In Hindu mythology, a very mysterious scene repeatedly emerges, the sight of Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of a massive serpent in the middle of the Kshir Sagar. Observing this scene, people often wonder, “What is the Vishnu Snake Name? In this article, we will explain who is Snake of Vishnu, how he came into existence, and how he is connected to Lord Vishnu:
What Is The Name Of Vishnu Snake, and who is it?
Sheshnag, also known as Adisesh, is the Lord Vishnu Snake Name. Shesh, the king of all serpents, is said to be the ruler of all the Nagas. Whether it has five heads, seven heads, or even a thousand heads, it is believed that all the planets of the universe are located on his heads.
It is said that when Sheshnag moves the Earth from one head to another, it causes earthquakes. He is also believed to be responsible for the concept of gravity, ensuring that all the planets and stars orbit around each other.
Origin of the Vishnu Snake Name
According to Sanskrit scriptures, Shesh—which is particularly related to mathematical calculations, means “the remainder” or “that which remains even after everything has ended.” It is sometimes called Anant Shesh, meaning “endless remainder” or “first remainder.”
This refers to something that is infinite or eternal. This name is used because Shesh remains ever-present, despite the many Pralayas (cosmic dissolutions) through which countless Kalpas and Yugas have passed.
The Origin of Sheshnaga in Hindu Scriptures
According to the Mahabharata, Sheshnaga was born to Rishi Kashyapa and his wife Kadru, who was one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Kadru gave birth to a thousand serpents, with Shesh being the largest and most prominent among them.
The Birth of Sheshnaga
After Shesh, Kadru gave birth to other notable serpents, such as Vasuki, Airavata, and Takshaka. Many of Shesh’s brothers were wicked and caused harm to others. Rishi Kashyapa, who had also fathered Garuda with his wife Vinata (Kadru’s sister), saw his serpent sons tormenting Garuda.
Sheshnaga’s Decision to Leave
Distressed by the evil behavior of his brothers, Shesh decided to leave his family and immerse himself in intense meditation and austerities. He survived solely on air and practiced his penance at several sacred places, including Gandhamadana, Badrikashram, Pushkar, Gokarna, and the Himalayas. His meditation was so rigorous that his skin, flesh, and muscles dried up and clung to his bones.
Lord Brahma Grants a Boon to Sheshnaga
Pleased with Sheshnaga’s immense penance, Lord Brahma appeared before him and granted him a boon. Sheshnaga asked for the boon that his mind always remain under control so that he could continue his penance for a long time. Lord Brahma, pleased with his devotion, granted him this wish.
Sheshnaga’s Role in the Stability of the Earth
Afterward, Lord Brahma made a request to Shesh. He asked Sheshnaga to go beneath the Earth and stabilize it. Overjoyed by this divine request, the great serpent immediately went to Patal Lok (the netherworld). There, he lifted his massive hood and balanced the Earth on it. It is believed that even today, Sheshnaga holds the Earth on his hoods, and Patal Lok remains his permanent residence.
Sheshnaga’s Divine Connection with Lord Vishnu
For this reason, Anant Shesh is famously known as the cosmic serpent who supports the Earth and resides in the primordial waters, where Lord Vishnu rests between various acts of creation. It is also believed that when Lord Vishnu rests on Sheshnaga, He witnesses the entire universe in His dreams.
Sheshnaga: The Cosmic Serpent
Thus, Sheshnaga is regarded as the cosmic serpent in Hindu mythology. In post-Vedic literature, he is also known as the Vishv Serp, the great Nagraj who holds the Earth on his hoods.
Lord Vishnu and Sheshnaga
In Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu is often depicted reclining on Sheshnaga or Adi Shesh, a massive serpent with countless heads. This portrayal of Lord Vishnu on Sheshnaga symbolizes His immense strength and power, and it signifies His role as the protector of the universe.
The Origin of Lord Vishnu’s Resting Place
According to legend, when the universe was created, Lord Vishnu manifested as Varaha (the boar) and lifted the Earth from the primordial waters. After this monumental task, He needed a place to rest, and thus, He decided to repose on the vast serpent Sheshnaga.
Sheshnaga’s Role in Vishnu’s Rest
Due to the thousands of heads of Sheshnaga, Lord Vishnu could rest peacefully and safely. It is said that Lord Vishnu reclines on the heads of Sheshnaga, who supports and balances the entire universe. Each of Sheshnaga’s heads symbolizes a cosmic element, providing stability to the cosmos.
The Connection Between Lord Vishnu and the Ocean Churning
The tale of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) is also closely associated with Lord Vishnu’s reclining on Sheshnaga. As previously mentioned, during the churning of the ocean, Sheshnaga was used to agitate the ocean, while Lord Vishnu rested on Sheshnaga, overseeing the process.
Symbolism of Lord Vishnu’s Reclining on Sheshnaga
Ultimately, the depiction of Lord Vishnu on Sheshnaga represents not only His strength and power but also His crucial role as the protector of the universe. It reflects His unwavering ability to maintain balance and harmony in the cosmos. This image is considered an important and sacred representation in Hindu mythology, respected as a powerful symbol across the world today.
From this mythological story, it becomes clear that the Name Of The Snake Of Lord Vishnu “Sheshnaga“, is not just a serpent but the guardian of cosmic order. If you liked this article, you may also enjoy reading The 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu and The Religious Significance of the Conch which will enrich both your devotion and your knowledge.
FAQ
Is he servant of Lord Vishnu?
Yes, he is considered Lord Vishnu’s most beloved servant and is honored as His divine resting bed.
How was Sheshnaga born?
He is believed to be the son of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru and is regarded as the king of all serpents.
Has Sheshnaga incarnated on Earth?
Yes, Lakshmana and Balarama are considered incarnations of Sheshnaga.
Does he uphold the universe at the time of cosmic dissolution?
Yes, according to mythological beliefs, he gathers the universe upon his hoods during the end of creation.
मैं आचार्य सिद्ध लक्ष्मी, सनातन धर्म की साधिका और देवी भक्त हूँ। मेरा उद्देश्य भक्तों को धनवंतरी, माँ चंद्रघंटा और शीतला माता जैसी दिव्य शक्तियों की कृपा से परिचित कराना है।मैं अपने लेखों के माध्यम से मंत्र, स्तोत्र, आरती, पूजन विधि और धार्मिक रहस्यों को सरल भाषा में प्रस्तुत करती हूँ, ताकि हर श्रद्धालु अपने जीवन में देवी-देवताओं की कृपा को अनुभव कर सके। यदि आप भक्ति, आस्था और आत्मशुद्धि के पथ पर आगे बढ़ना चाहते हैं, तो मेरे लेख आपके लिए एक दिव्य प्रकाश बन सकते हैं। View Profile 🚩 जय माँ 🚩