Snake worship

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The altar where Jory Goddess is worshiped.The photo is taken at the main temple in Belur Karnataka , India
The altar where Jory Goddess is worshiped.The photo is taken at the main temple in Belur Karnataka , India

Snake worship refers to the high status of snakes in Hindu mythology which, along with a host of other life forms, appear as vital characters in the Hindu epics. Snakes are one of the most sacred animals, second only to the cow.

There are eight famous snakes in Hindu mythology.

  1. Shesha (Adisesha, Sheshnaga, or the 1,000 headed snake) upholds the world on his many heads and is said to be used by Lord Vishnu to rest. Shesha also sheltered Lord Krishna from a thunderstorm during his birth.
  2. Vasuki allowed himself to be coiled around Mount Mandara by the Devas and Asuras to churn the milky ocean creating the ambrosia of immortality.
  3. Kaliya poisoned the Jamuna / Yamuna river where he lived. Krishna (Balakrishna / infant Krishna) subdued Kaliya by dancing on him and compelled him to leave the river.
  4. Manasadevi is the queen of the snakes.
  5. Ananta is the endless snake who circles the world.
  6. Padmanabha (or Padmaka) is the guardian snake of the south.
  7. Astika is half Brahmin and half naga.
  8. Kulika

Lord Shiva also wears a snake around his neck

Nag panchami is an important Hindu festival associated with snake worship which takes place of the fifth day of Shravana. Snake idols are offered gifts of milk and incense to help the worshipper to gain knowledge, wealth, and fame.

It is interesting to compare how various animals’ status is assigned in different religions. For example, in Christianity snakes have a less envious role, tempting Adam and Eve to taste the forbidden fruit in the book of Genesis. In Hinduism however, snakes are worshipped with a divine status.

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[edit] Mesopotamians and Semites

Ancient Mesopotamians and Semites believed that snakes were immortal because they could infinitely shed their skin and appear forever youthful, appearing in a fresh guise every time. [1]

[edit] Demonic Mythology

The Greeks belived in Gorgons and Medusa.

The Indians, Burmese, and Siamese worshiped the snake as a demonic entity possessing good aspects. [2]

Contemporary Christian culture identifies the snake as a symbol of evil, tempting Adam and Eve into the fall of man.

[edit] Images related to snake worship

The Snake God Naga and his consort.The photo is taken at the cave temples clusters of Ajanta, Maharastra, India

Krishna dancing over snake Kaliya

A motif of snake goddess. Carving on volcanic rock at the Kailash Temple, Ellora, India

[edit] Other Snake Gods

[edit] Other religious practices

Snake handling is a religious ritual in a small number of Christian churches in the U.S., usually characterized as rural and Pentecostal, particularly the Church of God with Signs Following. Practitioners believe it dates to antiquity and quote the Bible to support the practice, especially:

"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18)
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)

[edit] References

"Legendary Snakes" by Unknown, Indian Times -- Spirituality, December 9, 2004
"Snake Worship" by Unknown,


[edit] See also

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