Anantha Shesha Naga – The Remainder

Anantha meaning Eternal, unbounded, innumerable, i.e. endless or boundless whether in time, in space. His name comes from the Sanskrit root “sis”, which means, “the One which Remains”. This is due to the fact that Shesha always remains in spite of all the Pralayas (Great Floods), each of which Kalpas (aeons) and yugas (eras) in the past. Interestingly, in Sanskrit texts; especially in those relating to mathematical calculation; the term “Shesha” implies the “remainder” – that which remains, while all else ceases to exist. It is also the name of Vishnu or Krishna. Anantha Shesha Naga is the chief of the Naga or Serpent race that inhabit patala.

This universe is a field made up of polarities – and therefore the Being who pervades the all contains not only the forces of Light, but also their opposites, the Dark side, the anti-gods, the demonic.

To describe the vision of the anti-gods, the poet-author Vyasa uses the Sanskrit words Uragan Divyan, which means the divine or heavenly serpents. The word Uraga refers to the semi-divine race of serpents known as the Nagas, who are usually depicted with a human face. The Nagas have three kings. The Serpent Shesha (pronounced Shesha) is one of these three and is the metaphysical representation of all that remains after the periodic destruction of the universes.

The Patala, where live Vasuki, the Chief of the snakes, and others named Shankha, Kulika, Shweta, Dhananjaya, Mahnshankha, Dhritarastra, Shankhashuda, Kamvala, Ashwatara, and Devopadattaka, all very angry, of wide hoods, and virulently poisonous. Some of these have five heads, some seven hoods, some ten; some hundred, some others have thousand heads, while some others have on their crests exceedingly luminous jewels. By their rays, they dispel the darkness of the nether regions. But they are awfully prone to anger.

At the bottom of this Patala, and at a distance of the thirty Yojanas (One Yojana = 12.8748 Kms ). The Portion of lord in the shape of the infinite Darkness is reigning there. All the Devas worship this Form. The devotees call Him by the name of Sanakarsana, as He is the manifested emblem of “Aham” and the common ground where the Seer and the Seen blend into one. He is the thousand-headed Controller of all, moving and non-moving; He is of infinite forms; He is Anantha Shesha Naga; this whole universe is being held as a mustard bean on His head. Staying at the bottom of the earth, the lord Anantha Deva is upholding with ease this earth for her protection, unaided and independent.

Shesha is of the Nature Intelligence and Bliss and He is Self-manifest. When he wants to destroy all this during the Pralaya, the very powerful Sankarsana, well arrayed with the eleven Vyuhas, military (squadrons) arrangements, springs up from Him. From His Central Eyebrow, looking wide with His Three Eyes and raising His Trident, resplendent with three flames. All the (prominent) principal snakes, ruling over many others, come to Him during the nights filled with devotion and surrounded with Bhaktas (devotees) and bow down to Him with their heads bent low and look at each other’s faces, enlightened with the lights from the jewels shining with clear lustre, on the nails of the red toes of His Lotus-Feet.

At that time their faces become brilliant with the rays emitting from the jewels on the top of their joyous encircled hoods; and their cheeks look beautiful and shining. The lord Anantha Deva is of boundless strength, His attributes are infinite; He is the ocean of infinite qualities. His Nature is highly luminous. He has abandoned anger and envy and He wants the welfare of all. All the Devas worship Him and He is the repository of all Sattvica qualities. Anantha Shesha Naga is the Source of this Leela of the Universe and the Controller of the Devas. Anantha Deva is the Ruling Principle in the Fourth Dimensional Space.

Anantha Shesha possessed many fantastic abilities, including the ability to produce venom and fire, the size and strength to support the earth, and the potency to spread perfume throughout the skies.

Gandharbas, Apsarasas, Siddhas, Kinnaras, Uragas, and Charanas are unequal to hymn his praises, and therefore he is called the infinite (Anantha), the imperishable. The sandal paste, that is ground by the wives of the snake-gods, is scattered abroad by his breath, and sheds perfume around the skies.

— Vishnu Purana 2.5

Shesha is name of a Naga mentioned by Soddhala. The aged Anantha Shesha Naga, the king of Nagas bears the wide-spread earth at ease on his 1000 hoods, as if it is a bunch of flowers. His body formed the couch of Vishnu, resting on, the waters of the Ksheerasagara, while his thousand hoods were the god’s canopy. He now accompanies both Shiva and Vishnu.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Sri Krishna declares, “Ananthaascha Asmi Naagaanam”. This means, “Of the Nagas, I am Anantha (or Shesha)”.

Shesha is the Amsha of Hari, he is the the force of Hari. Anantha, a Tamasa form of Vishnu down below the Patala regions with 1000 jewelled heads, purple garment, white necklace. He is portrayed with the plough and mace. When the deluge sets in, he vomits venomous fire devouring the three worlds. Garga Muni worshipped him and learnt from him astronomy and astrology.

The Nagas

The Sanskrit expression ‘Naga’ has a dual connotation as: serpent and mountain. Naga is also a term that is often used in Indian literature to denote a distinguished person (Nagadhipati); a city (Nagara); a precious stone (Nagamani); a flower (Nagamalli); and, Indra’s elephant (Nagendra). The serpents are also often associated with bodies of waters — including rivers, lakes, seas, and wells — and are also regarded as the guardians of treasures. However, the favorite place of dwelling of the serpents is said to be the ocean, which is described as the ‘the abode of the Nagas ‘(Naganam Aalaya). The domain of the serpents is also said to be the enchanted underworld, the realm of the Naga-loka or Patala-loka, ruled by King Vasuki, the Nagaraja. It is described as an immense province, with its Capital at Bhogavati, crowded with palaces and mansions; and, filled with precious gems, jewels, gold, other treasures and with various other types of riches. The lineages of the Nagas Snake People are named in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Ch.35). The Mahabharata, which is considered to be the fifth Veda, states that the number of snakes defies calculation in this world.

The snake has acquired some curious names, inspired by its shape, such as: Dantavati rajju (toothed-rope); Putirajju (putrid-rope); Dhirga-Jathika (the long one) and Nikkamaitva (biting-rope). For instance, the absence of external organs of hearing led to the strange belief that the snake can hear through its eyes. And, hence it was called Chakshu-sravas (hearing-by-sight).

Apart from being symbols of fertility, the serpents have deep religious significance. The serpent lore in India is not only vast and varied, but is also very old and persisting. After the cow, the snake was perhaps the most revered animal of ancient India. Legendary serpents, such as Shesha and Vasuki , lent the snake a certain prestige.

The snake, undoubtedly, is a unique creature. It is decidedly un-human (a-manusha); yet, exhibiting a bewildering blends of human and serpentine uncanny powers. It is also unlike any other animal; because of its peculiar shape and its distinctive ability to move swiftly, in mysterious gliding motion, without the aid of limbs or wings. Further, it is the power of their unblinking mesmerizing eyes that holds one spellbound. The other characteristic features of snake are its forked tongue; and, the periodical casting of its skin, rejuvenating itself, each time. The practice of shedding its skin, from time to time, suggested longevity or even immortality of the snakes. It also suggested a sense of freeing oneself from the evil of ignorance and progressing towards attaining freedom from mundane existence.

The mythical cosmology of ancient India believes that the Earth, on which we live, is held and supported by the enormous thousand-headed serpent, Shesha. He is described as ‘one whose thousand hoods are the base of the world , carrying the load of the orb of the earth ; and, spreading good qualities (sakala –jagan-mulo-vichakra –mahabhara –vahana-guna-vamana –phana –sahasra).

There is also a close connection between the sacred Naga and the ant-hill. It is looked upon not only as holy abode of the Naga; but, also as the entrance to the mysterious world of snakes (Naga-loka; or Patala), far below the world of humans. The Linga Purana counts 12 snakes as companions of the gods. Surasa is considered the mother of the single-headed snakes (Sarpas).

According to the Nava Naga tradition, the Naga King Anantha was the founder of the Naga dynasty; and, was a very saintly person. He preferred to reside at Gandhmadana Parvata (in the Himalayan region). And, at times, he stayed deep inside the ‘Great lake’ (perhaps the Manasa lake).

It is said; the Naga King Vasuki saved his community from the assault of the Suparna tribes; and, rehabilitated them in a city called Bhogawati, which later became his capital. Vasuki’s nephew, the wise and bright looking Astika saved the beleaguered Nagas by causing to stop the massacre or genocide of Nagas undertaken the avenging Kuru King Parikshit.

Following Vasuki, the good-looking, powerful Naga King Airavata, further developed the Capital Bhogawati into a splendid affluent city. He is also said to have founded a place, later named as Nag-Tirtha, which still exists in Uttarakhand region.

The handsome and rich Naga King Takshaka was the son of Airavata. He, in turn, founded the famous city Takshashila (Taxila – now in Pakistan) . The Takshashila later developed in a famous center of learning, to where the students from all parts of India came seeking higher education.

The famous King Pururava hailing from a Deva-Kshatriya clan had a son called Ayu. And, one of Ayu’s son was Nahusha. Nahusha was a Naga King. His son was the famous king Yayati of the lunar dynasty (Chandra-vamsha), who tried to reconcile the differences between the followers of the rival sages Brighu (Asuras) and Angirasa (Devas).

The descendants of Yayathi – Puru, Kuru, Yadava and Bharatas – ruled as the celebrated kings of ancient India. It is said; the clans of Sawhanis, Seuna Yadavas, Bhattis, Chandelas and the Jats of Bharatpur and Mathura have descended from the Chandra-vamsha

The Naga King Aryaka was said to the great grandfather of Kunti, the mother of the mighty Pandavas. Aryaka saved the young Bhima’s life when he was food-poisoned by his embittered cousin Duryodhana.

The cultured and wise Naga King Padmanabha is said to have extended his kingdom; and, established a new capital adjacent to the forest Naimisharayna, near the river Gomati (in the present day Uttar Pradesh) .

Story of Birth of Anantha

According to the Mahabharata, Shesha was born to Rishi Kashyapa and his wife Kadru, one of the daughters of Daksha. In due course of time, Kadru gave birth to a thousand snakes, of which Shesha was the eldest. After him, Vasuki, Airavata and Takshaka were born in that order. Many of Shesha’s brothers were cruel by nature and took great pleasure in inflicting harm upon others. Kashyapa also sired ( Male Parent of ) Garuda through Vinatha, Kadru’s sister. Shesha’s brothers were unkind to him as well.

Adishesha’s mother Kadru and a stepmother Vinatha’s rivalry started when Kadru had wished for an strong army of one thousand snakes for sons, while Vinatha asked for just two sons, but ones more powerful than Kadru’s one thousand put together. Kadru fomented a deep hatred toward Vinatha after this. Kadru saw her chance for revenge when Vinatha said she saw the magical flying horse Ucchashravas. Kadru bet that Vinatha could not tell her the exact color of the magical horse, and to which ever one of them guessed correctly, the other would have to be her servant forever. Vinatha guessed correctly right away, and said Ucchashravas was pure white; However, the next time the flying horse came by, Kadru had her snake sons coil around the horse’s tail, making it appear black. Thinking she had lost the bet, Vinatha became Kadru’s servant.

Adishesha however was disgusted by his mother’s dishonesty, and the cruelty of his brothers for going along with it.

A lot of Shesha’s brothers were cruel in nature and were bent upon inflicting harm on others. Disgusted with the bad behavior of his brothers, Shesha left his family and decided to undertake severe austerities and penance. He lived merely on air and meditated in a number of places, including Gandhamadana, Badrikashrama, Pushkara, Gokarna and the Himalayas.

Shesha left his siblings to purify himself. When asked about his choices, Shesha replied:

My uterine brothers are all of wicked hearts. I do not desire to live amongst them. Let this be sanctioned by thee. Like enemies they are always jealous of one another. I am, therefore, engaged in ascetic devotions. I will not see them even. They never show any kindness for Vinatha and her son Garuda. Indeed, Vinatha’s son capable of ranging through the skies, is another brother of ours. They always envy him. And he, too, is much stronger owing to the bestowal of that boon by our father, the high-souled Kashyapa. For these, I engaged in ascetic penances, and I will cast off this body of mine, so that I may avoid companionship with them, even in another state of life.

— Mahabharata 1.36

Shesha wants to rise above the jealously and envy which characterize his brothers. Pleased with his dedication and devotion, lord Brahma appeared before Shesha and told him to ask for a boon. For a Varah, Shesha requested that his ‘heart always delight in virtue and in blessed penances, and to keep his mind under control, so that he could continue with his ascetic practices. Brahma gladly bestowed the boon upon him.

Brahma is delighted by this request of ‘self-denial and love of peace and commands Shesha to go underneath the earth and ‘steady’ her by holding the earth on his head. This underneath is entered into through a hole.

Shesha considered this a service and was only too happy to be given the new responsibility. He immediately went to Patala (the Netherworld), raised his hood and balanced the Earth over it. Shesha continues to do this to this day. The greatly powerful Lord Anantha, lives underneath the earth, alone supporting the world at the command of Brahma.

The cosmic serpent Shesha who upholds the golden egg of the universe on his many hoods and whose coiled body is composed of the sediments, the calcine residue of past creations. Of what sort of residue is Shesha composed? According to the Puranas, the cosmic dissolution or re-absorption (Pralaya) that occurs at the end of a great age (Mahayuga) of some 4,320,000 human years is a two-phase process:

First phase:—The first of these is a universal conflagration, in which Shiva, in his destructive Kalagni-rudra form, incinerates all the gross, inert matter located inside the cosmic egg (while preserving the subtle souls of liberated beings in the ether of the highest levels of the cosmic egg, well above the conflagration).

Second phase:— Then follows a great rain and flood, the true dissolution, which extinguishes the fire and immerses the world in a great ocean. There remains a calcine or ashen residue from the fire, however, which sinks to the bottom of the ocean of dissolution, to coalesce into the serpent Shesha, at the bottom of the cosmic egg.

This story illustrates the vital importance of the role played by the negative forces. The Dark side is around to ‘steady’ the entire world. Without the negative forces, the positive ones would have nothing to polarize with and against. The old visual concept of the atom as the proton, neutron, and electron serves as a good example. These so-called ‘myths’ are encrypted codes filled with wisdom and the mechanics of metaphysical truth – for those who have the ears to hear.

According to the Varahamihira, “rainbows are solar rays, pressed by the wind, till they appear in the sky as a bow; thus, those serpents in Anantha’s family cast rainbows with their exhalations. The Ramayana explains that Shesha had his seat in the East, where visitors could witness wonders like the Rishabha, the Milk Ocean, and the Golden Mountains. “

In the Bhagavata Purana, Shesha is named Sankarshana, the Tamasic energy of Vishnu himself. He is believed to live deep within the inner reaches of Patala, where one can find several hundreds of serpents, each having a gem on its head. Sankarshana, who is considered to have been alive even before the creation of the Universe, is the ruler of this place. Toward the end of each epoch, he creates 11 Rudras from himself, in order to destroy the current Universe and create a new one.

According to the Bhagavata Purana, Sankarshana is the foremost manifestation of Lord Vishnu himself. Also called Anantha, he has no beginning or end and is the Kaarana-karta (the prime reason) of the material world as we know it. Before Vishnu manifested as Krishna, the original Sankarshana took the form of Balarama, just to please the Supreme Brahman with his many Leelas.

At the very beginning of the Universe, Sankarshana expanded himself as Garbhodakshayi-Vishnu, in order to create Brahma. In other words, Sankarshana is an aspect of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu himself. According to some chapters the Purana, Lord Sankarshana narrated the Bhagavata to the Four Kumaras, Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, and Sanatkumara who in turn reached it to everyone. Sankarshana constantly waits upon Vishnu and is always ready to serve the Supreme lord. He is the first expansion of Vasudeva. Due to the fact that he appears by his own will, he is called Swarat – the One who is completely Independent. He is also totally transcendental and the limits of time and space do not apply to him.

Sankarshana is also one of the four Vyuha (army formation of troops while in battle) forms of Vishnu or Krishna. The other three Vyuhas include Vasudeva, Pradyumna and Aniruddha.

The Churning of Ocean / Samudra Mantana

The story of the Churning of the Ocean can be found in many texts, including the Brahmanas, the Puranas, and the Mahabarata.

The Devas wanted to churn the oceans to obtain the amrita, but they could not move the Sumeru, or in some versions Mount Mandara, which was to be the churning stick, so they sought aid from Brahma and Vishnu.

At the command of Vishnu and Brahma, Anantha Shesha lifted up the entire mountain. Alternatively, the gods tied Anantha Shesha to Mount Mandara, sometimes with the Naga Vasuki, as a rope to churn the Ocean of Milk.

The Devas and the Daityas then made the Golden Mountain (the Sumeru) the churning rod, the Deva Kurma (the tortoise), the churning pot and Anantha Deva (the thousand headed serpent) the churning cord and began to churn the ocean.

When swirled violently, the resulting motion allowed many wonders to rise from the depths, including the following:

1) The physician of the gods Dhanvantari
2) The horse Uchchaihshravas
3) The elephant Airavata
4) The goddess Lakshmi
5) Invaluable jewels
6) The nectar, also called the Amruta

Thus, Anantha Shesha aided the gods in establishing a pivot point to churn the oceans to give rise to countless invaluable treasures.

Adishesha Reincarnates to Support Vishnu’s Avatars

Shesha naga is translated to “remainder” – that which remains when all else ceases to exist. It is believed that dharma (righteousness) will always win in the end and will always remain. Darkness is the absence of light. When the light comes then darkness disappear on its own. Whenever the demonic forces will gain power, then Lord Vishnu will take an avatara to bring back the order in the world. So there will be the victory of dharma in the end.

Adi Shesha is generally depicted with a massive form that floats coiled in milky way to form the bed on which Vishnu lies. His name means “that which remains”, because when the world is destroyed at the end of the kalpa, Shesha remains as he is. So he is refered as “Anantha-Shesha” which means “Endless Shesha”. It also resembles “Time” which is endless. Every creature of the universe will be drawn into the whirlpool of this time. And it is under the control of Lord Vishnu who saves every one.

The god Vishnu – who is said to pervade, sustain, and support this universe – sleeps upon the Remainder, meaning what remains after the the Destruction, as this gigantic serpent Shesha who has one thousand heads. During this period of rest, while Vishnu sleeps upon Shesha, the whole universe is like an ocean. ‘The Supreme God, having devoured all beings, sleeps on the lap of the serpent.’ (Vishnu Purana 1.2.64-65)

Anantha Shesha remains alive during periods of divine rest, when the world is reabsorbed into the creator, referred to as the night of Brahma. During this time, the great serpent floats in the primal sea and coils up his vastness to act as a bed or couch for Vishnu, who then is called Anantha-Shayana, meaning ‘one who sleeps on Anantha.’

This period of rest or inactivity allows Vishnu to sleep in the cosmic ocean, shaded by Anantha Shesha’s seven heads, until he rises.

Something must remain after the Dissolution and the serpent Shesha is the principle of the Remainder of destroyed universes. In the Mahabharata, the Adi Parva Ch.36, Shesha is portrayed as a great being who has become a penance-practicing ascetic. His austere penances have brought him to an exalted state and the attention of the Creator god Brahma.

Adishesha, Sri Maha Vishnu’s prime devotee, saw to it that he accompanied his Lord even during his Avataras. When the latter came down to the Earth as Rama; Shesha accompanied him as his ever-devoted, ever-loving younger brother, Lakshmana.

Lakshmana’s devotion and dedication to Rama was exemplary. In Valmiki Ramayanam BalaKanda it is mentioned that all the 4 sons born for Dasaratha are incarnations of Vishnu in various proportions.

अथ लक्ष्मणशत्रुघ्नौ सुमित्राऽजनयत्सुतौ।।1.18.13।।
वीरौसर्वास्त्रकुशलौ विष्णोरर्धसमन्वितौ।

One fourth of Vishnu manifest. Sumitra too a noble pair, Called Lakshmana and Shatrughna, bare, Of high emprise, devoted, true, Sharers in Vishnu’s essence too. Lakshmana selflessly served his brother, never once thinking of his own comfort. When Rama went on exile, Lakshmana left his wife behind and accompanied his brother to the forest. There, his main mission was to serve and protect Rama and Sita at all times.

Lakshmana is considered a portion of Vishnu in Valmiki Ramayana. When Ravana entered the battlefield against Rama for the very first time. Ravana hurled Brahma weapon twice upon Lakshmana and Lakshmana absorbed the divine weapon.

स तान् प्रचिच्चेद हि राक्षस इन्द्रश् | चित्त्वा च ताम्ल् लक्ष्मणम् आजघान | शरेण काल अग्नि सम प्रभेण | स्वयम्भु दत्तेन ललाट देशे || ६-५९-१०४

Whereupon, Ravana the King of Demons shattered those pointed arrows and struck Lakshmana in the forehead with a struck Lakshmana in the forehead with a shaft as bright as the Fire of Time, which had been bestowed on him by Brahma the Lord of Creation. Then Ravan used the divine spear of Lord Brahma on Laksmana.

स कृत्त चापह् शर ताडितश् च | स्वेद आर्द्र गात्रो रुधिर अवसिक्तह् | जग्राह शक्तिम् समुदग्र शक्तिह् | स्वयम्भु दत्ताम् युधि देव शत्रुह् || ६-५९-१०७

Ravana, the enemy of celestials, whose bow was broken, struck by the arrows, his limbs spattered with flesh, and streaming with blood, himself of formidable energy, seized in the battle a spear gifted to him by Brahma the Lord of Creation.

शक्त्याब्राह्म्या तु सौमित्रिस्ताडितोऽपि स्तनान्तरे | विष्णोरमीमांस्यभागमात्मानं प्रत्यनुस्मरत् || ६-५९-११२

Lakshmana, though wounded in the breast by Brahma’s weapon, recollected that he was an inconceivable fraction of Vishnu Himself. (Yuddha Kanda Sarga 59)

When Vishnu manifested as Krishna, Shesha came along with him as his elder brother, Balarama.

The second chapter of the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam:

When Kamsa had killed six of the children born from Devaki, the seventh one, a plenary expansion of Vishnu who was celebrated with the name Anantha, therefore [was born] as an embryo in the womb of Devaki. Lord Vishnu instructed His spiritual potency, Yoga-maya as follows: … “In the womb of Devaki there is the embryo known as Anantha Shesha who is a plenary expansion of Me. Take care of a smooth transition from her womb to the womb of Rohini.. Because He changes wombs from Devaki to the womb of Rohini, the people of the world will address Him with the name Sankarsana, because He brings pleasure to the people of Gokula. He will be called Rama and because of His great physical strength He will be named Balabhadra.”

Alternatively, when Balarama fell asleep along the shore of the sea. A vast serpent emerged from his mouth, eventually absorbing the entire body, so only his head witnessed the transformation. As he slept a vast serpent emerged from his mouth and, in the process, took all the body of the sleeper, leaving only the body-less head as witness to the transformation.

The Puranas equate Anantha Shesha with Balarama or Sankarshana, an incarnation of Shesha, often combining the attributes of the great serpent and the demigod.

Shesha did take on an incarnation, where he took “upon him the condition of humanity, to accomplish some object cherished in his heart.” As a human being, he “thus engaged in wandering amidst the forests with the herdsmen, in the disguise of a mortal.” –Vishnu Purana 5.25

Anantha Shesha had a son named Salivahana; with Shesha’s help, Salivahana slew Vikramaditya. He taught the Rishi Garga the principles of astronomy and the aspects of the heavens. Others have assumed Anantha’s form as an illusion. In the great epic Mahabharata, Iravanat used maya to assume the form of Anantha while in combat surrounded by Nagas. Unfortunately, a Rakshasa named Alambusha also used maya and assumed the form of Garuda. Alambusha then devoured all the Nagas and slew Iravanat with a sword.

After the end of each of Vishnu’s avataras, Shesha returned back to his abode in Patala. Shesha alone is called king of the Nagas or snakes inhabiting Patala, while elsewhere Vasuki also is described as king of the Nagas and Takshaka of the serpents; the thousand headed Shesha is sometimes represented as forming the couch and canopy of Vishnu whilst sleeping during the intervals of creation, sometimes as supporting the seven Patalas with the seven regions above them and therefore the entire world. All the planets in the universe are located in its heads. So each time, he shifts Earth from one head to another, it is believed that an earthquake takes place. Basically, Shesha Naga is considered to be responsible for the concept of gravitational force which makes sure that all planets and stars revolve around each other.

How Adishesha became Patanjali

Once, Vishnu watched Shiva’s Tandava or the Cosmic Dance. So rapt did he become in the joyous dance of Nataraja, that he completely harmonized with the Lord of Dance. This created a heavy, pounding sort of vibration, which put an immense strain on Shesha. When the dance of Shiva ceased, Vishnu came back to normal and the weight upon Shesha instantly lifted.

Shesha then queried his Lord about the sudden weight and how it had suddenly left him. Vishnu smiled and replied that he had enjoyed Shiva’s dance so much that he had harmonized with his great, unending cosmic and Yogic energy.

In the meantime, deep in a forest called Daruvanna lived a community of rishis. These rishis had achieved great spiritual knowledge and siddhis, but did not fully realize the true power of Divine Grace. Shiva wanted to enlighten them and requested Vishnu to accompany him on this mission. The latter agreed and the two deities disguised themselves as Bhikshatanas (mendicants) and entered the vast ashrama of the rishis.

Spotting Shiva, the wives and daughters of the rishis immediately fell for him and followed him wherever he went. Vishnu then transformed himself as the beauteous Mohini – the Divine Enchantress. As soon as Mohini started dancing, the rishis fell in love with her. They lost all sense of rationality and surrendered their hearts to her.

Some rishis were more powerful than the others and soon realized what exactly was happening. They decided to start a yagna (sacrificial fire ritual) to curb Shiva-Bhikshatana. They called forth a tiger from the sacrificial fire. When it tried to attack Shiva, he merely laughed and killed the animal with his bare hands; tearing off its skin and wearing it as a loincloth. Next, the rishis sent poisonous snakes at him. Shiva effortlessly subdued them and draped them around his neck as his ornaments.

He then prepared to perform his Tandava. His two other arms appeared, along with a Third Eye on his forehead. This time, the rishis summoned a terrible dwarf, Apasmara. Shiva continued to dance unperturbed. Finally, he stepped onto Apasmara and danced on him as if the dwarf were a mere pedestal for him.

Shiva then took the sacrificial fire and held it in his left hand. He also took the mantras that the rishis hurled against him and used them as his anklets and continued to dance unabated.

Shiva’s Tandava shook the whole world and frightened all the Devas, including his own wife Parvati. They all assembled there, fearing the worst. Shiva, however, merely smiled and showed the rishis his raised left foot. The sages immediately understood their folly and, falling at his feet, completely surrendered to him. In that instant, they understood what Divine Grace was all about and attained realization at the Lord’s feet.

Having experienced pure joy and salvation from this samsara, they too began dancing joyfully. All of creation joined them and there was happiness and harmony everywhere.

Now, Adishesha was intrigued and asked Vishnu if he could learn this dance too. Vishnu blessed him, saying that he would one day attain the grace of Shiva and learn the art from him. He also predicted that Shesha would incarnate as a human being and would shower the entire humanity with peace and wisdom.

Much later, humanity was suffering and devotees sincerely prayed to Vishnu, The Divine Preserver, to restore dharma and order on Earth. As the Lord had predicted, it was now time for Adishesha to reincarnate as a human being and give people the knowledge of yoga, to end their suffering. Accordingly, Shesha took the form of Patanjali and descended from the Heavens. The word “Patanjali” consists of the two words “Pata”(to fall) and “Anjali” (mudra or gesture of salutation or prayer). Adishesha took birth in the world as Maharishi Patanjali. When Gonika was praying for a suitable son whom she could teach her knowledge, a baby snake had fell from heaven to earth landing in the palm of a virtuous woman.Thus the name Pat(fall) Anjali(folded hands).

As per Shiva’s advice, Patanjali went to a place called Vyaghrapuram to meet rishi Vyaghrapada, an ancient and powerful sage, who was half-human and half-tiger. The former sought his blessings and told him of his desire to watch the Shiva Tandava.

In due course of time, Shiva appeared before them and performed his Tandava, thus fulfilling Patanjali’s desire. Even today, Patanjali and Vyaghrapada are depicted together, offering homage to Nataraja, the God of Dance.

Lord Anantha is the predominating Deity of the material mode of ignorance as well as the false ego of all conditioned souls. When a conditioned living being thinks, ‘I am the enjoyer, and this world is meant to be enjoyed by me,’ this conception of life is dictated to him by Sankarshana. Thus the mundane conditioned soul thinks himself the Supreme Lord.”

Acharya Ramanuja- Reincarantion of Adishesha

Acharya Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE), was a Hindu theologian, philosopher and one of the foremost exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. Born into a traditional Tamil Brahmin family in the Sriperumbudur village of Tamil Nadu, his philosophical thought lay the foundation for the Bhakti movement.

Ramanujacharya is famous as the main exponent of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta. He penned several influential texts, such as a bhashya on the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, in Sanskrit. His disciples too were considered to be the authors of texts such as the Shatyayaniya Upanishad. Considering his great service and contribution to the Vishnu Bhakthi in Bhoo loka, Acharya Ramanuja too is considered to be a reincarnation of Adishesha.

Adishesha Manifests as Manavala Mamunigal

One of Ramanujacharya’s prime followers, Acharya Manavala Mamunigal (1370-1450), went on to become a Sri Vaishnava leader. With the help of his eight disciples, he worked tirelessly to spread Sri Vaishnavism during the 15th century. These disciples later established institutes to teach the Sri Vaishnavite Vishishtadvaita philosophy in Tamil Nadu.

Manavala Mamunigal too dedicated his life to the selfless service of Vaishnavism. His only aim was to propagate the Vishishtadvaita philosophy; thus helping people lead a meaningful life, finally attaining moksha (liberation) at the Lotus Feet of Lord Vishnu.

While Ramanujacharya had written bhashyas in Sanskrit, the latter wrote the same in Tamil. It is believed that the older Acharya reincarnated as Manavala Mamunigal in order to fulfill his desire to write in Tamil. So intent was he to complete his mission, that he continued to write even when he was unwell and nearing the end of his life.

Manavala Mamuni was known by various other names such as Varavaramuni, Sowmyajamatru Muni, Ramyajamatra Muni, Sundarajamatru Muni, Periya Jeer, Yatheendra Pranavar, Vichatavak Shikhamani and so on.

His utter devotion toward Vishnu; especially toward the Lord’s form as the presiding deity of Srirangam, left an indelible influence on several millions of followers through India and the world over. In view of all of the above points, Manavala Mamunigal is also considered to be an incarnation of Adishesha himself.

Adishesha – A Symbolism of Kundalini Shakti

Energy of the subtle breath, Kundalini is there at once “consciousness”, “breath” and “Internal Central Fire”, lying in the center of each creature (like Fire in the center of the earth). Its seat is located in the Chakra-Muladhara (Chakra-Root, the first) during life, place where it remains in a static and potential state – When Kundalini withdraws from the body to unite with Shiva which represents its opposite pole and complementary in the head, this causes Samadhi (state of Super Consciousness allowing unity with the Absolute) or Death (Mrita) – Kundalini represents Shakti which is the feminine pole of Creation acting and animating the forms of life manifested .

As per Yogis, there are two nerve currents in the spinal column, called Pingala and Ida, and a hollow canal called Sushumna running through the spinal cord.The Pingala represent the Sun and Ida represent the Moon, the right and left portion of a human being. At the lower end of the hollow canal is what the Yogis call the “Lotus of the Kundalini”. It is in triangular form, in which, in the symbolical language, there is a power called the Kundalini, coiled up. When the Kundalini awakes, it tries to force a passage through this hollow canal, and as it rises step by step, as it were, layer after layer of the mind becomes open and all the different visions and wonderful powers come to the Yogi. When it reaches the brain passing through the below six centres, the Yogi is perfectly detached from the body and mind, the soul finds itself free.

The awakening of the Kundalini is the beginning of spiritual consciousness, and its union with the Crown chakra (Sahasrara), ending in samadhi or trans or super conscious stage, is the consummation of the Tantrik disciplines.When the Kundalini power awakes, the Yogi can see this energy as a Serpent with all similarity, through the Anjha or Forehead.It is therefore called as Serpent power also. The Puranas say that the Earth, Sun and Moon and all other Planets are persisting and rotating with the aid of this great Serpent power. The importance to Serpents and their worship in different forms is considered essential. As there is a serpent power within our body, it is likely that there is a similar power in the Cosmos too since the human beings, animals, creatures and planets are the part and parcel of it, as we are a tiny symbolism of this great Universe in all senses.

At the very start of creation, Vishnu was in the Yoga-nidra (sleeping) position on the Ksheera sagara (Ocean of Milk). So, how did Shesha become the bed for Vishnu to lie on and what is the philosophical significance of this?

The serpent, in Indian philosophy, is often associated with the Kundalini energy, which usually lies dormant within the seven Chakras of the Sukshma Sharira (subtle body) of every person. The Kundalini is often represented as a figure of a coiled serpent Goddess, which is believed to be residing in a slumbering state in the first of seven Chakras; near the base of the spine.

Different schools of spiritual thought teach different methods of awakening this Kundalini shakti, for the purpose of reaching spiritual enlightenment; thereby helping the seeker attain several siddhis. Once this serpent is roused, she lifts her head and slowly rises up through the chakra channel of the spine, till she reaches the Sahasrara Chakra, which is situated at the crown of the head. Interestingly, the Sanskrit word “Kundalin” means “circular” or “coiled”, forming a sort of ringlet.

Sri Maha Vishnu symbolizes the Supreme Brahman in its entirety – the One who rests on the Kundalini Shakti, in the form of Adishesha. This represents the kundalini of the whole Universe. As per the Bhagavad Gita, the entire creation stemmed from the Swabhava (nature) of the Atman (Supreme Self). Vishnu rests on that shakti and harnesses it to manifest the creation that he imagines.

Maha Vishnu resting on Adi shesha who symbolises the Pancha PRANA (Five energies), viz. Prana, Apana,Udana,Vyana and Samana, Prana being the main. Others are subsidiaries of the great Prana which is the source of energy in the Cosmos. When PRANA joins with AKASHA the very creation is started. By the power of Prana, just as the Akasha is the infinite, omnipresent material of this universe, so is the Prana the infinite,omnipresent manifesting power of this universe. Lord Krishna defeating Kalinga naga, was his teaching to the world that at the tender age of six-seven years, the lord awakened the Kundalini energy towards self realisation.

Goddess Earth being balanced on Adishesha’s hoods represents the Earth’s own Kundalini shakti, which is stabilized by the forces of nature.

The Kundalini Shakti, the energy at the base chakra (the Muladhara) is represented as a coiled serpent, just about to uncoil. As the Kundalini gets awakened; and as it begins to move up, the serpent gradually ascends through the higher chakras, until it reaches the highest chakra, the Sahasrara.

The Kundalini Shakti, human energy, in its latent state, is pictured as a resting coiled serpent. And, when it is awakened and when it actively moves up , it is said to take the form of spirals resembling Naga-bandha, the intertwining of two vibrant cobras. Later, the Naga-bandha also came to be viewed upon as the symbol of dynamic movement of the ethereal or cosmic forces; and, also as the male and the female energies representing the transmission of the positive and negative charges in the universe; thus enlivening all existence. Kundalini is sometimes described as the individual bodily representation of the great cosmic power which creates and sustains the universe ; because each human being is a microcosm of that macrocosm.

As the Yogi straightens the arms, lifts the upper body and throws back the head while performing the Bhujanga-asana, her/his spinal curve is believed to stimulate the movement of Prana (life force) within the body ; her/his chest expands and fills the lungs with vitality ; and, the heart throbs evenly , energizing the whole of the body-mind complex.

A fiery Kundalini – form (Kula – Kundalini) of Shesha is dormant in man in the Ra – triangle of the Muladhara – Chakra. It rises by certain yoga processes. In its highly transformed form in the Sahasrara, it is also referred to as Kameshwari. In the swadhisthana chakra lives the Prana-Kundalini.

1. Muladhara, the tail portion of our “Spinal-Card” which is in a Triangle shape is referred in Yoga Shastra as “Mula- Adhara Chakra”. The Spinal card is been fixed into this Chakra
2. Swadhisthana above the genital organ;
3. Manipuraka below the navel;
4. Anahata beneath where the rib cage meets;
5. Vishuddhi at the pit of the throat;
6. Agna between the eyebrows; and
7. Sahasrara, a Padma/Lotus flower [having 1000 (sahasra) petals (ara)] lying at the top of the head.

In the Vedas Vritra (Sanskr. Vṛtra: enemy, thundercloud) is a dragon-, cloud- or serpent-like demon (Asura) and an enemy of the gods and humans, also known as the Ahi (serpent) (RigVeda 7, 64, 3)

After the Yoga Kundalini Upanishad 1.82-84, the Kundalini snake takes its tail into the mouth like an Ouroboros.

The 1,000 hoods of Shesha is an allegory for the sahasrara. Sahasrara meaning “a thousandfold “, is different from other chakras in constitution and effect. When Kundalini (coiled snake) reaches this level it no longer belongs to the realm of the animal or human awareness, it is purely divine. It is the thousand-petalled lotus leading into eternal, infinite, supreme existence. It is the seat of pure consciousness. When the Kundalini rises from the Base Chakra to Sahasrara, energy and consciousness unite and illuminations dawns.

Bhujangasana

Yoga means “YUJ” or joining of the individual self with universal self, Body and Mind. In the Yoga-practices, the Bhujanga-asana, the posture resembling a cobra with its hood raised and bent back, represents the dual serpentine energy emanating from Bhuja its circular coils; and Anga, the limb-like, linear form it assumes when extended.

The serpents, strangely, symbolize both Life and Death. Prana, the vital breath, that keeps the body alive is compared to a serpent. Just as a snake moves in the passages below the earth, the Apana, the outward breath, moves through various channels and exits through the holes in the body. It is the Apana that ensures distribution of vital energy to every segment of the organs in the body.

And, when the Apana (the Prana-vayu) departs from the body, the body dies. That is death, the Kala – the end of one’s time on earth. The serpent as Kala, the Time, devours everything (sarva-bakshaka); all this existence is its food. The Snake primarily represents rebirth, death and immortality. And, due to its ability to cast off its skin from-time-to-time, it is said to be being symbolically ‘reborn’, each time. The serpents also represent Kama, the desires and cravings, which drive the beings in this world. It is the motive forces that propel life.

The serpents , thus, summarily represent all aspects and processes that occur in one’s life cycle: creation; good fortune; misfortune; destruction; and death. The serpents also stand for the mysteries, the allures, the dangers as also the rewards in life.

While it inhales, it also sucks in the poisonous elements in the air; and, thus the snakes are said to aid in purifying the atmosphere.They also protect the environment and the crops from the menace of the rodents. An indiscriminate killing of snakes, will surely lead to severe ecological imbalance.

Yoga is internalized worship which leads to union with God.” Experience the inside of you in a profound way. This requires dispassion. The term “Kriya Yoga” usual refers to a form of Pranayama, but the original kriya yoga is defined by Rishi Patanjali as the practice of three of the Niyamas: Tapas, Swadhyaya and Isvarapranidhana. To achieve samadhi, a yogi practices yoga, steady restraint of mental activities, austerity, meditation, detachment, self study and worship of God. Adishesha’s Varah / Boon from lord Brahma of being able to control his mind is evoking the practice of yoga itself. In yoga, one attempts to use meditation to control the fluctuations of emotions and faulty perceptions..

Adishesha in his incarnation as Patanjali mentions in his text Yoga Sutras;

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः YOGAŚ-CITTA-VITTI-NIRODHAḤ
Yoga is the process of gaining control over the mind

स्थिरसुखमासनम् STHIRA-SUKHAM-ĀSANAM
Asana is a blissful stationary posture

We are the vehicles for change that we seek. Kundalini yoga is an effective method for tuning up our bodies and our chakras so that our journey through life becomes joyous and fulfilling.

Finally, God cannot be realized through logic or reason, and without Bhakti or Devotion, all penances, austerities, and rites are futile. Man cannot realize God by Self-exertion alone. For the vision of God His grace is absolutely necessary, and this grace is felt by the purity of heart. The mind is to be purified through Bhakti. The pure mind then remains for ever immersed in the ecstasy of God-vision.

The Nava-Naga Stotra mentions the Nine Nagas as:

(1) Anantha; (2) Vasuki; ( 3) Shesha; (4) Padmanabha; (5) Kambala;(6) Shankhapala; (7) Dhritarashtra; (8) Takshaka; and, (9) Kaliyan.

Prayers are submitted to these Nagas seeking protection from the dangers of poison; and, to grant success at all times in one’s life (Vishabhayam Naasti ; Sarvatra Vijayi Bhaveth)

Anantham Vasukim Shesham / Padmanabham cha Kambalam / Shankhapalam Dhartarashtram / Takshakam Kaliyam Tatha ||
Etani Nava Namani Naganam cha Mahatmanah / Sayankale Patten-nityam Pratahkale Visheshatah / Tasya Vishabhayam Nasti ; Sarvatra Vijayi Bhavet ||

Yoga is for everyone in the world, the world must have an appreciation for the culture in which it has its roots.

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About Author:
Subhasini BA, is a Screenplay writer, Director, creative director, costume designer and producer, whose work has featured in some of the most prestigious film festivals in the country and internationally. She has collaborated on several film projects juggling different roles. 

In beginning of her career, she worked as Associate director and Costume Designer with the acclaimed director Girish Kasaravalli. She’s written and directed a documentary film on the famed Krishna Temple in Udupi, and also written plays, screenplays for films and short form content for some of the leading technology companies in India, including Microsoft, Akamai Technologies, LAM Research, and SAP. 

With Knowledge in Sanskrit, Subhasini is a seeker of the Eternal Truth / Santana Dharma, writes on dharma. She is passionate about History, Mythology, Philosophy and Spirituality. She believes Dharma is the manifestation of the natural strength of every living soul.
She lives in Cincinnati.

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