

Literature

[edit]

The Brahma Purana describes the attributes of Ananta:[14]

Daityas and Dānavas are not capable of recounting his good qualities. He is honoured by Devas and celestial sages. He is spoken of as Ananta. He has a thousand hoods, and he is clearly bedecked in Svastika ornaments devoid of impurities. He illuminates all quarters by thousand jewels on his hoods.

For the welfare of the universe, he deprives the Asuras of their prowess. His eyes whirl and rove due to intoxication. He has only one earring at all times.

Wearing a crown and garlands he shines like a white mountain aflame with fire.

He is clad in blue garments. He is intoxicated with pride. He is resplendent with white garlands. He is lofty like the mountain of Kailāsa where the celestial Gaṅgā falls. He has placed his hand on the plough-share; he holds an excellent iron club. He is attended upon by the embodied splendour of Varuṇa.

At the end of the Kalpa, Rudra in the form of Saṅkarṣaṇa comes out of his mouth, blazing like the flame of poisonous fire and devours the three worlds.

He holds the entire sphere of the world rising above like a peak.

— Brahma Purana, Chapter 19

The Brahmanda Purana also described Shesha in Patala:

With his two thousand eyes that have the reddish splendour of the rising sun and with his body that is white and glossy, he appears like the mountain. Kailāsa surrounded by clusters of flames. He has the white complexion like the Moon as well as the Kunda flowers. Hence the cluster of his eyes shines like the cluster of midday suns on the peak of the white Mountain (Śveta Parvata).

He has a huge terrible body. With it (resting) in his reclining pose on his couch, he appears like a thousand-peaked mountain of vast dimensions (resting) over the earth.

This (enormously) huge lord of serpents, himself of great splendour, is being attended upon by extremely wise and noble-souled great serpents of huge physique. He is the king of all serpents. He is Ananta, Śeṣa, of excessive brilliance.

— Brahmanda Purana, Chapter 20

Vishnu with Shesha Naga-ancient Bronze artefact in Government Museum Mathura

The Bhagavata Purana equates Shesha and Balarama:

With intent to do what pleases Sri Hari, the thousand-headed and self-effulgent Lord Ananta (the serpent-god Sesa), a part manifestation of Lord Vasudeva, will precede Him (as His elder brother).

— Bhagavata Purana, 10.1.24

In the Bhagavad Gita chapter 10, verse 29, Krishna describes 75 of his common manifestations, and declares, "anantaśh chāsmi nāgānāṁ": Among Nāgas (a special class of serpents), I am the serpent-god Ananta.

Anantashesha appears in SCP Foundation as SCP-3000.[15]

Heads of Shesha at the Kerala Folklore Museum
[edit]

The Palliyodam, a type of large snake boat built and used by Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Kerala for the annual water processions of Uthrattathi Jalamela and Valla Sadhya has the legend that it was designed by Krishna and were made to look like Shesha.[16]

Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism

[edit]

In the snake worship traditions of Tai folk religion and animism in Thailand, he is a naga second order most revered figure, following Shri Sutho Naga (ปู่ศรีสุทโธ) of Kham Chanod Forest in Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, Isan, Thailand. Kham Chanod is considered the spiritual center of snake worship in Thai folk beliefs.[17][18][19] , His name and symbol are one of Royal Barge Anantanakkharat of royal barge in Thailand.[20][21][22][23]

Numerous shrines across Thailand are dedicated to he as a guardian deity, with one of the most notable being Shrine of the Venerable Naga Ananta Nakarat of Mukdahan province, Isan. which is located in the area under Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.[24][25][26][27] or Shrine of the Venerable Naga Ananta Nakarat opposite Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station which is one of Shrine of four naga guardian regular of Bang Phli District which are located in all four directions of Suvarnabhumi Airport.[28][29][30][31]

Other names

[edit]
  • Sheshanaga (Shesha the serpent)
  • Shesha (the first Shesha)
  • Anantashesha (Endless Shesha)
  • Ananta (endless/infinite)
  • Alternative spellings: Sesa, Shesha, Śeṣa
  • Shesha Sayana or Nagar Syana means Vishnu who sleeps (Sayana) on Sheshanaga

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shesha

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shesha, also known as Ananta Shesha or Adishesha, is the king of the nagas (serpent deities) in , portrayed as an immense, eternal serpent with a thousand heads who bears the weight of the upon his hoods and serves as the cosmic couch for the god during his periods of repose in the ocean of milk. He embodies and stability, with his name "Ananta" signifying the endless, and his form is described as a white mountain-like body adorned with celestial ornaments, tongues blazing like fire, and endowed with unparalleled strength derived from rigorous ascetic practices. According to the , Shesha was born as one of the sons of the sage and his wife , among a brood of serpents known for their cunning nature, but he distinguished himself by renouncing worldly attachments and undertaking severe penances in sacred regions such as Gandhamadana, Vadri, and Gokarna, subsisting solely on air while controlling his senses. Impressed by his devotion, commanded Shesha to enter a crevice in the Earth and support its unsteady foundations with his head, thereby preventing cosmic instability; in this role, he stabilizes the world alongside natural features like mountains, forests, and seas, earning the epithet of personified. In broader , Shesha resides in the netherworld of and is integral to creation myths, where his subtle movements—such as yawning—can trigger earthquakes, reflecting the interconnectedness of divine forces and the physical . He is revered as an incarnation of Vishnu's tamasic energy, sometimes identified with Sankarshana or , underscoring his position as a primal being who upholds the balance of the cosmos under Vishnu's supreme authority. Shesha's symbolism extends to themes of eternity, penance, and preservation, influencing rituals like and depictions in temple iconography across .

Description and Form

Physical Appearance

Shesha is iconographically represented as a colossal serpentine figure, embodying eternity and cosmic stability in Hindu tradition. Primary texts describe him as a thousand-headed naga, with his vast form capable of supporting the entire earth, which appears minuscule in comparison. In the Mahabharata, Shesha is portrayed with a body resembling a white mountain, adorned in celestial ornaments, possessing a thousand heads with tongues blazing like flames of fire, and endowed with immense strength. This multi-hooded depiction underscores his role as a foundational being, often coiled in the Ocean of Milk (Kshirasagara). The elaborates on Shesha's (as Sankarshana) physical grandeur, noting his thousand heads upon which the terrestrial globe rests like a , highlighting his immeasurable scale. His body is bright, long, and fair-complexioned, with charming arms resembling silver pillars, reddish eyes that cast merciful glances, and lotus-like feet bearing nails shining like rubies. He is clad in blue garments and wears a garland of ever-fresh tulasi blossoms and forest flowers, along with a single . The further details his thousand hoods as covered in jewels, illuminating the cosmic depths. In artistic portrayals, particularly in temple sculptures and paintings, Shesha's coiled body forms the divine couch (Sheshashayi) for 's repose, with his expanded hoods arching overhead like a protective canopy. While scriptures consistently emphasize the thousand-hooded form symbolizing , iconographic variations across regions depict him with five, seven, or ten heads to convey the primordial elements or cosmic directions, adapting the infinite motif to visual representation. His serene, protective posture, with hoods gently sheltering , reflects a tranquil yet formidable presence.

Cosmological Role

In , Shesha, also known as Ananta, serves as the foundational sustainer of the universe, bearing the weight of the and other planetary bodies on his numerous hoods to maintain cosmic stability and prevent instability during the cycles of creation. This supportive role is exemplified in the , where Shesha upholds the entire terrestrial globe on one of his thousand heads, appearing to him as insignificant as a , thereby ensuring the structural integrity of the manifested world. His multi-hooded serpentine form uniquely enables this vast bearing capacity, positioning him as an indispensable pillar in the cosmic order. Shesha resides in the depths of the netherworld, specifically at the lowest level below , approximately 30,000 yojanas deep, a enveloped in tamasic (inert or . From this subterranean abode, he emerges during the process of creation to support the evolving cosmic structure, often serving as the couch for in the of milk (Kshir Sagar). As Sankarshana, one of the four primary aspects of (along with , , and ), Shesha embodies the tamasic energy that balances the universe's dynamic forces of creation, preservation, and dissolution, representing the principle of contraction and essential for cosmic equilibrium. This identification underscores his integral connection to , arising from profound devotion that qualifies him for such a pivotal cosmological function. Shesha's involvement extends to the eternal cycles of cosmic dissolution (pralaya) and recreation, where he withdraws the universe into himself at the predestined end of an epoch, facilitating the transition to renewal. In this process, his agitation—manifested through the fierce movement of his eyebrows—gives rise to eleven three-eyed Rudras, each armed with a trident, who execute the destruction necessary for the universe's rebirth, symbolizing the transformative power of inertia leading to regeneration. Through these roles, Shesha not only stabilizes existence but also perpetuates the rhythmic balance of Hindu cosmological time, known as kalpas.

Origins and Mythology

Birth and Parentage

In , Shesha, also known as Ananta, is depicted as the eldest son of the sage and his wife , born as one of a thousand serpentine offspring collectively referred to as the nagas. , a revered and grandson of through , served as a primordial who, through his unions with Daksha's daughters including , gave rise to diverse classes of beings such as serpents, birds, and other creatures central to cosmic order. , specifically tasked with bearing the naga lineage, fulfilled her boon from by producing this vast progeny, with Shesha distinguished as the foremost among them. The narrative of Shesha's early life is intertwined with a familial conflict arising from Kadru's wager with her co-wife , mother of the birds, concerning the tail color of the celestial horse Uchchaisravas—whether it was pure white or blackish. To ensure victory by artificially darkening the tail, Kadru commanded her sons to coil around it. Those who refused were cursed by Kadru to meet their end in the sacrificial fire of King Janamejaya's future snake . Disillusioned by this episode of familial treachery, Shesha abandoned his mother and kin, undertaking rigorous and austerities at sacred sites, subsisting solely on air in pursuit of spiritual elevation. This vow of marked his separation from the naga world and his initial steps toward divine purpose. In Puranic traditions, Shesha's essence transcends this birth narrative, portraying him as a primordial entity known as Ananta, the endless serpent who predates creation itself and embodies the foundational support of the as a manifestation of divine tamas.

Early Legends and Deeds

In the early mythological accounts, Shesha, born as the eldest among the serpents to the sage and his wife , renounced his family due to their deceitful and jealous nature, particularly their enmity toward . Disgusted by his siblings' wicked tendencies, which included schemes to enslave , Shesha departed to pursue a life of rigorous , practicing severe penances by subsisting solely on air at sacred sites such as Gandhamadana, Vadri, Gokarna, , and the slopes of . These austerities, marked by unswerving vows and mastery over his senses, were aimed at attaining cosmic equilibrium and self-purification, establishing Shesha as a paragon of detachment and spiritual discipline independent of later divine alliances. Shesha is traditionally regarded as the preeminent naga and , the king of the serpents. A pivotal early involved Shesha's intervention to stabilize the unsteady , known as Bhu-mandala, following his penances that pleased . At Brahma's behest, Shesha descended into a crevice beneath the world, coiling his immense form to bear its weight upon his hoods, thereby preventing cosmic instability and ensuring the planet's firmness. This act of selfless support, performed through his thousand heads, highlighted his raw strength and commitment to universal preservation. Shesha's formidable power was further revealed in myths depicting his latent anger, which, if unchecked, threatened cataclysmic destruction. In one account, a mere flicker of his fury during periods of cosmic dissolution manifested as , the fierce aspect embodying annihilation, emerging from between his eyebrows to raze creation before renewal. This episode, subdued through his inherent restraint and devotion to balance, illustrated the serpent's potential to unravel the world order, emphasizing the need for divine oversight to temper his primal might.

Divine Associations

Devotion to Vishnu

Shesha's devotion to is epitomized in the mythological account of his intense , undertaken due to his disgust with the wicked and cruel nature of his siblings, seeking separation from them and control over his senses. Born as the eldest of the naga siblings to the sage and his wife , Shesha grew disillusioned with his kin's deceitful ways and abandoned them to perform severe austerities, subsisting solely on air across sacred sites. Pleased by his dedication, appeared and granted him the boon of a heart inclined toward virtue and asceticism, then tasked him with stabilizing the on his hoods to prevent cosmic instability. In later Puranic accounts, he also serves as the divine couch for during periods of cosmic repose, earning him the epithet Adisesha, the "first serpent" or "eternal remainder." This bond manifests prominently in shared iconography, where is depicted reclining on the coiled form of Shesha in the Kshirasagara, the ocean of milk, during —the phase of universal dissolution between cosmic cycles. In this serene pose, known as Anantasayana, rests in yogic slumber with his consort massaging his feet, while Shesha's multiple hoods form a protective canopy overhead, and he incessantly chants 's sacred names and glories from his thousand mouths, symbolizing eternal vigilance and adoration. Shesha's loyalty extends to embodying Vishnu's protective essence in mythological narratives, where he acts as a serpentine shield or supportive force in divine confrontations, underscoring unwavering servitude amid chaos. Philosophically, Shesha represents the foundational support for 's avatars, embodying the tamasic energy that sustains dharma's continuity across cycles of creation and preservation; as Sankarshana in the , he is an aspect of himself, the "dragger" who draws forth the universe from dissolution, ensuring the preserver's eternal vigilance over cosmic balance.

Family and Consorts

Shesha is the eldest son of the sage and his wife , who bore a thousand naga offspring, including prominent siblings such as , the second-born, , and , establishing Shesha as the foundational figure in the serpent lineage. As the preeminent naga, Shesha functions as the patriarch and king of the nagas, overseeing their cosmic and earthly domains while embodying authority over the clan's collective destiny. In the Mahabharata, Shesha's ascetic withdrawal from his mother and kin spared him from Kadru's curse, which doomed the nagas who refused to assist her in falsifying the tail color of the divine horse Uchchaihshravas during her wager with sister Vinata, thereby preserving aspects of the naga lineage through his protected status. His role as protector extended to mitigating the familial woes stemming from Kadru's actions, as his divine allegiance ensured the survival and continuity of serpent progeny amid threats of annihilation. Shesha's marital connections are detailed in later texts, where he is wed to , a naga goddess personifying the (Ocean of Milk), symbolizing the harmonious union of serpent clans with primordial waters that foster fertility, abundance, and safeguarding of the naga realm. This partnership underscores themes of cosmic fertility, as Nagalakshmi's association with the ocean reinforces Shesha's role in sustaining life and warding off existential perils for his kin. Among his descendants, later mythological accounts attribute to Shesha a daughter named Sulochana, who married (Meghanada), the son of , highlighting inter-clan ties between nagas and rakshasas that blend protection with dynastic expansion. These familial extensions portray Shesha not only as a progenitor but as a guardian whose lineage perpetuates naga influence across divine and demonic spheres.

Incarnations

Major Avatars

Shesha, the eternal serpent and devoted servant of , is traditionally regarded as having manifested in several human and semi-divine forms across the yugas to support the divine purpose of preserving . These incarnations highlight his role as an unwavering companion to Vishnu's avatars, embodying loyalty, strength, and cosmic stability. In the , Shesha incarnated as , the younger brother of , Vishnu's seventh avatar. As Lakshmana, he exemplified absolute devotion by accompanying Rama into , aiding in the of the Rama Setu bridge to using his immense strength, and standing vigil during Rama's battles against Ravana's forces in the epic. His unyielding loyalty, such as refusing sleep for fourteen years to guard Rama and , mirrors Shesha's eternal vigilance as the cosmic serpent bed. During the Dwapara Yuga, Shesha appeared as , the elder brother of Krishna, Vishnu's eighth avatar. Known as Baladeva or Sankarshana, Balarama wielded a plowshare (hala) as his weapon, symbolizing agricultural might and protection of the earth. He played pivotal roles in Krishna's exploits, including slaying demons like Dhenukasura and advising in the of the , where his neutral stance underscored his role as a stabilizing force. This incarnation ties directly to Shesha's essence as the bearer of the world's weight. In the , traditional accounts identify Shesha's incarnation as , the revered sage and author of the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text on yogic and practice. is depicted as descending to impart knowledge of , , and self-discipline to alleviate human suffering, aligning with Shesha's attribute of sustaining creation through wisdom and balance. This form emphasizes the serpent's association with energy and spiritual enlightenment. According to Hindu traditions, Shesha is believed to have six principal incarnations, including his serpent form serving as a seat for in , in , in Dwapara Yuga, and partial manifestations like in , alongside minor roles such as supporting other avatars like . These forms underscore Shesha's integral connection to Vishnu's descents, ensuring cosmic order in each era.

Symbolic Significance of Incarnations

Shesha's incarnations embody unwavering loyalty and support, reflecting his eternal role as the cosmic serpent who upholds and the universe. In the , Shesha manifests as , the devoted brother of ('s avatar), whose selfless service during exile symbolizes the serpent's foundational support for divine purpose. Lakshmana's refusal to separate from , even forsaking his own rest and family, illustrates this devotion as a model of , where the individual soul (jivatman) eternally aids the supreme soul () in fulfilling . Philosophically, Shesha's avatars represent expressions of Sankarshana energy, the tamasic aspect of that facilitates cosmic expansion and the restoration of righteousness. As Sankarshana, Shesha is a plenary expansion of , embodying strength and shelter, and aids in upholding by supporting 's interventions against . In the , this connection underscores Shesha's role in divine activities, such as the churning of the ocean, where his power ensures balance and renewal. The incarnation as further links Shesha to yogic philosophy, symbolizing the awakening of energy for spiritual enlightenment. , depicted with serpentine features, authored the Yoga Sutras to guide humanity toward , mirroring Shesha's coiled form as dormant cosmic consciousness (chiti ) that uncoils to unite and Prakriti. This avatar emphasizes 's transformative power, where ascent from the base to the crown represents liberation (), aligning Shesha's supportive nature with inner divine support. Across yugas, Shesha's avatars align with cyclical challenges, highlighting themes of endurance and protection. In , he serves as Narasimha's seat; in as ; in as , Krishna's brother aiding in cosmic battles; and in as and Ramanujacharya, promoting devotion amid decline. These manifestations underscore Shesha's perpetual role in safeguarding through adaptive strength, embodying the serpent's infinite resilience against temporal decay.

Representations in Literature

Vedic and Epic References

In the Vedic corpus, references to Shesha are sparse and indirect, primarily manifesting as allusions to cosmic serpents associated with creation, support of the universe, and primordial forces. For instance, the Rigveda's Sukta (RV 10.121) describes a singular who establishes and upholds the and heavens, evoking imagery of foundational stability later attributed to Shesha as the world-bearing serpent. Such hymns portray serpentine entities as integral to cosmic order, symbolizing eternity and sustenance amid the chaos of formation, though the proper name "Shesha" emerges more prominently in post-Vedic texts. The provides the earliest detailed epic portrayal of Shesha, depicting him as the eldest son of the sage and his wife , born among a thousand naga progeny and destined to rule as king of the serpents. Disillusioned by his siblings' deceitful nature—particularly their role in cursing the horses of the sun god—Shesha vows and performs intense in the forest of Badari, seeking separation from his kin to pursue . Pleased by his devotion, appears and directs Shesha to the netherworlds, where he coils beneath the to bear its weight, earning the epithet Ananta (endless) for his infinite strength and the title of for his righteous support of creation. This narrative expands Shesha's role as naga sovereign, emphasizing themes of , kingship over subterranean realms, and cosmic equilibrium. In the , Shesha's significance extends to divine incarnations, with explicitly identified as his partial manifestation, embodying the serpent's protective and unyielding essence alongside Krishna as Vishnu's avatar. 's wielding of the and his serene yet formidable demeanor reflect Shesha's foundational stability, reinforcing the serpent's symbolic ties to Vishnu's preservation of the world. The subtly echoes Shesha's attributes through , Rama's unwavering companion, whose fierce loyalty and protective vigilance mirror the serpent's eternal guardianship of Vishnu. 's role as Rama's shadow—never sleeping during their exile and shielding —evokes serpentine traits of vigilance and coiled readiness, with epic descriptions highlighting his swift, venomous wrath against foes like . This portrayal underscores early epic expansions of Shesha's archetype as a devoted servant-king, blending naga sovereignty with themes of fraternal devotion and cosmic support.

Puranic and Post-Puranic Accounts

In the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Shesha is elaborated as Ananta or Saṅkarṣaṇa, the thousand-hooded serpent embodying the tamasic quality of Lord Viṣṇu, residing in the lowest realm of Pātāla, 240,000 miles beneath the earthly plane. His immense spiritual body effortlessly supports the entire universe on a single hood, akin to a , ensuring cosmic stability across the cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution. As Viṣṇu's couch in the Kṣīra Sāgara (Ocean of Milk), Shesha forms the foundation for the Lord's yogic repose during the intervals between kalpas, symbolizing the eternal support of amid the flux of yugas—Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara, and . The text portrays him as the reservoir of transcendental qualities, ever devoted to Viṣṇu, with his form transcending material limitations to uphold the planetary systems and lower worlds without fatigue. The Viṣṇu Purāṇa expands on Shesha's divine role, describing him bearing the entire world on his head and supporting the seven Pátálas, known as Ananta with a thousand heads adorned with jewels and the mystic sign. The traces his origins as the eldest son of the sage Kaśyapa and his wife , sister of Vinatā, among a thousand nāgas born to populate the serpent lineage. Dissatisfied with his kin's deceitful tendencies—exemplified by Kadru's curse on her offspring for failing her whims—Shesha undertook severe in the Himalayan groves, subsisting on air alone to cultivate and detachment. Impressed by his resolve, Brahmā appeared and inquired about his desires; Shesha replied, "O Lord, grant me the boon to sustain rigorous vows without faltering, that I may serve the cosmic order unswervingly," to which Brahmā assented, enjoining him to bear the earth's weight on his hoods as 's fruit. This narrative underscores Shesha's transformation from familial turmoil to cosmic guardian, ever chanting Viṣṇu's praises while supporting mountains, oceans, and zones. Post-Purāṇic texts, particularly tantric works, reinterpret serpentine symbolism in yogic , portraying the coiled kuṇḍalinī śakti at the mūlādhāra cakra, whose awakening propels spiritual upward through the suṣumṇā nāḍī to unite with śiva at the sahasrāra. This esoteric framework portrays the serpent's myriad channels as supporting consciousness during meditation. Regional , such as in Kashmiri traditions around or South Indian nāga pañcamī rituals, extends these accounts with tales of Shesha's interventions in local floods or as protector against snakebites, often invoking his Vedic recitation motif—where his thousand tongues perpetually intone the and Viṣṇu's glories to ward off cosmic dissolution.

Cultural Influence

In Indian Art and Traditions

In Indian visual arts and architecture, Shesha is prominently featured as the cosmic serpent supporting Vishnu in his reclining form, known as Sheshashayi Vishnu, symbolizing eternal stability and divine rest. This iconography is vividly captured in temple sculptures, particularly at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, where intricate stone carvings depict Vishnu reclining on Shesha's coiled body with multiple hoods forming a protective canopy overhead, often accompanied by Lakshmi massaging his feet and Brahma emerging from a lotus in Vishnu's navel. Similar depictions appear in South Indian temple art, such as the 7th-century rock-cut relief at the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, where Vishnu's form on Shesha integrates seamlessly with the coastal landscape, emphasizing the serpent's role in upholding the universe amid primordial waters. Although the primary deity at Tirumala Tirupati is the standing Venkateswara, subsidiary shrines and carvings within the complex evoke Shesha's supportive essence through naga motifs, reinforcing Vishnu's cosmic guardianship. Shesha's multi-hooded form also inspires diverse artistic expressions in paintings and bronzes across . In Rajasthani miniature paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, artists portrayed Shesha as a majestic, emerald-hued serpent with five to seven hoods, upon which reclines in serene repose, often set against vibrant cosmic oceans and attended by celestial beings; a notable example is a Pahari-style illustrating on Shesha with , highlighting the serpent's role in divine narratives of preservation. South Indian Chola-era bronzes, crafted using the lost-wax technique between the 10th and 12th centuries, render Shesha in dynamic, fluid lines with elaborate hoods fanning out like a throne, as seen in portable icons of Anantasayana where the serpent's coils symbolize infinite time and support for the preserver god. These artworks, used in temple processions and private devotion, underscore Shesha's protective and eternal attributes through their exquisite detailing and symbolic depth. In Hindu rituals, Shesha holds a revered place during , the annual festival dedicated to serpent deities observed on the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana (July-August), where devotees seek his blessings as a guardian naga to avert snakebites and ensure prosperity. Worship involves offerings of milk, , and flowers to clay or stone images of multi-headed nagas representing Shesha and his kin, with chants invoking Ananta Shesha's protective power against venomous perils, a practice rooted in agrarian communities' reverence for snakes as earth guardians. This ritual underscores Shesha's broader symbolism as a benevolent force stabilizing the cosmos and safeguarding human life from natural threats. Architecturally, Shesha-inspired motifs appear as foundational elements in Indian temples, embodying stability and cosmic support through naga figures coiled at the base of pillars and as balustrades on gateways (gopurams). In Dravidian-style temples like those in , serpentine carvings on pillar bases depict Shesha-like nagas upholding lotus motifs, signifying the serpent's role in bearing the weight of the divine structure and, by extension, the universe, as detailed in ancient texts on . These elements, prevalent in Hoysala and , use Shesha's form to convey endurance and protection, with coiled bodies preventing structural collapse metaphorically and literally through robust design.

Global and Modern Depictions

In , Shesha's mythology has influenced local naga worship, particularly in and , where he is syncretized with indigenous serpent deities as guardians of water and the . In , he is revered as Phaya Ananta Nakarat, one of the nine great naga kings, embodying protective and cosmic forces in animistic traditions that merge Hindu elements with folk beliefs. Shrines dedicated to Ananta Nakarat, such as the one in , serve as sites for rituals seeking blessings for prosperity and protection from natural disasters. In , pre-Buddhist naga cults, which persisted despite historical suppression, feature serpent figures akin to Shesha as symbols of fertility and subterranean power, integrated into Buddhist and temple . Shesha's presence in Western popular culture is evident in adaptations of Hindu epics across media, including animated films and video games that portray him as a majestic, multi-headed serpent supporting divine figures. For instance, in animated retellings of Vishnu's stories, Shesha appears as the eternal couch upon which Vishnu reclines during cosmic rest, emphasizing themes of stability and infinity. In video games like Final Fantasy XIV, naga-inspired entities draw from Shesha's archetype, functioning as formidable bosses in orientalist-inspired realms that blend Eastern mythology with fantasy narratives. Contemporary literature, such as Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy (with extensions in post-2020 editions and related works), reimagines naga lore as integral to mythological adventures, popularizing these elements among global readers. In and spirituality, Shesha holds significant symbolic value, often linked to , the sage traditionally regarded as an incarnation of Adi Shesha, the infinite serpent. This association positions Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as a divine transmission from the cosmic supporter of , influencing global wellness practices that emphasize disciplined and ethical living for spiritual awakening. Shesha also represents energy, depicted as a dormant coiled serpent at the spine's base, whose arousal facilitates enlightenment and inner transformation—a concept widely adopted in Western circles for personal growth and energy healing.

Names and Attributes

Primary Epithets

Shesha, the primordial serpent in , is known by several primary epithets derived from ancient scriptures, each highlighting aspects of his eternal nature and cosmic role. The name Ananta, meaning "endless" or "infinite," underscores his boundless form and is frequently invoked in descriptions of his support for the . In the , Shesha is explicitly called "the lord Ananta," portraying him as the sole bearer of the with his immense body, stabilizing the world at Brahma's command. This epithet emphasizes his role in cosmology, where he upholds creation without beginning or end, as seen in Puranic accounts where Ananta Shesha coils in the to form Vishnu's resting place. Another core epithet is Adishesha, translating to "the first Shesha" or "primordial serpent," signifying his status as the eldest among the naga race born to sage and . The identifies Shesha as the elder brother to , the king of nagas, establishing his superiority in the serpent hierarchy through his ascetic prowess and divine mandate. Adishesha appears prominently in devotional contexts, such as hymns praising his unwavering devotion to , where he is depicted as the foundational support of existence. Shesha is also referred to as Sankarshana, one of Vishnu's vyuhas or expansions, representing the tamasic energy that unifies and sustains the material world. In the , Sankarshana is described as Ananta abiding in the depths of , effortlessly bearing the on one of his thousand heads while embodying ego and the principle of contraction in cosmic cycles. This epithet links Shesha to Vishnu's divine manifestations, particularly in narratives of creation and preservation. The compound epithet Sheshanaga combines "Shesha" with "naga" (serpent), denoting the "remainder serpent," which etymologically derives from the root śiṣ meaning "to remain." This originates from scriptural interpretations where Shesha persists as the sole remnant after the cosmic dissolution () at the end of a kalpa, embodying amid destruction. The further elaborates on this through descriptions of his thousand-hooded form, known as Sahasra-shirsha, with heads like white mountains and tongues like blazing flames, symbolizing his vast strength in upholding the world. These epithets collectively portray Shesha's multifaceted identity in Vedic and Puranic literature, from cosmological pillar to devoted servant.

Symbolic Interpretations

Shesha's multi-hooded form, often depicted with a thousand heads, symbolizes and infinity in , representing the boundless expanse of time and that transcends human comprehension. The thousand hoods, as described in ancient texts, evoke the immeasurable glories of the divine and the unending cycles of cosmic existence, where Shesha endures as the primordial remainder after each dissolution of the . This underscores the serpent's role as a for the infinite, embodying the eternal support structure of reality itself. The duality inherent in Shesha's attributes reflects the balance between protection and destruction central to . As the supportive bed for , Shesha provides stability and shelter, shielding the preserver during cosmic rest and ensuring the continuity of creation. Conversely, his enduring presence through —the periodic dissolution at the end of each kalpa—highlights his association with cosmic endings, remaining unchanged as worlds dissolve, thus embodying the harmonious interplay of preservation and renewal. In yogic and tantric traditions, Shesha is interpreted as the embodiment of kundalini shakti, the dormant serpentine energy coiled at the base of the spine in the chakra. This post-Patanjali perspective views Shesha's coiled form as the great kundalini power, which, when awakened through spiritual practices, ascends through the chakras to achieve union with the divine at the , facilitating enlightenment and the transcendence of material existence.

References

  1. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05103.htm
  2. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/iml/iml12.htm
  3. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01037.htm
  4. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-bhagavata-purana/d/doc1127142.html
  5. https://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/11-10/features1916.htm
  6. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/thousand-headed-serpent
  7. https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/culture/amazing-india/why-adishesha-depicted-with-five-heads
  8. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01066.htm
  9. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01055.htm
  10. https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/5/25/
  11. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/mahabharata-english-summary/d/doc1345068.html
  12. https://www.wisdomlib.org/history/compilation/triveni-journal/d/doc70199.html
  13. https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01036.htm
  14. https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01021.htm
  15. https://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/06-24/features5058.htm
  16. http://www.valmikiramayan.net/aranya/sarga15/aranya_15_prose.htm
  17. https://www.dlshq.org/books/beauties-of-ramayana/
  18. https://www.dollsofindia.com/library/sheshanaga/
  19. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/lord-sankarshana
  20. https://www.vedanet.com/shakti-the-yoga-sutras-and-patanjali/
  21. https://utsavapp.in/gyan/bhagwan-legends/cosmic-power-of-sesh-nag
  22. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10121.htm
  23. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/rig-veda-english-translation/d/doc840009.html
  24. https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/5/25/2/
  25. https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/5/25/1/
  26. https://sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp063.htm
  27. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/shesha
  28. https://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/naga-panchami-the-serpent-in-story-symbol-and-sacred-ritual/
  29. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/south-asia/x97ec695a:500-1100-c-e-deccan-and-south/a/shore-temple-mamallapuram
  30. https://www.tirumala.org/TempleLegend.aspx
  31. https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/107.1986/
  32. https://asia-archive.si.edu/exhibition/the-sensuous-and-the-sacred-chola-bronzes-from-south-india/
  33. https://ia801402.us.archive.org/2/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.107348/2015.107348.Indian-Serpent-Lore-Or-The-Nagas-In-Hindu-Legend-And-Art_text.pdf
  34. https://www.astroshastra.com/articles/nagpanchmi.php
  35. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328960511_Shapes_Patterns_and_Meanings_in_Indian_Temple_Architecture
  36. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/shrine-venerable-naga-ananta-nakarat-mukdahanthailand-2652242919
  37. http://tuninst.net/MYANMAR/Folk-elements/ch07-naga/ch07-cult-naga.htm
  38. https://studenttheses.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item%253A3453205/view
  39. https://www.vedanet.com/the-original-teachings-of-yoga-from-patanjali-back-to-hiranyagarbha/
  40. https://www.asttrolok.com/blog/who-was-the-father-of-modern-yoga-maharishi-patanjali
  41. https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/wisdom/wssst/understanding-chakras-and-kundalini-energy
  42. https://www.thespiritualindian.com/sheshanaga-significance/
  43. https://www.isvara.org/archive/sesa-shesha-2/
  44. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/thousand-headed-ananta-shesha
  45. https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/ananta.asp
  46. https://thinkreload.com/shesha-naga/
  47. https://yoga-vedanta-tantra.org/adi-shesh-vasuki-and-kaliya/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.